Meg Pierce, Inclusive Ski Touring

I really enjoy starting something when you’re kind of at the sucking stage, but you can see yourself progressing very quickly…. I’m very addicted to that sharp part of the learning curve.

Traci Bisson, Golden Dog Adventure Company

We’ll carry extra water, we’ll carry snacks, so you don’t need to. It’s really a no-brainer, and that’s what people need, because they’re so busy in their lives. They just want to go, have fun and not have to think about it.

The dollars that you pay at a local outfitter are directly going back to their family, their home, their schools, local shops… and that’s really important.

Jackie Lastinger, The Girls Trip Adventure Co.

I thought ‘man, these guys have such a cool job….’ But then I was like, ‘wait, I have such a cool job!’

Meg Carney, Outdoor Minimalist

The less things that I own, the less things I really have to worry about, and the more I can focus on the things that I actually really love and enjoy, which are community and time spent outside.

Serene Cusack, Fatty on the Fly & Outcast Anglers

I think a lot of people don’t do things because they’re waiting for something or someone to be ready for them to join… Instead, I was coming with the mission of saying ‘Here I am, I’m going to do this anyway, whether you’re ready for me or not’

Kristina Cannon, Main Street Skowhegan

You have to create communities for your people that live there, first. It’s not just about tourism for us. It can’t be. It has to be about building a better community.

Voices of Rooted MTB Festival

I haven’t met a single person that regrets going. Just people that regret not going.

Rooted MTB Festival Weekend Recap with Trish & Jen

These events really make you realize, like, what the hell is my problem, I’m just as capable as everyone else here.

Alexandra Roberts, Alexandra Roberts Photography

I think that I have a very specific client, and that client is somebody who doesn’t care about napkin colors, for example. They basically just care about the moments that are happening, and not making their wedding feel like a television production.

Ari Leach, Blackbird Guide Services

The thing that meant the most to me when I received my license wasn’t my patch or my physical license…My mom met me at the door with a box, and inside was my grandmother’s very last license, her patches, her hunting jacket, and her silver Maine guide shield.

Abby Bennett, Ultra Runner, Researcher, Van Lifer, Land Steward

There are so many great local properties … I feel like I tend to find the hardest hike and go for the most elevation gain. And then I’m like, ‘you could just spend more time in your local community.’ There's so much beauty here.