Stories of Mountain Town Professionals: Keckeley, Merchandising & Tent Sale Coordinator

#featurefriday Meet Keckeley! Merchandising & Tent Sale Coordinator @ Outdoor Gear Exchange (Burlington, VT)

What is your position and why do you love it?

This job allows me to fully embrace the outdoor environment and the mountains of this “mountain town”. Burlington, VT is uniquely situated between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, making the opportunities for adventure, endless. OGE has a community of people that is irreplaceable with its desire to explore, support in all forms, and seek new trails. The flexibility is a huge plus for this job- with flex time and 4 weeks of PTO from the get go- only increasing after that. There is lots of opportunity for growth- personally and professionally.

When did you move to the mountains?

I started working here after I hiked the AT in 2017. I immediately had a group of people that I could relate to and created fast friends. After 6 months, I moved up into a more specialized position, merchandising camping related products. 8 months after that, I moved into the position I’m in now, which is merchandising the entire store and coordinating with all the departments to create continuity.

What’s the best part of living in the mountains?

Before and after work adventures are super possible. I’m living for the 90% instead of the 10%. I’m able to get a lap on the slopes in before I have to go to work at 10.

Advice for someone looking to relocate to the mountains?

Move there and figure it out. You don’t have to have everything lined up before you get there. You’ll be so happy you did.

@keckeleyh