Blog
William Fike brings his forward observer skills to the front in Greenville
William climbing Fiery Gizzard in Tennessee When most soldiers leave the military, the last thing they want to do is camp. Been there carrying 80 pounds on my back, done...
Chapel Hill’s Tom Mrotek: Bikepacking & Beyond
We often say that our staff works hard so that they can enjoy an active lifestyle in their time off. Tom Mrotek is no exception. For almost three and a...
Q & A with Johanna Breed
Meet Johanna! May 2017 marks her 7th year with GOPC. She is our Greensboro paddlesports manager, though she really enjoys working in all of our departments. What first introduced you...
And now, a word from our Minister of Culture
The family that explores together … Chuck Millsaps and wife Kim atop Colorado’s Pikes Peak. Our ongoing profiles of the folks who are the backbone of Great Outdoor Provision Co....
If V.P. of Merchandise Travis Zarins likes it, odds are you will, too
Travis field testing a new (at the time) Osprey Atmos 50 on a Backpacking/Fly Fishing double-header in the Smokies. For the next little while, we’ll be profiling the folks who...
V.P. Molly Cherry maintains Great Outdoor Provision Co.’s ‘Circle of Life'
Molly paddling with the late Lady. For the next little while, we’ll be profiling the folks who are the backbone of Great Outdoor Provision Co. Though their roles may differ...
Ward Swann guides paddle trips and customers with equal enthusiasm
This time, Ward remembered to pull his rod. You never forget your first carabiner. At least Ward Swann hasn’t. It was early spring of 1989. “I bought a couple of...
Carrie Bonds benefits Greensboro customers with her lifetime spent outdoors (and her smile)
For the next little while, we’ll be profiling the folks who are the backbone of Great Outdoor Provision Co. Though their roles may differ — from outfitting you for adventure,...
Bill Hoffmann - Greensboro
Height: 6’4” Feet: 13 ½ D, mild pronator, Morton’s toe, ¼ inch bunion on left 1st metatarsal head, numerous bony protrusions on both feet. Born: Philadelphia – Grew up: Cocoa...
Rudy Hayden - Charlotte Manager
Home state: Virginia… it’s for lovers. Nicknames: R-man, Rudedog, Rude, Rudamyer, Rudre’, & The Swedish Meatball. Outdoor Activites: Mtn. biking, dog walking, skiing, backpacking, paddling, climbing, surfing, fly-fishing, trail running,...
Ann Stuntz - Chapel Hill Store
Height: 5’9-1/2? and shrinking Hometown: Childhood: Statesville, NC (the cross-roads of the South AND the City of Progress); Early married years: Durham, NC; Middle Married Years: Lawrence Park and North...
Darren Schwartz - Winston-Salem
Height: 5’11” in my Sundowners and Superfeet, 5’10” otherwise Hometown: Mariemont, Ohio, pronounced Mary-mont (a Cincinnati suburb) Favorite trail: Otter Creek Trail, West Virginia On my day-off, I like to:...
Get Ready for Adventure with Rob Arends - Greensboro Manager
For GOPC Greensboro manager Rob Arends, one of the greatest rewards is helping someone get set up with the right gear. His years of outdoor experience make him a valuable...
Assistant Manager Gwen Christensen takes adventure one switchback at a time
For the next little while, we’ll be profiling the folks who are the backbone of Great Outdoor Provision Co. Though their roles may differ — from outfitting you for adventure,...
Meet the new owners you've known for years!
Great Outdoor Provision Co., the southeast’s largest independent specialty outdoor retailer since 1972 was acquired by local staff in 2013. In January of 2013, Raleigh, NC native and founder Tom...