Outdoor Gear Builders (OGB), an outdoor industry association, has named Matt Godfrey its first full-time executive director.
Godfrey has been an advocate, business leader, connector and educator in the outdoor industry for many years. The Appalachian Mountains hold a special place for him, having spent the majority of his life living in Western North Carolina, including studying business and outdoor recreation management at Appalachian State University and earning an MBA from Western Carolina University.
Godfrey wants to grow OGB’s membership and member opportunities that spur innovation, competitive advantage, business growth and overall positive impact on the outdoor economy and community.
OGB Board Chair Anna Rawlins said of Godfrey, “His history as a founding board member of the OGB, business development expertise and drive to support outdoor industry businesses are key assets that the board sees as essential in achieving its ambitious goals.”
Godfrey developed the Waypoint Accelerator, an outdoor entrepreneurship and innovation accelerator program for early-stage, outdoor-focused companies and will continue to manage that program in his new role. He’ll also spearhead the OGB’s involvement with the WNC: Made By Mountains brand initiative to build our outdoor communities across the region.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the OGB, and I feel like I’ve come full circle from past volunteer roles to now serving as the executive director,” Godfrey said. “Our outdoor economy is vibrant, and our member companies are strong and growing. I’m fortunate to work with such a dedicated, talented and energetic board of directors. The culture within the OGB is one that places value on collaboration, cohesiveness, networking, education and business growth, while not forgetting to have fun along the way. There’s no better place to launch, relocate or grow an outdoor business.”
The OGB, whose mission is to cultivate, connect and support a community of outdoor industry leaders, has grown to more than 75 members including businesses and organizations that represent the entire outdoor industry in Western North Carolina.
For more information on Outdoor Gear Builders and the efforts it is making in WNC, visit outdoorgearbuilders.com. Godfrey can be reached at matt@outdoorgearbuilders.com.
