Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization working for the health and growth of independent specialty outdoor retail, this week announced the hiring of Gabe Maier (pictured) as president.
Maier brings experience and legacy knowledge to the role, having worked with the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance team for six years, including two years as a business analyst (2015-17) and four years as vice president (2017-21). Most recently, he was the director of business development for BrandKeep (2021-22).
“The board is so excited to have Gabe back on the team. He has a remarkable combination of attributes that make him the ideal person to take the reins of Grassroots at this moment in time – deep institutional knowledge, current working relationships, and widespread respect as a thoughtful and innovative leader,” said Emily White, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance board member and owner of Roads Rivers and Trails in Milton, Ohio.
Maier will step into the role on June 1, ahead of the Grassroots Connect buying show, June 6-9, in Knoxville, Tenn., with a sold out roster of exhibitors, a full slate of education sessions, and more than 9,300 pre-scheduled appointments.
As an organization, Grassroots has doubled its retail membership since 2014, and now includes 104 retailers and 209 doors in 44 states. Group-wide sales for the last two years have been equally robust – including growth of 29 percent in 2021 – despite a variety of challenging external conditions.
“Over the past year, it’s clear that the Grassroots team has continued to execute on a high level – bringing Connect back from the initial effects of the pandemic, and also growing the membership base with great retailers and brands along the way. It’s also heartening to see that retailers are having a bit of a moment right now, as both brands and investors are recognizing the enduring importance of specialty retail as commerce continues to evolve. I’m very excited to be coming back at this moment, and to have the opportunity to be a steward for independent specialty and all of the amazing individuals that form this community,” Maier said.
Maier will be the seventh president in the history of the organization and will fill the role left by the departure of Rich Hill, who oversaw the group from 2016-2022.
For more information on Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, go to www.grassrootsoutdoors.com.
