Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we are pleased to welcome someone whom most of you have probably seen on TV many times - Mr. David Blanton - Executive Producer for Realtree Outdoors. As you may know, we've been fortunate enough to have a few guests associated with Realtree, and we're very honored to have a great relationship with such a respected company! First, we introduce David and how we got connected with him. We discuss his upbringing and humble...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we welcome Corey Arnold, a local outdoorsman and Equipment Operator for DirtWurx - the exclusive racetrack design and construction firm for Feld Motorsports. Similar to some of our other episodes with people not in the outdoor industry, our conversation is split into two parts. First, we introduce Corey and discuss how he got into the motorsports industry and running equipment right out of high school. Then we get into his...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we welcome Zac Lemmon, Program Director for Kids & Clays - a non-profit organization benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities! First, we introduce Zac and discuss how he started in the outdoor industry, eventually landing as Program Director with Kids & Clays. Then, we highlight the organization, how national sponsors and donors contribute through in-kind support, and how on-site assistance enhances fundraising...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we welcome AJ Kazmierczak! AJ is a guy who absolutely LOVES to help others succeed and chase their dreams, and I knew as soon as we connected with him that we'd have a great time! First, we talk about his business endeavor - Jennings Java, and how he has one of the coolest day jobs - selling craft beer for Nocterra Brewing in Powell. Then, we shift gears and discuss what got him started in hunting - specifically bowhunting....

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we welcome Kyle Davidson from DCA Custom Arrows! First, we dive into Kyle's background as a mechanical engineer and how he found his passion for archery. The focus then shifts to how he started building custom arrows, ultimately leading to the unique design of his vanes, which offer a perfect balance between stiffness and flexibility. We also discuss the concepts of Center of Gravity and Center of Pressure in relation to the...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we welcome Beth Johnson - the Executive Director for Honor Flight Columbus! First, we discuss how Beth got started with Honor Flight and discuss the organization's mission. Then we highlight the number of hubs nationwide and the unique story behind the establishment. Next, we discuss the logistics, challenges, and support involved in planning and executing the trips and discuss the emotional, social, and mental benefits...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we welcome GASGAS Factory Rider and avid outdoorsman - Thad Duvall! Similar to when we had some of our friends from Ohio State on and broken up into two segments. First, we introduce Thad and discuss his career racing dirtbikes worldwide through GNCC or (Grand National Cross Country) racing. Then we dive into his training, the differences between GNCC, and the more common races like Supercross and Motocross. Then we get...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we welcome Mick Yinger, Executive Director of First Responders' Bridge, to the show. First, we introduce Mick and discuss his career with the Columbus Police Department. Then we dive into First Responders' Bridge, a local non-profit organization composed of first responders, clinicians, and community leaders who recognize the need to support first responders facing traumatic events and accumulated stress. We are privileged...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we have the pleasure of welcoming Rich Vance to the show. This conversation serves as a follow-up to our first episode, where we spoke with Rich's son and CEO, Todd Vance. We'll hear Rich's perspective on the company's history, from its early days as a General Store in 1938 to its transition to selling firearms and outdoor equipment in the late 70s.  We also discuss the challenges faced during that time and the significant...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we have an absolute treat in store for you as we dive into the world of archery with the legend himself - Travis "T-Bone" Turner! First, we get into Travis's humble beginnings, his journey in the hunting industry, and how he connected with the iconic hunting brand - Realtree. We also discuss Travis's courageous battle with cancer and how he has found strength and resilience while adapting to his new normal. Finally, we get...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! We're taking a break from the turkey woods this week and sitting down with one of our favorite anglers - Bryan Slaton, better known to most as - The Creek Crawler! This is Bryan's second time on the show, once joining us WAY back in Episode 04! First, we recap his recent trip to Dale Hallow for a kayak tournament and how he plans to make it a family trip every year. Then, we dive into what he's been doing since we last spoke and go...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! We're officially into turkey season! Hopefully, you're like us and out there trying to bag a bird! This week, we are joined by our good friend and self-proclaimed turkey fanatic - Paul Campbell! This is Paul's second time on the show, once joining us back in Episode 40 to discuss his podcast - The Ohio Outdoors Podcast. That conversation focused mainly on deer hunting, but make no mistake - spring is Paul's favorite time to...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! Spring is here, and the start of turkey season is only days away! This week, we are joined by Dr. Tim McDermott from The Ohio State University Extension. Dr. McDermott is an expert in tick identification, prevention, and control, and we're very excited to have him here to share his knowledge with us. First, we will discuss the different tick species, their habitats, and the diseases they can transmit. We'll also learn about the tick...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we are joined by the Executive Director of our Law Enforcement Division - Mike Glass. With us being between turkey and fishing seasons, we thought it was the perfect time to shine some light on one of our unique services  -  our Law Enforcement Division. First, we dive into Mike's background and what led him to our team; then, we get into some of the services we provide Law Enforcement Departments nationwide and how it's...

In today's episode, we are joined by Mark Wiley, a Wildlife Biologist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. With turkey season starting in a little over a month, this is a perfect time to discuss the effects of the changes we saw last year. First, we re-introduce Mark Wiley to those who may not have listened to our first conversation. Then we get into all of the changes since the last time we spoke and their effects on the population. Some of these changes were met with mixed...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we are joined by avid outdoorsman and Ohio State Football Offensive Coordinator - Brian Hartline. First, we introduce Brian, discuss youth sports, and talk about his unique path to playing for Ohio State. Then we get into his time at Ohio State and being selected in the 4th Round by the Miami Dolphins. Then we discuss his time coaching at Ohio State since leaving the league and how he's definitely putting his own fingerprint...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week, we have a special episode for you, as we are joined by the 2023 Lancaster Archery Classic Senior Open Champion - Kurt Naistetler, and the 2019 and 2020 Ohio ASA Champion - Eric Eskins. We are also joined by our guest host -  Pro Staff Member Andrew McClure. First, we introduce the guys and discuss how they got started in archery. Then, we get into some of the advancements they've seen in archery since they began. Then, we get...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! A little over a month ago, we asked what our listeners would like to hear about on Instagram, and we got a lot of replies, but one of the most popular answers was Waterfowl Hunting. So this week, we are joined by Pro Staff members - Alex Lupton, Fischer Nance, and Matthew Lewis. These guys have logged a TON of hours in rivers, marshes, and lakes all over the country and definitely provided some great insight into waterfowl...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week we are by a great customer, former Ohio State Tight End, and Super Bowl Champion - Jake Ballard. Similar to football, today's episode will be a tale of two halves. First, we discuss growing up in a small town in Ohio, being recruited by several colleges, and ultimately choosing Ohio State. Then we get into Jake's time at Ohio State, what it was like playing in the league, and how, even though his career didn't go as planned,...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week we are joined by Vance Outdoors customer and local Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry Chapter Leader - Justin Ross. Justin is an avid hunter and nature lover and uses that passion to help people in need. We discuss his time with FHFH and the start of his latest endeavor - Archery Hike - an outstanding 3D archery course that takes shooters through his property in Hocking Hills. Since shooting the course last summer,...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! This week Jordan is back from his COVID quarantine, and honestly, he couldn't have picked a better show to return for! We've officially hit our first HUGE milestone - our 50th episode!  Before we get into this week's guest, we want to let our listeners know we are so thankful for everyone who's supported us this last year. It's been a fun experience so far, and we're looking forward to what the year holds! With that said, we're pleased...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! Unfortunately, sometimes life hands you lemons, and you need to make lemonade. This week, Jordan is in COVID quarantine but is joined remotely by Ben, and our guest, Vance Outdoors Pro Staff Member - Allen Samsal. If you've followed us for a while, you may remember when we spoke with Allen WAY back in Episode 03. This week we discussed how his season is going so far, how we're getting excited for the spring turkey season, and finally,...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! We've been blessed to talk with some really cool people in our industry, and this week's episode is certainly no exception! Joining us from Booger Bottom, GA is The Bone Collector himself - Mr. Michael Waddell. First, we get into how he got into the outdoor industry through Realtree and talked about some of the legends he was able to take hunting as a guide for them. Then, we get into his opinion on how the hunting industry and pressure...

Welcome back to another episode of the Pursuit Podcast! We hope you had a great holiday season and are excited to share our first episode for 2023! In this episode, Ben and I made a trip to our Obetz location to speak with two of our firearm instructors, Mark Leach and Lynda Wilson. First, we dive into our shooting range and what we do to keep our customers and staff members safe. Then, we get into some of the classes we offer and how customers can find the best fit for them. And, of course,...