Position: General Manager
Location: Virginia Beach
Specialities: Kayaking, climbing, backpacking, fly fishing, trail running.
When did you start at GOPC? 06/28/17.
A photo from Chase's childhood of him with a fish
What (or who!) first introduced you to the outdoors lifestyle?
Both of my grandfathers were very avid fishermen, so my two brothers and I were always raised with being outside and fishing as a big part of our lives. Being born and raised in Virginia Beach, we also had a heavy dose of time on the sand and surfing. While attending University of South Carolina, I started hiking and camping with a few friends. My first backpacking trip was on Shortoff Mountain in Pisgah National Forest. After that, I was hooked!
Beautiful views from the Grand Canyon
Chase and his college friends hiking in the Grand Canyon
Chase looking out over the famous Horseshoe Bend
What has been your most memorable trip or outdoors experience?
It's hard to pick a singular experience as my favorite outdoor adventure. However, visiting the Grand Canyon in college definitely sits among the top few. Myself and nine friends drove from Columbia, SC out to the south rim of the canyon. We spent a few days camping at the top, hiked to the bottom and back in a day, explored Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, and put more than 4,000 miles on the odometer. I don't think there has been a single outdoor experience that has taught me more!
Chase holding one of his incredible catches
Chase stand-up paddling in a coastal area
What first brought you to GOPC and what do you love about working there?
After college, I had moved back to the area and was working a couple part time jobs. The Virginia Beach shop had just opened the year before and I had already spent hours exploring all the gear and dreaming of the places I could go with it. Finally, I decided to see if the shop needed any part time help and added it to my other two or three part time jobs. Who needs a day off anyway? There are so many things I love about being a part of the GOPC team! I am a people person at heart so our commitment to "We Help Others!" deeply resonates with me. Having the opportunity to be a part of creating potentially life-changing outdoors experiences is such a gift to me.
Outdoor bouldering with Chase
Chase dangling from a tree in the Grand Canyon
What has been your most special customer moment?
I don't know that it'd be fair to point any moment as my most special, but instead connections. The ways that I've been able to connect with the youth in the Virginia Beach community and get them outside has been incredibly rewarding. Lately, I've gotten to work with the VBCPS Environmental Studies program to put gear and skills for fly fishing in the hands of students. Some of these students have not only used these skills and gear to get themselves outside, but have also been going into other schools to teach fellow students. The interactions I've gotten to have with these students and this program has sent ripples and waves through the community I think I'll get to see for years to come.
Chase climbing an outdoor rock wall
