Outdoor Prolink celebrates 20th anniversary with brand refresh and launch of Pursuit Prolink for hunting & fishing professionals
The new pro purchase program for the hunting and fishing industries launches Outdoor Prolink into a multi-store marketplace.
BOULDER, CO. (Sept. 20, 2023) — Coinciding with the 20-year anniversary of Outdoor Prolink, the pro purchase program created for outdoor professionals at the heart of the industry, a business venture dedicated to the hunting, fishing, and off-roading markets is announced: Pursuit Prolink. This is the latest evolution and expansion of the Outdoor Prolink business in an effort to bridge the gap between the outdoor, hunting, and fishing industries. Through the creation of this new multi-store marketplace, Outdoor Prolink and Pursuit Prolink will continue to protect and support the relationship between brands, pros, specialty retailers, and consumers.
Started in 2004 in the basement of professional outdoor guide turned brand leader Gareth Richards, Outdoor Prolink was originally created to unite outdoor professionals with high-quality, affordable gear that enables pros to do their jobs better. Richards recognized the influential power of outdoor professionals and firmly believed that equipping these pros would inspire them to usher more consumers into the great outdoors. After 17 successful years of running an authentic and responsible pro purchase program in the United States, in 2021, Outdoor Prolink expanded into Canada.
Fast forward to 2024, celebrating 20 years in business, Outdoor Prolink is doubling down on its commitment to being the most responsible pro purchase program. The three-pronged approach starts with the strict verification process of its professional membership base. Brands are also integral to the equation, leveraging Outdoor Prolink’s network of professionals as a dynamic extension of their marketing strategy. Finally, specialty retailers play a pivotal role in this ecosystem. A meticulously crafted and responsibly managed program aims to facilitate sales and drive them at full price to the end consumer, simultaneously strengthening the bonds between pros, retailers and brands.
“Our evolution into the hunting and fishing industries is not a detour, but a natural progression of a mission rooted in supplying and inspiring those who champion wild spaces," said Gareth Richards, Founder of Outdoor Prolink. "Marking our 20th anniversary isn't just about celebrating the past; it's a gateway to our future. As we unveil Pursuit Prolink, this milestone moment signifies two decades of trust, evolution, and our unwavering passion for the outdoors, paving the path for the exciting journey ahead.”
With the creation of this new shopping experience, qualified members are able to seamlessly transition between Outdoor Prolink and Pursuit Prolink, accessing a wider spectrum of offerings tailored to their specific industry and job function. This updated website design allows the Outdoor Prolink team to control member access while creating a streamlined shopping experience for users. Pursuit Prolink will now also be available to active duty service members and retired Veterans of the military, naval and air service.
Initial brands that will be available on Pursuit include Vortex Optics, Mystery Ranch, BOGS, SOG Knives, onX Maps, Darn Tough, Athlon Optics, Adamsbuilt Fishing, ALPS OutdoorZ, Loon Outdoors, Midland Radio, MTN OPS, ZOLEO, Rhino Rack, Sherpa Equipment Co., Slumberjack, Tenkara Rod Co., Tenkara USA, and Voormi. Pursuit members will also have the opportunity to support Outdoor Prolink’s newest non-profit partner, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers at checkout on the new store.
Last August, Outdoor Prolink welcomed Melissa Hess to the team as the new Business Development Manager for Pursuit Prolink. Hess has been instrumental in helping launch the new business vertical, bringing on some of the most respected hunting and fishing brands in the industry into the Pursuit Prolink shop.
“Hunting and fishing share so much in common with what we at Outdoor Prolink have historically labeled as ‘outdoor recreation.’ Hunters and anglers protect and promote the wild places and habitats that we so dearly love. They are the driving force behind many of our nation’s conservation efforts, and have contributed over $14 billion in federal aid through the Wildlife Restoration Act since its inception in 1937,” said Hess. “Like outdoor professionals, hunting and angling pros use their platform to advocate for their industries and introduce products to new customers. And perhaps most importantly, they act as a critical mouthpiece of conservation efforts for wildlife, waterways, oceans, and public lands.”
Outdoor Prolink partnered with award-winning creative agency and production company WHEELIE Creative for its brand refresh, which includes a new contemporary logo design, a refreshed brand identity, a central overhaul of the user-centric website to allow for seamless navigation between the two sites, and a name change for the Outdoor Prolink blog from “Dirtbag Dreams Blog” to “The Link.”
To learn more about Pursuit Prolink, please visit: https://outdoorprolink.com/pursuit-prolink and watch the launch video here: https://youtu.be/niDxHH94ksQ. For those interested in hunting and fishing pursuits - check out the dedicated Pursuit Prolink Instagram channel @PursuitProlink.
About Outdoor Prolink
Founded in 2004, Outdoor Prolink acts as the facilitator of trust to connect qualified outdoor professionals with the best outdoor brands in the US and Canada. In 2023, Pursuit Prolink was launched specifically dedicated for hunting and fishing brands and professionals. Utilizing a strict vetting process, Outdoor Prolink and Pursuit Prolink strive to be the most authentic and responsible pro purchase program in the industry. Through the platform, brands engage trusted outdoor professionals and utilize their influence to drive retail sales growth. Qualified outdoor professionals earn privileged discounts on the outdoor gear they rely on for their work, in order to further the pursuit of outdoor recreation for everyone.