We were lucky to catch up with Glen Van Peski recently and have shared our conversation below.
Glen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.
I’m donating 100% of the sales from my book (take less. do more. 50 Surprising Life Lessons on Generosity, Gratitude and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker) to the Pacific Crest Trail Association. More income is not going to change my lifestyle, so I decided to donate all proceeds. I picked the Pacific Crest Trail Association because of my long-standing relationship with the organization. The Pacific Crest Trail goes through California, Oregon and Washington. I’ve lived in California and Oregon, and vacationed in Washington. I’ve hiked a good portion of the trail, and have served on the Board of the PCTA. Getting outside is so important for people to heal mentally and physically, and the PCTA protects a long trail that provides one such opportunity.
Glen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m best known as the founder of Gossamer Gear, a manufacturer of lightweight backpacking gear. I started it over 25 years ago in my garage, by sewing my own gear. Gossamer Gear exists to provide thoughtful, functional solutions to simplify your life outside. Our goal is to inspire and equip everyone to get outside. Allowing people to carry lighter gear helps remove a barrier, allowing people to travel farther into the backcountry. We believe everyone belongs outside, no matter what they look like or what their abilities. Our designs include the features that people expect, without the weight that usually comes with them.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
The side hustle of Gossamer Gear turned into a real business, just not for me. I spent my entire career working full-time in civil engineer; working for others, in my own companies, consulting, and working in government. Because of a friend who bought 75% of Gossamer Gear when I was going to shut it down, I never needed to take a salary from the company. I think working a passion project as a side hustle can be a viable alternative. There are costs, in terms of time, but most people have more time than they think. Maintaining it as a side hustle gives you freedom to make decisions without having to base them on what will pay the rent next month.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
Manufacturing was always a struggle. Early on, I was sewing packs for myself. We had a few ladies in the neighborhood sew packs. Then I found a place in Seattle to sew packs. They were okay, but it was frustrating that a component that had been done correctly forever would suddenly have an issue. We tried Colorado, New Mexico, even the country Mexico. They all had their pluses and minuses. Making the leap to Asia was a game-changer. It wasn’t about the price for us, it was about the consistent quality. Quality issues are very rare for us now, which didn’t happen until we moved to Asia. I still remember the awe at getting hundreds of packs, and them all being perfect!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glenvanpeski.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gvanpeski/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gvanpeski
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenvanpeski/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/glenvp
Image Credits
Terri ‘Splash’ Steele