One Relationship... New Trajectory... Changed Life With Glen Van Peski
What happens when an outdoor gear maker meets a Whole Foods founder? Glen Van Peski turned his ultralight backpacking passion into a thriving company and his story offers clear takeaways for building with purpose and keeping your business lean.
What happens when an avid outdoor pioneer and a Whole Foods co-founder mix? Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear, turned his passion for ultralight backpacking into a movement and a business, saved by the unexpected support of John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods. He shares how his choices, whether in business or on the trail, taught him simplicity and how clean approaches to anything both require intention. His story offers practical insight for building a business that stays light, focused, and built to last.
To connect with Glen Van Peski:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gvanpeski
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenvanpeski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gvanpeski/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/glenvp
Website: https://www.glenvanpeski.com/
Books: https://www.amazon.com/Take-Less-More-Surprising-Generosity-ebook/dp/B0CPYZHXG9
To connect with Frank Iglesias:
https://www.frankiglesias.com/links. To partner, do business, get FREE resources or get coached by Frank, visit the links at Frank’s site, message me on social media or call/text us at 678-408-2228. I also do free introductory calls at the link below.
Glen Van Peski
Glen Van Peski is widely recognized by the trail name “Legend” for his legendary contributions to the backpacking community. A native Californian with a childhood rooted in the western outdoors, Glen’s journey into backpacking began when his oldest son joined Scouts, and he led the Troop’s backpacking program.
Through those experiences, he became intrigued by lightweight backpacking and started sewing his gear. In 1998, he founded Gossamer Gear, a company dedicated to manufacturing ultralight backpacking equipment. Over the years, Glen and his company have been featured in Backpacker, Outside, and National Geographic Adventure magazines, and The New York Times.
Beyond his passion for backpacking and entrepreneurial success, Glen had an extended career in civil engineering. Most recently, he served as the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Carlsbad, California. Prior to spending nearly a decade in various roles with the city, he served as an engineering consultant. Before that role, Glen held the role of President of Pacific Rim Engineering.
Glen is a sought-after speaker known for his inspiring, humorous, information-packed presentations. His extensive backpacking experiences include hiking most of the Pacific Crest Trail, exploring the backcountry in Japan and Europe, and bikepacking along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR). Glen lives in Bend, Oregon, with his wife of over 40 years, Francie, and is the father of two grown sons.
