Visionary Marc Sherman, co-owner of the Outdoor Gear Exchange, says the new space on Church Street changed everything for the better. The lower level alone is about the same size as their old location and is now crammed with an expanded consignment section, skis, boots, clothes and workshop, more of everything that made the business a local smash hit with outdoor enthusiasts. / RYAN MERCER, Free Press

Marc Sherman
Occupation: Co-owner of the Outdoor Gear Exchange
Age: 46
Location: 37 Church St., Burlington

What’s the best part about having your business in Vermont?

I get to live in Vermont, that’s the easiest answer. I’m surrounded by mountains and lakes and people who appreciate mountains and lakes. Generally, there is great recreation and great community.


Patriots or Giants: Who will go further in the playoffs?

What are they exactly?

How do you feel about a winter without snow?

I’ve never seen that happen, it’s just a matter of time before it will fall. The sooner the snow falls, the better. I’m anxious to get out and ski.


Where in Vermont do you go on your day off?

Mountain biking in Colchester, paddling on Lake Champlain, or hiking Mount Abe or Mount Hunger.


Do you have an economic indicator for your business?

Not really. We’ve been fortunate in that our business has continued to grow over the past 16 years. Good weather is better for business than strong economic indicators, but my quick gauge is how much activity I see out on Church Street, and that was true even before we were here.


Social media: Valuable or a pain?

Both. We can’t ignore the omnipresence of social media, but the reality is we have to remain customer focused online and in-store.


Finish this sentence: In 2012 my business will ...

continue to recover from our big move in 2011 by enhancing the new space, dialing in systems and product offerings we’ve brought in and working to retain as many of our 99 employees that we can long term.


What was your last ‘a-ha’ moment at your job?

When we first opened the doors on Church Street and realized how much we needed to make this move when we did. Foot traffic, customer and staff experience, and web distribution all necessitated the move.

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