Joshua Stephen: Buys The Goods, Skis The Woods

Joshua Stephen, 42, is OGE's Hard Goods and Ski Department buyer. Josh, more commonly known as Grizz, joined the OGE team in 1998, and he's been a fixture ever since. Grizz is originally from Lynnfield, MA, but he's lived all over Northern Vermont from Stowe to Randolph. Currently he is a homeowner in Hinesburg, where he resides with his lovely wife Kate, sometimes called Lady Grizz. This July, baby Grizz will join the clan. Grizz' main outdoor activities are backcountry, cross-country and teleskiing, as well as canoeing, hiking and backpacking. His last big trip was a ski vacation in Utah. Since then, his adventures have been primarily around the homestead, prepping gardens and trails, and getting ready for the arrival of baby Grizz, while also helping to build the new OGE store.

Grizz's favorite thing about OGE? "Even as big as it is now, OGE still feels like a big family. There is still opportunity to grow and there is always opportunity to do something fun with my coworkers. I love it when customers come in for advice on where to go play and explore in the outdoors. It makes me feel good that OGE is that kind of resource for the community." What he is looking forward to? "Finally uncovering my trails from all the trees that fell last winter, and having a healthy baby boy who also sleeps through the night." Grizz's most memorable adventure? "Hiking in the Uintas and Wind Rivers in Utah and Wyoming with my wife. Not only did we get engaged on the trip, but she had never been hiking at higher elevations and I wasn't sure how she would do (Lady Grizz has asthma). She did great and we had a great time." The trip he hopes to go on some day: hiking and exploring in the Scottish Highlands.

Grizz is an explorer. He is always looking for new hikes or ski tours, often close to home. He is an expert map reader and just has a sense of where to find the goods. When he is not exploring, Grizz loves watching and playing team sports. In fact, before he got a cell phone, Grizz would remember peoples phone numbers by athlete's jersey numbers. Grizz's kit: For backpacking, Sierra Designs Lightning tent, Kayland Vertigo High boots, Primus Gravity 1 EF Stove with Piezo. In winter, Madshus Annum skis with Voile Hardwire Three Pin bindings. "They allow me to get away from the crowds and ski soft snow, without breaking out the skins."