The Heartbeat of the Outfitters
Wayne and Pat having a great day together this fall!
We thought it appropriate to share the “heartbeat” of the Speckled Trout Outfitters and the reason we do what we do. It begins with an acronym that embodies the values, vision and mission of this organization. It is TRUE which stands for InTegrity, StewaRdship, CommUnity, and Excellence.
We aim to do everything with integrity. Integrity for us means doing the right thing whether somebody is looking or not. As employees, this might mean sweeping or mopping the nooks and corners of the shop, or cleaning the base of the toilet when nobody is going to see the ‘dirty work’. It may be ensuring that we give honest information on what flies to use or what rivers to fish. This also means that we will carry integrity on our guided trips. Our guides will give authentic, honest information on fishing conditions, proper fish handling, taking great care of people on the trails and stewarding the resources we benefit from every day.
This leads us to the next value we strive to embody, stewardship. Stewardship is in everything we do and it takes a special precedence as outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. We believe in the concept that stewardship promotes ownership. From our newest to our oldest employees, everybody has the opportunity to own the work, the experience, the shop, to bring their own vision to the table. At its best, stewardship is exemplified on the trail and in the river. This means leaving no trace, cleaning up litter and trash, educating our guests on proper outdoor etiquette and so much more.
None of what we do would be possible without the thriving community around us. This is what inspired the taproom as part of the fly shop. We aim to be a place for community, for telling far off stories and being the hub for whatever your next adventure might be. Whether you’re on a trip or sipping a beer at the shop, you will be heard, cared for, and embraced as part of our community. Conveniently enough, this is why our mission statement is “A Place for Community and Adventure”.
Excellence is the last value but definitely not the least. Excellence means commitment to excellence. It is committing to excellence by providing the best gear and products available, by taking people to the best trails and rivers available at the time of year, by delivering a premier experience day after day. To sum it up, excellence means doing the right thing every time, even when it’s inconvenient and requires more of us.
If you’re wondering why we are who we are, hopefully this is an insight into the culture and vision that we aim to be and continue to create. Come by and see it for yourself. We’re here for you!
