Interview with Brian Stowers, co-founder and president of Wild Tribute
This article is part of a series featuring business executives who choose to live and work in Utah. If you know of an executive we should interview, please contact us.
Whether protecting Zions big-horned sheep or assisting with efforts to plant 50 million trees in America’s national forests, a Utah-based company is passionate about protecting America’s parks and public lands.
Wild Tribute is an apparel company that believes in protecting public lands for generations to come and safeguarding our wild places for adventure, reflection and inspiration. With the mission “4 The Parks”, the company donates 4% of its proceeds to protect our national parks, forests and public lands. This initiative aims to help close the evergreen gap in funding while being a platform that educates and appeals to all ages and ethnicities. By choosing to donate 4% of its total revenues, the company demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing purpose beyond profits.
How did you get started in the industry?
I have an unbelievable passion for the outdoors and wanted to create something that matters — something I can leave behind that is inherently good and leaves the world a better place. Public outdoor spaces are critical to long-term healthy lives, and I’m honored to be a part of the outdoor industry.
What top two recent professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
Our mantra is “4 The Parks.” We donate 4% of our top-line revenue back to the parks and forests. In 2019, we donated over $200,000 to organizations that support our national parks and public lands. That is a big number, and I am incredibly proud of what we created.
Getting our product into REI stores is confirmation that we are a legitimate player in the outdoors industry.
What drew you to Utah?
I wanted to move my company to a state that supported outdoor companies and took care of America’s amazing outdoor spaces. It’s the best decision we ever made. Utah supports Wild Tribute, and it absolutely supports public lands. It has five of the most amazing national parks in the country.
What do you like most about living in Utah?
The mountains. The red rock. The lakes. The aspens. The moose. The arches. The canyons. The desert. Wow, I could go on and on and on. Its the most gorgeous state in America.
What do you like most about doing business in Utah?
It provides a great balance of work and play. After a hard day of work, there is always plenty of time to ski in the winter or bike in the summer. The accessibility of outdoor spaces is unparalleled anywhere in America.
What advice do you have for individuals considering starting a business, or relocating their business, to Utah?
Do it. The city and the state support businesses. Utahns support local. The entire state has been amazing to work with, and Wild Tribute would not be where it is today without the state of Utah.
What is your primary challenge of doing business in Utah?
We have not had many significant challenges. Maybe its because the rest of the country still sees Utah as not as progressive or forward-thinking as other states. That could not be further from the truth. In the coming years, the rest of the country will know that Utah means business. There are so many talented and smart people in the local workforce.
What is your business philosophy?
Believe in yourself. Be passionate about your craft. Work hard. It’s that simple.
Tell me a fun fact about yourself.
I love animals. Not just my doggies but all the wild animals that call Utah home. There is nothing quite like seeing moose on the Lake Blanche trail or up in the lake near Brighton. I’ll never forget the family of 35 bighorn sheep that I encountered on the Canyon Overlook trail in Zion National Park. The bison that call Antelope Island home are powerful and graceful at the same time. Now, if only I could see a bear — from a distance, of course.
Connect with him on LinkedIn.