Episode Details

In this episode, Cassie Abel, founder and CEO of Wild Rye, joins the podcast to share the real story behind building a women-first outdoor apparel brand rooted in the mountain town of Ketchum, Idaho.

Cassie opens up about the early chaos of launching Wild Rye, including a flawed first product run, a last-minute brand name change, and the realities of navigating co-founder dynamics. She also talks through the years-long process of expanding into snow outerwear and what it means to lead with intuition in a data-driven industry.

This conversation covers decision-making under pressure, the challenges of raising capital and the unique energy that comes from building a brand with heart. It’s a candid and insightful episode for anyone curious about what it takes to grow a purpose-driven business in the outdoor industry. 

Show Notes:

• Wild Rye website
• Second Nature Podcast with Cassie
• Title Nine Pitchfest
• Women-Led Wednesday
• Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship

Cassie on LinkedIn

Christian on LinkedIn

The KORE Podcast is a production of the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise. Learn more about KORE and the podcast: https://koreoutdoors.org/podcast/

KORE Outdoors gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

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