Vermont Magazine Fall 2019 | Seite 17

Learn that it’s fun. Learn that you can do it. Learn that anybody can do it. And those have been incredibly successful. We introduce - for free - 15,000 to 17,000 people a year [ to fl y fi shing] in just our corporate-owned stores alone …It’s been a really successful program that we’re very proud of.” Orvis’ “50/50 on the Water” Program has helped to dramatically improve the accessibility of fl y fi shing to women. With the advent of social media, the “tried-and-true” marketing that ORVIS had utilized for so many years needed adjusting. Perk was an early advocate for social media as a tool for ORVIS’ marketing. His sons, Simon and Charley (current Manager of Brand Marketing), also understand they must anticipate the needs of the next generation and communicate ORVIS’ message clearly. Simon believes, “if we simplify and focus on things that we think we can truly be great at, that should kind-of be our North Star. Th at should help guide us, what we believe in as a brand, and what we stand for as a company… It [can] also help us understand where to expand or where to push the ball even further.’’ While still the go-to company for hardcore fl y fi shing and wingshooting clothing and gear, ORVIS today also 19 VTMAG.com VTMAG.com 15