About The Outdoor Professional

About The Outdoor Professional

The Mission:
Dedicated to the exploration of the active lifestyle through physical fitness, recreational resource conservation, responsible commerce, and constructive social action.

Who?: The Outdoor Professional is former independent sales representative James Mills. James was a rep for over ten years in the outdoor recreation industry working with several leading companies.
In 2003 James began a new career as a freelance journalist and an independent radio producer. He’s written for publication which The Wisconsin State Journal, The Capital Region Business Journal and Wisconsin Trails Magazine.
His radio production credits include Wisconsin Public Radio, the Public Radio Exchange, American Public Media’s Marketplace and The Tavis Smiley Show.
James is currently the primary contributor to the SNEWS® Live Podcast series, The WSJ business section feature The Madison Marketplace, the CRBJ philanthropy feature Good Works, and the WSJ technology feature Tech Smart.
Also with a degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley James is uniquely qualified to host a forum on the cultural and social dynamics of the outdoor and fitness industries.
Though he will never claim to be an authority on "all things outdoors and fitness." he does have the ability to facilitate a balanced discussion on the issues facing the industry today.
What?:
Consistent with the great traditions of explorers and pioneers throughout our history, The Outdoor Professional Inc. is heading into uncharted territory. Using a variety of different tools and resources, like this web site, Podcasting and public radio stations, TOP establishes this forum for the discussion of today’s most pressing issues facing anyone hoping lead an active lifestyle. Manufacturers, retailers, shop employees, sales reps, guides, writers, conservation activists, anyone who earns their livelihood as stewards of outdoor recreation, must have a place where their voices can be heard and their ideas can be shared for the benefit of all.

How?: Your participation is absolutely free of charge. Just log on with your question or comment. Your thoughts will be incorporated into the discussion and listed for others to read and comment on.

When?: Any time you can log on to your computer we want to hear what you have to say.
Where?: Visit this web site or look for James roaming the aisle at the Outdoor Retailer Winter and Summer shows. You may also find him with a microphone or a camera.

Why?: Profitability. No apologies for wanting to turn a buck. The information discussed and gathered through this web site will be used to learn more about the latest trends in outdoor recreation and personal fitness. The purpose of this site is develop ideas and sources for stories that will be published or broadcast through a variety of different news outlets.
But is the hope of the creators of this site that those who participate will form a community and benefit directly from the discuss to further their own lives and hopefully achieve their personal goals.