The Faces of Innovation: Founder Friday Series
The Faces of Innovation: Founder Friday Series
Innovation in the outdoor industry isn’t just about high-tech materials; it’s about founders like Shaun and Emily Durkee and Matt Soriano who solve real problems from their own trail experiences.
Shaun and Emily Durkee, Angry Pika Food Co.
Found throughout the mountains of Asia and North America, Pikas thrive in harsh conditions that chase most other animals away. That resilience is exactly why Shaun and Emily Durkee chose the name for their food business that was created to support hikers, backpackers, skiers, and other adventurers who need nutritious food to get them through long days on the trail.
Made from a balance of proteins, fats, and carbs, their 700-calorie granola packets are carefully produced in small batches in Bozeman, Montana and can be made quickly and easily with either hot or cold water (just pour, stir, and wait). Known for their flavors including Caramel Apple and Lemon Berry, Angry Pika granola packets (along with their new Monster Trail cookies) are sold online and in stores throughout the United States and Canada.
Shaun Durkee says the plan is to grow the company but to always remember where the brand came from. “Small brands put all of their heart, soul, and energy into making products for people to take with them on their best days,” he says. “We will always make high-quality stuff, not because it’s easy or lucrative, but because we believe in small business and love the outdoor community.”
Matt Soriano, One Bottle Hydration
Matt Soriano looked at the various ways people stay hydrated on the trail and realized he could make things less complicated. By 3D-printing various attachments, he allowed hikers to attach a water hose to their favorite water bottles, eliminating the need for a hard-to-dry and plastic-tasting water bladder in their pack.
His attachments fit all the most popular bottles made by companies including Nalgene, Yeti, Hydro Flask, Owala, and Smartwater, and he’s built a comprehensive guide showing buyers how to create the best flow and experience possible. As a team of one, he’s excited to network with other brands at OR and find out more about how they’re solving customer needs with fresh new ideas.
In five years he hopes to have a small but robust production team that moves forward but never forgets the customer. “We have to remember that everyone out there is a market of one. They all have different needs and preferences. We owe it to them to meet their needs with focus and precision,” he says.
Why Discovery Matters for Retailers
These brands represent just a fraction of the innovation happening at the grassroots level of our industry. Small brands are the lifeblood of gear evolution! They are agile, they are hungry, and they are listening to the users because they are the users.
For specialty independent retailers,
- Elevate your retail strategy by offering products big box stores ignore.
- Forge strategic partnerships with founders who are eager to grow with you.
- Engage your community with stories of authenticity and problem-solving.
Don’t miss your chance to meet brands like these and dozens of other innovators at the Summer 2026 show. This is where discovery happens!
Be sure to stay tuned, we’ll continue to highlight new and emerging brands every week on our LinkedIn as a part of our Founder Friday Series!