MooseJaw Mountaineering
Outdoor Enthusiasts & Gear lovers
Connecting you with the gear you love
To find out more about how MooseJaw Mountaineering got its start and what’s in store for the future, Matt interviews MooseJaw Mountaineering CEO, Eoin Comerford
More about the episode
Matt sits down with MooseJaw Mountaineering CEO Eoin Comerford. MooseJaw Mountaineering is an online and brick-and-mortar retailer specializing in apparel and gear for skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, and camping.
If you’re already familiar with MooseJaw chances are it played a solid role in helping you get outdoors. If you haven’t, well, let’s just say there’s still hope for you. Eoin has been with the company for over a decade and got to see it evolve but, more notably he’s helped steer it from being a small company with vibrant energy to a big company with vibrant enthusiastic energy without sacrificing the spirit of love for all things outdoors. Not only have they developed and kept a fantastic brand culture but, they also aren’t afraid to experiment with interesting ways to give customers a better experience. MooseJaw is more than just creating efficient systems, more than just numbers; It’s giving people a chance to interact with gear in new ways, connect with people who not only can help them find exactly what they’re looking for and would serve them best, but also help excite them to use their gear.
In this episode of Built On Passion Eoin Comerford shares how to balance growth as a company without sacrificing culture and identity, his approach for balancing online and in-person sales, and MooseJaws plans to make getting outside a more enjoyable and inclusive experience.
Have an opinion? We want to hear it! Join the conversation and leave a comment, check out show notes, and get all the links mentioned in this episode below
Key Points From This Episode:
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An introduction to Eoin Comerford and Moosejaw Mountaineering.
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How Eoin came to be the CEO of Moosejaw and how his background informed the role.
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How he balanced his familiarity with systems and numbers with serving customers.
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Some of the challenges he encountered as the company grew its e-commerce platform.
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How Moosejaw fulfills their vision of being the “most fun outdoor retailer on the planet.”
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What differentiates Moosejaw from other retailers: telling brand stories in their own voice.
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Eoin shares the value statements that helped Moosejaw cultivate a loyal community.
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Hear his approach to balancing online and in-person sales using “gear wizards.”
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The value of making the brick-and-mortar experience special and knowing how to leverage it.
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Eoin shares his advice for mom-and-pop stores and smaller retail businesses.
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What marketing obstacles Eoin has faced with the rise of social media marketing.
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How Eoin went about selling to Walmart without sacrificing Moosejaw’s unique voice.
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The surprising ways Walmart has a positive impact on the environment and its employees.
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Eoin reflects on managing Moosejaw’s retail and e-commerce operations simultaneously.
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How Eoin integrates apparel into their retail strategy and not focusing only on expensive gear.
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Hear about Moosejaw’s focus on fostering gender and racial diversity in the outdoors.
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The long-term systemic change that is necessary to address inclusivity in the outdoor space.
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Some of the mistakes Eoin has made and why he believes in failing fast and no regrets.
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Eoin’s advice for someone wanting to start a business: it’s all about the people.
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The value of spending time with other founders and doing what you care about.
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Why Eoin believes that the best part of running Moosejaw is seeing the people and the company grow.
Links/Resources:
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More about Walmart’s Corporate Sustainability
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Connect with MooseJaw Mountaineering on Facebook & Instagram
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What do you think of MooseJaw Mountaineering? Leave a comment below to let us know!