Shop Talk with Canoe Club

Being from Ohio, I’ve always seen Colorado as the door to the other side. Do you remember what it was about Boulder that called your name?

When my business partner first brought up opening a store in Boulder, I said “yes” before I even really knew where it was on a map. But once I visited, it just felt right. It’s stunning, of course—but what really stuck with me was the openness of the people. There was an appetite for storytelling, for learning, for connecting. Great restaurants, thoughtful coffee shops, a growing art scene—but no real shopping culture. It felt like Boulder was waiting for someone to bring in something fresh and intentional, and that openness made all the difference early on. The store found its footing quickly because of the community, and that sense of shared curiosity has shaped everything we’ve done since.

Canoe club keeps a pretty tight roster - as a buyer with an inbox full of line sheets, what makes an up and coming brand stand out?

It’s wild how many brands are out there—I get emails constantly. But what cuts through the noise is clarity. Brands that have a strong identity and know who they are—those are the ones that grab my attention. It doesn’t have to be something I personally love, but if a brand has conviction and a clear point of view, I know there’s a community behind it that cares. I’m also always drawn to hearing from the designer directly. When someone is willing to be the face of what they’re building and share their why, it creates a story I can connect with—and more importantly, one I can share with our customers in an authentic way.

I tend to see stores as an extension of their owners’ perspective - what’s a recent movement you’ve been most excited about?

I’ve always believed in eclecticism. For us, it’s never about chasing trends—it’s about following a thread of meaning or philosophy that ties everything together. That opens the door to a wide range of ideas without diluting our vision. Honestly, I think trends are less defined now, especially in menswear, which I love. Personal style is more important than ever. That individualism, that raw and honest expression—even from brands—is the most exciting shift I’ve seen lately. Collections feel more personal, more transparent, and I think that’s what resonates.

When visiting the shop, one thing I can’t help but notice is how family-owned your operation feels. Could you weigh in on how you built such a tight knit team?

We’re really intentional about who we bring on. Neither my partner nor I have ever looked at a resume during the hiring process—it’s all about culture. We look for people who care deeply about what we do and about each other. This place is a bit like the island of misfit toys, but we show up for one another and believe in each other’s potential. That’s the magic. Some former staff members still come to our team dinners years later—that sense of belonging doesn’t just go away. Without the people and the culture they’ve built, we’re just another shop. They make Canoe Club what it is.


Producing a marketing program to speak on behalf of many legendary brands is no easy feat. Canoe Club generates an impressive amount of assets almost entirely in house - could you give us a quick breakdown of who does what?

Honestly, it’s a team effort. We all wear multiple hats, and everyone’s involved in every department in some way. That cross-collaboration is what makes the work so strong—everyone feels invested. We don’t take it lightly that legendary brands trust us to help tell their story. That responsibility drives everything we do. I do want to shout out Abby Grindle, our Creative Director. She’s an absolute force—she keeps us on track, pushes our standards, and ensures the output stays thoughtful and consistent, even when we’re stretched thin. We couldn’t do it without her.

How long was the concept of Canoe Club kicked around before you opened the doors? Did you always want to run your own show?

Credit goes to my business partner, Bob Lamey. We’d talked casually over the years about opening something, but one day he found a space, called me, and we basically locked it in within ten minutes. We’ve always had a strong trust, and that’s been essential. I’ve always been self-motivated—maybe too much so. I joke that the boss in my head is tougher than any actual one would be. Sometimes I daydream about how easy it’d be if someone just told me what to do—but I don’t think I’d thrive in that setup.

One topic we covered at length on your podcast was the early days of starting a brand - what advice would you give to someone in the earliest stages of launching their own concept in this space?

Know who you are and why you’re doing it. That can evolve, but staying true to your core values is everything. The people who make it are the ones who keep going, no matter what. Train yourself to welcome challenges—they’re not obstacles, they’re opportunities to learn and refine. We try to work without fear. While others are still weighing their options, we’ve already tried three things, failed twice, and found one that works. Those failures teach you more than anything else ever will.

I’m a huge fan of the Canoe Club operation and keep a close eye on its seemingly constant flow of work - before we sign off, are there any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?

Thanks so much—that means a lot. We’ve got a big event next weekend with Danny D’s Mud Shop. He’s personally delivering a huge restock along with some really special exclusive pieces we’re stoked to share. Beyond that, we’ve got a few more collabs in the pipeline this year. Can’t say too much just yet, but there’s definitely more to come—plenty to be excited about!

This interview was done in celebration of our collaboration titled “Colorado Girl.” Together, we developed a hat & photo magazine both focused on our love for the colorful state. Pictured above are selections from the 24-page zine. All images were taken within the state lines of Colorado.

All hat orders will include a magazine - more information is available here!