In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner, an outdoor industry veteran and co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours. Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands, and his current work is helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show.

Show Notes Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast — Episode 543 Paul Gagner: Reimagining Outdoor Retailer, Leading With Integrity, and Building Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast—where we share inspiring stories, thrilling adventures, and expert insights from leaders and legends across the outdoor adventure travel community.

In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner (outdoor industry veteran + co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah Dreamland Safari Tours). Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands—plus his current work helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show headed to Minneapolis, August 19–21, 2026. Outdoor Retailer

Episode highlights

Outdoor Retailer "tribe energy": why the show has always felt like a high-school reunion—and why outdoor is different than other industries (shared passion, not backstabbing).
Long-view leadership: Paul's core values—integrity, listening, collaboration, and innovation—and how they apply across retail, brand, and rep roles.
Dreamland Safari Tours: buying a guide business right before COVID, shutting down 10 days later, then having one of the best years in the company's history after reopening.
Why Minneapolis: "the outdoors is woven into the city"—lakes, trails, paths, and a vibrant outdoor economy surrounding the convention center. Star Tribune
Leadership Village: creating a space for diverse voices, spirited debate, and actionable outcomes (not just conference "talk"). Outdoor Retailer
New + Discovery focus: elevating emerging brands and the retail experience (including collaboration with Garage Grown Gear). Outdoor Retailer
Experience-first mornings: the idea of protecting time for trail runs/paddles before the show floor opens—so attendees walk in energized and connected to the why.
Favorite gear: Paul's go-to piece—his Hyperlite Mountain Gear Summit Pack—and the bigger lesson: simplicity wins.

About Paul Gagner

Paul Gagner is a veteran outdoor industry leader and the co-owner (with his wife, Sunny Stroeer) of Dreamland Safari Tours, based in Kanab, Utah. Dreamland Safari Tours Their company offers hiking, backpacking, scenic tours, and astrophotography experiences/workshops in the desert Southwest. Dreamland Safari Tours

Paul also co-leads the Outdoor Retailer Leadership Village—a stakeholder-led initiative shaping the reimagined national show in Minneapolis. Outdoor Retailer

What you'll take away from this conversation

Why trust is the real currency of outdoor retail + brand partnerships
How "innovation" doesn't have to mean reinventing everything—it can mean relentlessly improving what matters
Why outdoor businesses (and trade shows) need to deliver actionable ideas people can take home and use immediately
How guide businesses can thrive when they focus on transformation: getting people outside and watching what happens next

Links & resources

Dreamland Safari Tours (Kanab, UT) Dreamland Safari Tours
Dreamland Safari Tours — About Paul + Sunny Dreamland Safari Tours
Dreamland Safari Tours — Intro to Astrophotography Workshop Dreamland Safari Tours
Outdoor Retailer — Official site + 2026 Minneapolis dates (Aug 19–21, 2026) Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer — Leadership Village + Garage Grown Gear collaboration announcement