Even though this last year was well, different; we are so thankful to all of our team members and customers who helped us make it through to 2021! To kick off the start of a new year we want to highlight our wonderful stores and communities who help keep us doing what we love! 

This week we are headed to Trussville, Alabama (also known as Trussvegas) to chat with our store manager, Abbey Medlin, and some of our other awesome team members! Our Trussville store opened their doors in the Homestead Village in July 2017 but have been a part of the Trussville community since 2013. Let’s check it out!

 

How long have you worked at AO and what interested you about working here?

“I have worked for Alabama Outdoors Trussville for almost six years! When I originally applied, I was so curious about the products that were sold and I wanted to know more. I loved spending time outside; running, paddle boarding, and the occasional camp night (when I could), but I wanted to know more! I immediately fell in love with the people I worked with, and the customers and community that I was serving. Since then I have been given promotional opportunities and have even had the chance to help physically move and open the Trussville location that we are currently in! AO has given me so much more knowledge of the outdoors and what it has to offer. Currently, I still love to run, my fiancé and I play disc golf regularly, and now our camp nights are more fun! My favorite part about working at Alabama Outdoors though is the relationships and life-long friendships that I have made with the people that I work with and the customers and the community that I serve!” – Abbey Medlin

 

“I have been working at Alabama Outdoors for a little over a year now. I was very interested to work with Alabama Outdoors because I have always been a fan of the company and the brands and merchandise they sell. When I applied, I felt like I could help the company’s growth, and also share my love for Alabama Outdoors with many other people that I would meet on an everyday basis in and out of the work field.” – Drew Shaw 

 

“I have been working at AO for about a year and a half now. I became interested in working at AO because I noticed the staff was close, like a family, and they actually got along with each other. I wanted to be around people that worked together as a team, instead of just showing up, and clocking in and out to get hours.” – Christain Madison

 

 

What we love about Trussville

“The community of Trussville is one that captures the ease of life and a sense of fun. The community is always holding events that allow for everyone to come together and have collective memories. These constant engagements with the people from every aspect of the city, from municipal to churches, create an atmosphere of togetherness, fun, and social opportunities. I’ve lived here for the majority of my life, and this engagement amongst community members is unlike anywhere else that I’ve been. We celebrate the easiness of life and the excitement of being together. The city and community have grown over the past few years, creating a great place for all kinds of people. We have many demographics represented in such a small area, and it brings a sense of wholeness.” – Chloé Adkins

 

“The Trussville community is so much fun and it is still growing! Unfortunately, this year we were only able to participate in one event, the Annual Trussville City Fest, and it was still so much fun! This year, however, we were able to serve our customers in a unique way. Due to the pandemic and the shutdown that happened, so many more people were going outside, playing disc golf, hiking, and camping (which is so exciting), that we were able to meet new people and serve them curbside, which in some ways allowed for a more personalized shopping experience. I love that our community was all in on this!” – Abbey Medlin

 

 

Which Alabama Outdoors core value resonates with you the most?

“Of our four key values here at AO, Participation and Trust are the most important to me. As a manager, I have seen first hand what can happen to a team when there is no trust or participation among its team members. I’ve also seen what lack of trust or participation between customers and employees can do to a business. Thankfully, I have seen and experienced what happens when there is trust and participation between team members, employees, and customers. I am so grateful for my team here in Trussville and the way they trust each other and participate in store-related activities, as well as non-work related get-togethers. This year, those get-togethers have looked different, but I am thankful for their participation and what it means to me. It is also important for our customers to trust us and the information we provide to them, and we welcome their participation in any event or giveaway that we are asked to be a part of or even host!” – Abbey Medlin 

 

“As far as which core value resonates with me the most, I would lean towards our Purpose. Our Purpose is defined as – “Influencing people to get outside in Alabama and beyond, while also building loyalty with our customers one connection at a time.” – In a world with increasing distractions, it is difficult for the average person to find the time to get out and explore the beautiful scenery that Alabama has to offer. With the ups and downs that 2020 has provided, one positive is that a lot of individuals have now been able to get out and explore the outdoors with friends and family. Being able to see firsthand the increase in outdoor activities that our customers are enjoying has been an awesome experience at the store level. Returning customers bringing in photos and stories of what they have discovered, as well as new customers coming in for knowledge and advice on getting themselves and their families outdoors is what continues to be the foundation that this company once built itself upon.” – Zachery Warren

 

 

Our favorite places to explore around Trussville

“I love running and playing disc golf at Civitan Park near the Cahaba River (harder course though–my disc sometimes ends up in the river for whatever reason 🙈) and through the Sports Complex that runs through downtown Trussville. The Sports Complex is one of my favorite places to go because you can run through it while running through downtown for a hard incline; you can go play a round of disc golf; or, you can hit one of their several mapped out trails to run or bike. It is also a fun place to have a picnic or hang in your Eno hammock! I spend a lot of time in this area, especially between April and October!” – Abbey Medlin 

 

 

Some of our favorite things at AO

“My favorite brands right now are ON Running & Free Fly. I love ON because they are cute and comfortable, and having more than one style allows me to have happy feet while I work with customers. Free Fly is a favorite because of the bamboo material. It is so soft and comfortable for all types of weather, any time of the year!.” – Nora Jeffres

“My favorite brand that we sell right now is Patagonia! It may be a little expensive for me, but I like the different styles and many options it allows for. The few items that I have are not only really warm, but they look nice, too!” – Gavin Bingham

 

 

What is your favorite way to enjoy the outdoors?

“My favorite way to enjoy the outdoors changes depending on what season it is. In the summer, my go-to activity is kayaking or paddle boarding either here in Birmingham on the Cahaba River, or somewhere a little farther like Smith Lake or Lake Guntersville. In the winter and spring, I love to camp and hike because the weather is cooler at night and warmer during the day. Ruffner Mountain, Cheaha, and Bankhead are some of my favorite hiking/camping spots! Limited daylight during the winter also means I will be enjoying an outdoor bonfire or be wrapped in my sleeping bag inside my Eno! I also enjoy riding my bike outdoors year-round!” – Anna Fuqua

 

 

 

We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors