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Eden Christel Lamb Age: 27 Job title: Store manager, Fort Wayne Outfitters and Bike Depot Year you joined the company? 2008 Community organizations with which you are involved outside of work? I’ve served on the Three Rivers Festival raft race committee since it began three years ago. Two years ago, two friends and I started Bands on the Banks, a music event on the banks of the Saint Marys River. We are going on our third year. I’m also a volunteer for the University of Saint Francis softball team, if/when they need extra help coaching during the off-season. Where did your first paycheck come from? What was your job then? My first paycheck was from the Fort Wayne Wizards. Shortly after moving to Fort Wayne from Cincinnati with my family, my brother started working for the Wizards. A few years later, I followed in his footsteps and worked as a game crew member. My best memories were the people I worked with and competitions for who could sell the most merchandise. What kind of support did you receive along the way to help you advance in your career? Support is so important. I’m grateful to be surrounded by love. My support has been my family, friends and bosses. My mother, Vickie, has always been my support, from being at every collegiate athletic game she could make, to always telling me to follow my heart and dreams. Tim and Cara Hall took a chance on me six years ago when I first walked into the Outfitters. I’m so happy they did. I’ve grown personally and professionally with their support and have had a blast along the way. They’ve allowed me to help grow their business and have always supported ideas I’ve thrown their way. It’s a bond I’ll always cherish and carry with me. I can truly say I love what I do thanks to them. What is your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career? Fort Wayne Outfitters, Bands on the Banks. This summer concert started from a dream Ethan Bowers and I had while working at the Outfitters together. Our idea was to host a concert on the beautiful banks of the St. Marys River with Fort Wayne’s skyline as our backdrop. More importantly, we wanted to showcase Fort Wayne’s local musicians on this unique platform. Five bands, one night, and all original music – no cover songs. We encouraged event goers to use alternative methods of transportation to the concert venue by checking in bikes or kayaks to our valets. In addition, attendees could bring their own Page 38

chairs or blankets, sit on the banks and enjoy local music, food and drinks. For our first year, we set a goal of 200 attendees. We surpassed that goal by 58 attendees, with 25 percent of those checking their bicycles with our bike valet. What lessons did you learn from it? I learned two lessons. First, in order to turn a dream into a reality the hardest step to make is the first one. A dream is a dream, and it’s nothing until you make that first step forward, then everything falls into place. Second, support is everything. Ethan and I are surrounded with wonderful friends that believe in the event and want to be involved. Without them, well, things would be very difficult. What would you next like to accomplish in your career and how would it benefit your company? I launched Three Rivers Paddlesports Club last year with Fort Wayne Outfitters. This year, I would like to put more time into the club in hopes of attracting new members. Last year, we held Margarita Monday Paddle Socials every Monday during the summer months. This year, I’m hoping to add on more paddle socials during the week and also conduct longer kayak/canoe/SUP trips on the Fort Wayne rivers. Three Rivers Paddlesports can be beneficial to our business by bringing people down to the river and allowing them to see what we have to offer at Fort Wayne Outfitters. It’s a totally different perspective, one you’ll never forget. Also, did I mention we sell the best kayaks, SUPs and canoes? You never know, you might get hooked after the paddle social and want to buy a kayak or two. That’s always good for business. How do you remain current/relevant in your profession? Our products are constantly changing. It’s important to stay current with product updates. The best way to do this is to be proactive in researching and educating myself. Our vendors conduct demo and educational days for us to attend, as well. The demo days are my favorite because it’s more hands on learning. Learning the difference between each vessel and how it performs on the water is key when talking to customers. While I have a passion for all of our products, selling kayaks and SUPs is by far my favorite. In my opinion there’s nothing better than being out on the water. How do you balance your career, family life and community involvement? The balance between career, family and community is hard. I’m sure it will be even harder 10 years from now. I’m also

guessing I’ll have a different answer then but, for now, the balance is never even. It’s seems like I always put more time into one compared to the other and I know this is true for a lot of people. What I think is important is to be self-aware. To know yourself and know when it’s time to stop with one thing and bring your attention to the other. Life is a balancing game in itself. What do you do to relax? I craft, hang with my dog, Hobie, or call a few friends and have a park day. Influenced by a trip to Colorado, a few friends and I will hang out at a park in Fort Wayne for a day. The day consists of lying in the sun, playing field games or just hanging with our dogs. If you could try another profession, what would it be? I have two: professional surfer or a dentist. Water is where I find peace. I’ve tried surfing a few times on vacations and always thought it would be amazing to wake up and be that close to the water everyday. I love smiles and honestly enjoy taking care of my teeth. So, I thought helping others do the same would be a great profession. If someone were just starting out in your profession, what advice would you give that person? Be willing to learn, work hard and don’t be afraid of a little river water. We are passionate people at Fort Wayne Outfitters, so find something you love – preferably involving something we do, sell, or represent. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and dreams.