We didn't set out to make 2024 the year of Yes, but as we reflect back on it, we sure did embark on a lot of new adventures and opportunities. We firmly believe in learning something new every day and even if you fail at it (especially! if you fail at it) there is a clear benefit to making the effort, taking the step forward and marching ahead with new lessons learned and tools in your quiver.
So, what on earth did we say "Yes" to, and what did we learn in 2024?
1) Big Retail Partnerships: We are proud and delighted to share that we are now selling Town Hall through three big, new retail partners - REI, Christy Sports and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Rather than seeking new, small retailers around the country due to our limited resources, we made the conscious decision to invest (time, energy and money) deeply in our existing partnerships and focus on these three new ones in 2024. That has been paramount for us and we have learned how to work with large retailers, speak to a wider array of consumers and developed deep relationships with everyone at the stores we sell through. Truly honored and proud of this one.
2) Events, Events, Events: In 2023, we did 63 in-person events, and we handily topped that in 2024 by partaking in 82 events across the West. From the Vail Kids Adventure Games to serving hot cocoa for the local Boys and Girls Club to the Denver REI Kids Co-Op, we loved handing out stickers, high fives and telling our story to everyone who would listen. We learned from you and are grateful for you stopping by to say hello. However, this took a lot of time away from our desks. So in 2025, we will continue to show up around the west, but in more deliberate and impactful ways.
3) Pitches: It's no secret that our CEO and Co-Founder Robin Hall is always honing her craft when it comes to speaking in front of a crowd. (i.e. She still gets major butterflies before going on stage.) That said, we said yes to two big business pitch opportunities in 2024 and the learnings were immense. In Durango at West Slope Startup Week in August, Robin got her point across, despite some early fumbles and won a marketing grant at the Startup Colorado Pitch Competition. In September in California, Robin took part as a Finalist at the Title Nine Pitch Fest. Although Town Hall didn't win, per se, the relationships built and the insights learned will last for years to come.
4) Spreading Joy: There's nothing we love more than this community and helping kids to #loveoutside. What better way to spread some love than giving away the very things that kids need - durable outdoor gear? From the US Warren Miller Film Tour to Winter Wondergrass to sponsoring the hardworking and passionate Nordic Combined USA Athletes, we showed up in a big way with these great organizations and are so thankful for their partnerships. And, we committed to spreading even more joy to our community by hiring our first employee! Tracy started with us in the fall, and we are so grateful for her joy and energy to connect with our customers and help them get what they need. We love ya Tracy!
We're already 6 weeks into 2025, and our hearts are pumping. We're excited for what our FIFTH year will bring, we're making focused plans and we are excited to see you and meet you. Give a holler when you see us, as we'd love to get to know you better. Thanks for being you, thanks for being in our community and thanks for loving outside with us.
Love Outside,
Joe, Jay, and Robin