Rock/Creek Staff Profiles
Clark Luckmann
Position: E-commerce Manager
Age: 29
Where are you from: Oak Ridge, Tennessee
How long have you worked at R/C: 8 years
Skiing
Rock Climbing (Sport, Traditional, Aid, Bouldering)
Backpacking/Fastpacking
Kayaking
How long have been doing your activities:
Skiing – 23 Years; Backpacking/ Fastpacking – 16 Years
Rock Climbing – 15 Years; Kayaking – 4 Years
What got you started doing it: For Skiing, I was fortunate enough to have parents that took me twice a year while growing up. Since I was the youngest in the family, I attended ski school every year. In my teenage years, I started hitching rides out west with other family members, school groups, and the Boy Scouts. Needless to say, I still ski as much as a Southerner can and will do so until something breaks. For the other activities, I have been a Boy Scout since I was 12. My troop was considered to be a very active troop and I was fortunate enough to have a group of scout leaders who were avid mountaineers, skiers, kayakers, and, in general, lovers of the outside world.
"Without the help and encouragement of these outstanding individuals, I would not be the outdoors-man I am today."
Of course my parents get credit too! They are the ones who never understood my desire to place my life in some danger, yet are the ones who unconditionally supported all that I love.
Top three most memorable moments outside:
Climbing my first 14er with my best friends in Boy Scouts.
Kayaking the Ocoee River for the first time.
Standing on top of Mt. Rainier for the first time.
Leading my first trad. rock climbing route.
Telemark skiing for the first time.
Basically, any “first” is memorable to me because I know it is the beginning of many other happy moments. Anytime I get to ski is best too!
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: I love Seattle! It is such a cool town! Plenty of outdoor activities are within a reasonable drive.
Sometime in my life I plan to move to Jackson Hole.
What drives you to get outside and play: It is the people that I work with, my friends, and most of all, my dog Lola. She needs to run more than I do!
Other interests: Golf, soccer, and watching University of Tennessee football.
Any advice for people getting into this activity: Learn as much as you can, get a partner, be safe, and have fun.
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: There are so many! My Patagonia R1 top and bottom are the best! Get a Marmot Driclime jacket as well.
My Patagonia White Smoke soft shell Jacket is great too.
What's... your favorite color: GREEN
What is your dream trip: Greenland, Antarctica and Canada for skiing. Alaska for skiing, backpacking and mountaineering.
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: Time off to go skiing! Other than that it’s all about the gear.
RYAN COULTER
Position:
Age: 30
Where are you from: Chattanooga, TN
How long have you worked at R/C: 2.5 years
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities, what do you do on your time off: I ride my bike around town as much as possible and commute to work during the summer months.
I take occasional backpack trips when I can get away from the family. This summer I plan to be on the river fly fishing as much as possible.
How long have been doing your activity: I have been riding my bike for the last year or so.
What got you started doing it: A need to get out of the house. I also wanted to see if I could make the 20 mile round-trip from my house to work.
Top three most memorable moments outside:
1. Every morning that I ride to work and am the only one on the local Riverwalk. The total silence and early morning sunrise is special.
2. A memorable June 2007 fishing trip to the Tellico River where I stood knee deep at 6am without a care in the world.
3. Driving down to Big Sky and coming out of Gallatin Canyon to see the big white pyramid to our right.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why:
Hobart, Tazmania – playing cricket w/ the locals.
Bozeman, MT. – you name it, you can do it there!
Mt. Erie, Whidbey Island, Washington – climbing high above the Puget Sound.
What drives you to get outside and play: The large number that references my weight, and my son.
Any advice for people getting into this activity:
"Stick with it and don’t expect to “kill” it out of the gate, especially if you’ve been dormant for a few years. Work thru the pain and tomorrow will feel better."
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Patagonia Capilene, this stuff has become my wardrobe and I’m convinced it can be worn for most occasions.
What's... your favorite color: Blue
What is your dream trip: My number one dream trip would be going down to Patagonia to fly fish. Number two would be a 16 day dory boat trip through the Grand Canyon.
Re-connecting w/ friends in Montana and leaving the local rivers a few trout shy of when I arrived.
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: I feel like I have an impact on a global venture. The work makes me honest and the routine is always changing. I like waking up and wondering what I can do today to make the Rock/Creek name and mindset spread farther than it ever has. I can truly say that this is the first “career” job that I have ever had. It may also be the last. Big things have come from this little town, and Rock/Creek is just another great example of Chattanooga providing the world with a service. The most important reason that I enjoy the job is the people that I work with everyday. It’s good to come to work and know that everyone has your back and shares similar ideas and goals.
LUCAS GEORGE
Position:
Where are you from: Ooltewah, TN
Age: 26
Worked at R/C: 5 years
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities: Mountain biking, taking day hikes, bouldering and fishing.
How long have you been doing your activity: Mountain biking: 12 years
Climbing/bouldering: 7 years
Life long hiker and fisherman
What got you started doing it: I started riding a bike when I was 2 years old. I graduated to off road mountain biking in 1996. I got into bouldering because people told me my size would would be great for the sport.
Top Three most memorable moments outside:
1. Yosemite family trip and getting on Midnight Lightning.
2. Summer fishing trips with my dad.
3. Hanging out in the Ocoee region with friends.
Favorite Place you have ever been and why: Yosemite, CA. I grew up seeing photos of Yosemite and dreamt of going there one day. When I finally made it there I was in awe of the spectacular scenery. The highlight of the trip was completing Midnight Lightning.
What drives you to get outside and play: It’s how I grew up and what I choose to do now. Just being away from the typical lifestyle is cool. I am not a huge fan of big trips, but I do enjoy small hikes in the Smokies. If there is a waterfall, I’m there!
Other Interest: I like Technology, photography, playing guitar and writing music. I also enjoy playing the Wii. I enjoying volunteering with charities such as Habitat for humanity and World Changes.
Any Advice for people getting into this activity:
"Go. Do. Be." – Teva
"Do what you like. Like what you do." – Life is Good
Best or favorite product you use that R/C carries: Anything Yakima, Smartwool and The North Face flight series. The Patagonia Light Weight Tote is indispensable.
Favorite Color: Orange
What is your dream trip: Biking and hiking in New Zealand or Hawaii. Going back to Yosemite would be nice too.
Why do you work at R/C: I like the gear we carry. I enjoy selling our gear to our customers.
"I was a customer of R/C when I was a kid and thought that one day I would enjoy working there. Here I am today!"
I enjoy the people I work with, and for the most part, it is a fun place to work.
Brandon Vice
Position:
Age: 22
Home Town: Chattanooga, TN
How long have you worked at Rock/Creek:
What are your favorite activities: I mostly enjoy climbing and bouldering. I also like biking, hiking, backpacking, soccer, disc golf and ultimate Frisbee.
Why I work at Rock/Creek: I have been involved with Rock/Creek for most of my life. In fact, I owe my passion for climbing to the staff at Rock/Creek for selling me my first pair of shoes. I love working here because I love the outdoors and I enjoy helping people get involved in the outdoors.
"I stand behind Rock/Creek and everything it stands for. Rock/Creek is a company that helps people get outside and create their own adventure...This place is priceless!"
I am always trying new things and absorb the advice I get from all the people involved with making Rock/Creek what it is today. The great thing about Rock/Creek is that it is locally owned.
Top Three Memorable Adventures:
1. Saving my friend from drowning while primitive tubing down Soddy Blue Hole.
2. Anytime I send long-time projects at Little Rock City, especially Wave V6.
3. Seeing the flats at Grayson Highlands for the first time.
Dream Trip: Hiking in the cold to an open field full of boulders and putting up first ascents.
Chris Brigman
Postion: Rock/Creek Down Under Manager
Age: 33
Home Town: Durham, NC
How Long have you worked at R/C: 4 years
Any Advice for people getting into this activity: "Take it slow, don’t get discouraged and remember that it’s supposed to be fun.” - Chris
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities: As you can see I am an avid kayaker. I have been doing this for the past five years and love it. A buddy of mine told me to either buy a boat or a bike; I chose the boat. Not long after I bought the boat, I bought a bike as well. Even though I love the water I'm frequently seen hitting the trails on my mountain bike.
"I am active not only because I enjoy the challenge, but it also gives me somewhere to escape."
If you can’t find me on the river or in the woods, check the local disco, because I sure do like to cut a rug!
Top three most memorable moments outside:
1. Running Bear Creek in Northern Georgia. This is a classic Chattanooga class V run.
2. Running Gorilla, a class V+ rapid on the Green Narrows in Saluda, NC.
3. A close call while trapped in my kayak 2 years ago.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: It would have to be The Green River Narrows in NC. It’s a clean, low consequence Class V that drops almost 400 ft. in just under 3 miles.
Favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Other than Dagger kayaks, I would have to say Werner Paddles because they are lightweight. I also like Shred Ready and FNA helmets because they protect the noggin. I go to NRS for my various other gear needs.
Will Cornett
Position: Store Manager
Age: 27
Home town: Pikeville, TN.
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities, and what got you started?
My passion for the outdoors started out with my dad who is a hunting and fishing kind of guy. I went along with him as a kid and found that I was more interested with the hike than the actual activity. One evening, while I was flipping through one of his catalogs, I came across a small backpacking section and became interested. For Christmas that year I got my first external frame backpack and have been passionate about hiking through the forest ever since.
I have been working for Rock/Creek for the past 4 years and have enjoyed getting to know some really awesome people. For the most part Rock/Creek got me into climbing, which has since become one of my passions. I enjoy all disciplines of climbing and in the past two years I have begun to get into mountaineering.
Top three moments:
Almost getting hit by lighting and enduring quarter size hail on Gregory Bald in the Smokies.
Oozing across a horrendously steep and very loose scree field on a Colorado fourteen'er.
Making my first runout lead at Joshua Tree.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: Because of the scenery, big climbs, and the great wilderness setting, I must say that the Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range, is my favorite place I have ever been.
What drives you to get outside: I get outside because I enjoy the freezing nights and thawing mornings. The easy clips, hard hikes, and the dirt, leaf chalky smell of my climbing gear all give me a sense of freedom.
"I love getting into the “zone” where my body is working and my mind is relaxing."
Other interests: Biking, music, reading and relaxing.
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: My Eagles Nest hammock.
Kat Levitt
Home Town: Middleton, IN
Age: 30
How long have you worked at Rock/Creek: I began working at R/C in the fall of 2006
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities: First and foremost, I am a class III to V whitewater kayaker. I got started kayaking during a season of raft guiding and shooting videos of raft trips out of my kayak on the Ocoee River. Jumping into this sport head first, I ran many difficult rivers my first year, including the Tellico River, Ocoee River, and the Chattooga River. I like freestyle, dropping waterfalls and scary difficult rapids, and doing multi-day expeditions. I also enjoy mountain biking, snowboarding, and fishing.
"If you are interested in getting into kayaking, join a club and practice your roll like crazy at pool sessions."
Many people get discouraged kayaking because they don’t focus enough on the roll in the beginning. Once your roll is bombproof get out there and start play boating. Roll a lot in safe places, build a quick roll and you will progress faster than ever.
Top three most memorable moments outside: I have many memories on the river, however getting married while kayaking on the beautiful Tellico River takes the cake. Instead of walking down the aisle we ran the waterfalls, and at the base of the 14 foot Baby Falls we said our vows.
Other great memories outside include:
Having a great ride on the Pipeline Wave on Idaho’s Lochsa River and looking beneath me in the clean, clear water to see a big steelhead fighting its way upstream to spawn.
Running a perfect line at the famous Gorilla rapid (class 5.2) on the Green River Narrows on Race Day in front of 200+ people.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: Skookumchuck Narrows on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast is most likely the best place I have ever been. A coastal temperate rain forest surrounds the river and the glaciers are just above it. The sea life is prolific, and the powerful and scary water offer an ideal area for freestyle kayak tricks.
O'Ryan Lovins
Position: Special Orders and warranties
Age: 25
Where are you from: Pensacola, FL
How long have you worked at R/C: 5 years
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities, what do you do on your time off: Backpacking and fishing. I also have a love/hate relationship with running.
How long have been doing your activity: Ever since I was a wee lad.
What got you started doing it: I've always enjoyed the outdoors. Growing up on my grandparent's farm, I created a love for the outdoors that matured further as I grew older. My grandfather would take me out into the surrounding creeks and swampland to fish and hunt. It was here that I learned to not only love the outdoors, but to also respect it. Dayhikes were a weekend treat, and backpacking inevitably followed.
Top three most memorable moments outside:
1. First Camping Trip
2. Climbing Mt. Rainier
3. Backpacking along the A.T. through Rhododendron Gap in the fall with Olivia, my border collie.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: There are many places that I would say is my favorite. It really depends on what type of mood I am in. For now, I'd say anywhere in Montana would be good.
What drives you to get outside and play: While one drive for me to get outside is to enjoy the wonderful world we live in, the major drive for me is to remove myself from "The Box". "The Box" a state of mind that inhibits creativity and formulates an illusion of the present moment. I like any activity that is enjoyable and keeps me rooted to what's going on. It just happens to be that most of these are found outdoors.
Any advice for people getting into this activity: Let loose, remain in the present moment and just enjoy it. Don't get caught up in mind-bottling, the carbonation can kill.
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Old Patagonia A High Velocity Jacket (precursor to the Nine Trails Jacket). Superlight, it breathes better than the Patagonia Houdini since it has mesh panels under the arms. It is also rain/water resistant which makes it the perfect late spring to early fall shell.
What's... your favorite color: Green and the color of storm clouds.
If the moon was made of BBQ sauce, would you eat it: Nah...too much trouble to get there. I'd hit up Shuford's BBQ instead.
What is your dream trip: Hiking the Camino de Santiago or spending time in a monastery in Bhutan.
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: The people, definitely the people. I also love working for an industry that feels the way I do about the world and the outdoors. At Rock/Creek I feel that I am a tiny but important factor in the workings of the giants.
"It is truly the responsibility and dedication towards the family I have created from coworkers and customers that keeps me here."
Alison Leigh Skiles
Position: Buyer and Accounts Payable
Age: 29
Where are you from: Jackson, TN
How long have you worked at R/C: 2 years
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities, what do you do on your time off: I mainly hike, but I also love to go backpacking, adventure traveling, climbing, trail running, and mountain biking.
How long have been doing your activity: Ever since I could walk, I've been interested in getting outside.
What got you started doing it: I grew up in the country, with lots of land to explore that had really old graveyards, hidden ponds, forgotten houses, and creeks scattered around. It was such a blessing to grow up with the freedom to learn how to find my own way in the outdoors. Also, my parents were instrumental in instilling in me a love for the outdoors. I'm sure it wasn't easy to camp with four kids in tow, but we had numerous family camping trips to places along the Tennessee River, Mississippi River and Land Between the Lakes.
Top three most memorable moments outside:
1. Backpacking by myself in the Pyrenees in Spain and France and coming across huge flocks of sheep around Monte Perdido, Ordesa National Park
2. Having any breakfast that my Dad cooked on his old Coleman 2-burner stove.
3. Hiking in Australia and nearly getting run over by a fast, angry kangaroo.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: Kajiado, Kenya and Warmambool, Australia - 2 Towns that are oceans apart but have the most fantastic people in the world.
What drives you to get outside and play: The knowledge that these places might not be around forever.
Any advice for people getting into this activity: Just get out there!
Other interests: Writing letters, reading, and meeting people from all different cultures and backgrounds.
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Patagonia's W's Long Haul Runners; by far the best running shorts I have ever had!
What's... your favorite color: Pink
If the moon was made of BBQ sauce, would you eat it: Absolutely... especially if it were made of BBQ sauce form the Rendezvous in Memphis.
What is your dream trip: Hike the Camino Inca up to Machu Picchu, which I will definitely do sometime soon!!
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: The people I work with at Rock/Creek are some of the most fantastic people in the world.
"I love working for a company that does so much for our community. I honestly look forward to coming in to work each day!"
Mary Martha Bullard
Position:
Where are you from: Chattanooga, TN
Age: 22
How long have you worked at R/C: 2 months
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities, what do you do on your own time: Snowboarding, fishing, backpacking, extreme backyard volleyball and attempting to slackline
How long have you been doing your activity: Since I was born, maybe a couple of years after.
Top three most memorable moments outside:
1. Surviving a brush fire in the Australian outback while on a NOLS course.
2. Rafting the Colorado River.
3. The view from the top of Mt. Hood.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: Christchurch, NZ - This is my favorite place because it is one of the few places where you can snowboard during the U.S. summers. It is also gorgeous.
What drives you to get outside and play: The feeling you get when you conquer the top of a mountain after a long climb and experiencing things others only dream of.
Other interests: Trivia night, live music, urban gardening, backyard bocceball games and Chattanooga Lookouts baseball
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Chacos - I have had the same pair for 10 years. I could not imagine my life without them.
What is your dream trip: Paddling the Amazon.
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: Rock/Creek is a great work environment.
"I have learned so much in my two months here because of the great gear savvy staff."
I work here because it is a super fun job.
Eric Thomas
Position: Customer Service
Where are you from: Birmingham, AL
Age: 23
How long have you worked at Rock/Creek: 5 years
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities, what do you do on your time off: Bouldering and Backpacking
Other Interests: Birdwatching, Coloring, and expecially Speedwalking!
Any advice for people getting into your activities: To be a successful amateur Birdwatcher, you must be very patient and have the ability to remain very quiet for long periods of time. Coloring just takes a LOT of practice to be able to stay inside the lines.
"Speedwalking is all in the hips, you must have good hip movement in order to keep one foot on the ground at all times."
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: The UCO Play and Freeze Ice Cream Ball
What is your dream trip: Gatlingburg and Dollywood for a week- I absolutely love water rides and wax museums.
Michelle "Meesh" Smith
Where are you from: Atlanta, GA
Age: 35
How long have you worked at Rock/Creek: 2 years
Position: Online Merchandiser
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities: Rock climbing (all types), free ride mountain biking, trail running
How long have you been doing these activities:Rock climbing - 17 years
Free ride mountain biking - 3 years
Trail running - on and off for years
What got you started doing it:
Rock climbing - Outward Bound trip to Joshua tree in college.
Freeriding - Got injured climbing and decided to do something different.
Trail running - Got a dog and needed to tire him out.
Top three most memorable moments outside:
1. Spending the night on Moonlight Buttress in Zion (my first big wall) with a FULL MOON!!!
2. The first view of the Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range, WY.
3. Topping out on a very heady, mixed route in NC that I had been wanting to do for years and seeing the view of Grandfather Mountain in the distance.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: Yosemite/Tuolumne for free climbing.
Other interests: Reading, cooking and adventure climbing.
Any advice for people getting into this activity:
Rock climbing - Its 99% failure and 1% success - have fun on the journey.
Free riding - Switch to flat pedals cause its way more fun.
Trail Running - Spend quality time getting good shoes and socks. Get a dog too, it makes running more fun.
Best or favorite product that Rock/Creek carries: Transformer bouldering pad by Misty Mountain. Any Keen shoes, they all have great purpose and a fit great.
What is your dream trip: Go to New Zealand to learn how to kite surf. Then jaunt over to Spain to do some climbing. Follow that with a trip to Squamish, British Columbia to do some awesome free climbing and bouldering. End with some biking in Vancouver. The perfect trip!
Why do you work at Rock/Creek:
"Rock/Creek is an incredible company that is always grass roots and supports its community. The people are awesome and psyched to get outside so you always have people to go and play with."
The gear is a bonus too.
Ronnie Jenkins
Age: 26
Where are you from: Chattanooga, TN
How long have you worked at R/C: 8 years
What do you consider you favorite outdoor activities, what do you do on your time off: Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking
How long have you been doing your activity: I have been climbing for 10 years.
What got you started doing it: I broke my hand in a regional gymnastics meet and somehow that lead to rock climbing.
Top three most memorable moments outside:
1) Climbing in Stanberge, Sheffield, England.
2) Month long stay in Heuco Tanks, El Paso, Texas.
3) Any day that I'm outside!
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: Squamish, BC; Heuco Tanks, Texas; Interlocken, Switzerland; Sheffield, England; Eureka, CA; and the Southeast! Why? Because they all have great rock.
Paris, France is one of the most amazing cities I have ever been.
What drives you to get outside: I have an obsession with rocks.
Any advice for people getting into this activity: Have patience, young Jedi.
If the moon was made of BBQ sauce would you eat it: Only if it was vegan BBQ sauce on Tofu "pork".
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Five Ten Dragons
Whats you favorite color: Green or Blue. I'm still trying to decide.
Whats is your dream trip: One year road trip all over the globe. Start in Europe and work my way east till I reach home.
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: Because they encourage us to take trips and to pursue our outdoor goals?
Brad McAllister
Position: Media Relations
Age: 28
Where are you from: Chattanooga, TN
How long have you worked at Rock/Creek: 6 months
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities, what do you do in your time off: I enjoy putting in miles on the trail, whether it be by foot or bike. When I go out alone I like to pack light and go fast. When I am with my little girl I slow down the pace and camp in comfort. When life allows I enjoy remote travel abroad. In the not-to-distant pasted I earned my turns backcoutry skiing and, for some strange reason, spent time trying to scale ice.
How long have you been doing your activity: I would say that I hit my outdoor stride about 6 years ago.
What got you started doing it: I fell in love with the outdoors during a university field study course in Costa Rica. This trip fostered a sense of stewardship that ultimately led to a passion for outdoor recreation and remote world travel.
Top three most memorable moments outdoors: I feel blessed because this is the most difficult question on the survey. How can I choose just three? In no particular order they might be. 1) Being memorized by my first spectacular Northern Lights show during a cold winter camping night in Southcentral Alaska. 2) Watching the sun rise over Gamden Monastery in Tibet after a long trek with local yak herders. 3) Seeing the determination in my daughters eyes the first time she climbed a "mountain". There was nothing stopping that little girl!
Favorite place you have ever been: This one may be more difficult than the previous? Is it the coast of Southeast Alaska where the Wrangles meet the Pacific and the waters teem with life? Is it base camp of Everest? The Olympic coast? The Great Basin? The streets of Kathmandu? The dense rain forests of Central America or a coral reef I dove on in the Caribbean? For some reason this little campsite in the the mountains of North Georgia sticks out in my mind. It wasn't remote, particularly secluded or mind numbingly beautiful, but it was a place in my early days that I visited frequently.
"In retrospect I owe a lot to this little, nondescript campsite. This is where I honed skills that took me further into the world and where I first learned to listen to the spirit of the wild."
What drives you to get outside and play: The three Cs; Curosity, Challange, and Community
Other interests: I enjoying cooking, reading and playing "superheros and badguys" with my daughter.
Any advice for people getting into this activity: Be bold but be careful. Push yourself but make time to listen to the subtle song of nature. Dedicate yourself to one activity but remain open to the many other ways to experience nature.
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries? Chacos. Healthy, light weight, comfortable, durable, versatile and developed by a truly environmentally conscience company.
What's you favorite color: Blue green, its a good balance between blue and green.
Whats your dream trip: Begin on the coast of North Korea and end up on the west side of the Urals. This trekking path would take me through Northeast China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and finally European Russia.
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: The life gets in your blood and its a way to remain connected. My coworkers are spectacular and we all share a certain bond. There are also very few companies that share my dedicated passion for environmental stewardship. I am proud to say that Rock/Creek is one of those companies.
CLAY WARNER
Position:
Age: 25
Where are you from: Ringold, GA
How long have you worked at R/C: 3+ years 
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities. what do you do on your time off: Trail Running, Road Runing, Biking
How long have been doing your activities: Off and on for about 10 years, consistently about 4 years.
What got you started doing it: Grew up running, when I broke my tibia couldn't run for about 3.5 years and started biking at that time.
Top three most memorable moments outside: I don't know. Unaided 96 miles in 90+ degree heat bike ride from Apison to the top of Chillhowe and back. I enjoy the time I spend sharing the outdoors and my passions with others.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: I have been in so many amazing places, it is impossible to pick one.
What drives you to get outside and play: I hate being inside. My dog, who also happens to be my running partner. Fresh air, being healthy, moving, pushing myself.
Other interests: Rafting, History, literature, baking, ice cream.
Any advice for people getting into this activity: Start small, start manageable, go for time not distance, wear correct apperal, be fitted for footwear by a qualified individual at a speciality store, not Dicks or other like companies.
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Use the most: Dr. Bronner's Soap, Darn Tough Socks, Pearl Izumi Running Apperal.
What's... your favorite color: GREEN
What is your dream trip: My dream trip is too mushy to put on a hardcore Rock/Creek Web Page.
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: I like what I do.
Robin Eiselstein
Where are you from: Chattanooga, TN
Age: You don't need to know my age.
Position: Merchandiser for all of our brick and mortar stores
How long have you worked at R/C: 6+ years? I don't know exactly - a long time
What do you do on your time off: Flatwater paddling, hiking, photography, yard work at my house
How long have you been doing this: 10+ years
What got you started doing it: Boating is a sport that invites solitude. After a day of whitewater rafting, flatwater paddling was relaxing to have quiet time
Top three most memorable moments outside:
Camping in Canyonland, UT
Rafting in Westwater, UT
Hiking with a friend in pouring down rain in the Smokies
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: Canyonland National Park - because its there. I love the beauty
What drives you to get outside and play: Friends and good weather
Other interests: Friends, family, photography
Any advice for people getting into this activity:
"Take it slow, ask for advice and guidance and know that perfection only comes with effort and humor."
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Eagle Creek - because I am a travel organizational freak
What is your dream trip: Go to Italy - anywhere in Italy!
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: Great people - who have wide and various interests.
Enjoy meeting new people and at times like having to think on my feet to provide new elements of appearance to products, clothing, etc
Richard Parks What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities: what do you do on your time off? Rock Climbing is definitely my favorite outdoor activity but I also enjoy backpacking, mountain biking, and trail running.
Where are you from: Oak Ridge, TN
Age: 23
How long have you worked at R/C: 3 Years
How long have been doing your activity: I have been climbing for 10ish years and backpacking for around 12.
What got you started doing it: Boy Scouts got me interested in many of the outdoor activities I enjoy today and I was very fortunate to be involved with a very active troop in Oak Ridge. One of my best memories was climbing Mt. Freemont in Wyoming when I was in the 6th grade with my Boy Scout Troop.
Top three most memorable moments outside: Three is tough, I'll have to give this question more thought...
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: Grand Teton National Park. Where else can you do a big alpine route and have a nice warm shower that same evening at a place as nice as the climbers ranch? It is also very beautiful with awesome climbing!
What drives you to get outside and play? Being outside and enjoying the things I love with people who have the same interests I do.
Other interests: Golf, Cannon Making, and water skiing.
Any advice for people getting into this activity:
"Just go out, have fun, and do what you enjoy. Don't take anything in life too serious."
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Patagoina capilene. Capilene is the most versatile clothing on the planet. It makes you look good to pick up the ladies and it helps you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer!
What's... your favorite color: Blue, although most of my stuff is red.
What is your dream trip: A month long climbing trip to the Bugaboo's with the guarantee of good weather the entire time!
Why do you work at Rock/Creek: Working in a relaxed atmosphere with people who share the same interests is awesome. The deals on gear aren't bad either...