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Trailblazing the Outdoor Apparel Industry: The Story of Lindsay Vincent-Kupler

Writer's picture: Dr. Eulanda SandersDr. Eulanda Sanders

Updated: Jan 21


At iNNOVATION InsightsWe transform our clients' career journeys through the art of storytelling via our consulting, coaching, and career management services.


Eulanda Sanders the founder of INNOVATION Insights smiling

It was a heartfelt reunion on our latest episode of Innovation Insights as I sat down with Lindsay Vincent-Kupler, a former student and now a pioneering leader in the outdoor apparel industry. I have known Lindsay since her undergraduate days at Colorado State University, where she was a student and collaborator, working alongside me and participating in student teaching. Witnessing her growth from a passionate student to a key innovator in an industry sector not typically entered by women fills me with immense pride.



Early Beginnings and Career Development

Lindsay's journey is deeply embedded in the beauty and challenges of the natural world. Growing up in Colorado, she was surrounded by the majestic Rockies, which instilled in her a profound love for the outdoors—a love that has profoundly influenced her career path. After graduating with a degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising, Lindsay took her first professional steps at Rocky Mountain Clothing Company, whose parent company was Miller International (now Cinch), where she worked on the Cruel Girl collection, bringing fresh ideas to a line I had once helped develop.


Innovations for the Great Outdoors

Throughout her illustrious career, Lindsay Vincent Kupler has dedicated herself to enhancing outdoor experiences through innovative apparel, culminating in her role as Senior Category Manager at Grundéns. With a deep commitment to safeguarding and elevating the fishing community, Grundéns blends traditional resilience with modern innovation, providing dependable products for professional and recreational anglers facing the relentless elements of nature.


Lindsay's work is driven by a keen understanding of the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, developed through her own experiences in activities like fishing, rock climbing, and skiing. This user-focused approach has enabled her to design apparel that is not only functional but also enhances performance and safety in outdoor settings.


A Pinnacle Achievement: The U.S. Olympic Team

One of the most remarkable chapters in Lindsay's career involved her work with Spider Active Sports, where she played a pivotal role in designing high-performance ski apparel for the U.S. Olympic team. Her contributions included refining garment designs to reduce wind resistance and enhance athletes' speed and efficiency—a testament to her technical acumen and innovative spirit.


Commitment to Community and Healing

Lindsay's impact extends beyond her professional achievements. She is deeply involved with Casting for Recovery, a nonprofit organization that uses fly fishing as a form of therapy for women battling breast cancer. This volunteer work perfectly reflects her belief in the healing power of nature and her commitment to positively impacting the community.



Defining Innovation Through Practical Creativity

For Lindsay, innovation is about practical creativity—solving problems to enhance functionality and user experience. Whether it is developing new materials that balance performance with environmental sustainability or designing garments that meet the specific needs of outdoor athletes, her approach to product development showcases a comprehensive understanding of both the technical aspects and the human elements of design.


Inspiration and Advice for Aspiring Designers

Reflecting on Lindsay’s journey, her story powerfully reminds us of the importance of passion and perseverance. For anyone aspiring to make a mark in the fashion or apparel industry, her career exemplifies how personal interests and professional endeavors can align to create impactful, fulfilling work.


Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

As we wrapped up our conversation, I could not help but feel excited for Lindsay's future. Her ongoing contributions to the outdoor apparel industry are not just about garments and gear but also about inspiring others to pursue their passions and innovate against the odds. Her story encourages us all to keep pushing boundaries, exploring, and, most importantly, caring for the world around us.


Thank you, Lindsay, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. It vividly illustrates how blending personal passion with professional expertise can lead to genuinely innovative contributions in one's field.


Keep innovating!


Eulanda

 


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