Jennie
I often say I tricked myself into running a business because I initially told myself I was just helping my mom. As the years went by, I realized I was playing a much larger role than just helping and surprised myself by being kind of good at it. Ironically, covid temporarily shutting us down was a huge turning point for me because that's when I knew I didn't want to do anything else.
The other day, a friend asked me to express the WHY of what we do. After thinking about it for a while, I can tell you one of my absolute favorite things is watching someone's face light up when they talk about their most recent adventure. There's so much magic in people experiencing something for the first time. A new bike route, a new hiking trail, finally getting their dream route climbing.... the list goes on. I imagine this is true for a lot of small businesses. There's a lot of pride in knowing you helped people accomplish their own goals.
So, as cheesy as it is, I do this for YOU! All the challenges of running a business are worth it when it also means you're creating a community, in this case, of outdoor enthusiasts. The added bonus of being more affordable and offering a more sustainable way for people to get outside is icing on the cake. Thank you for being here, and let's keep this community going for years to come.
Daniel
I currently have the privilege of being the Manager at Four Bridges Outfitters. I’ve been with the Four Bridges team since April 2023 and a customer since around 2014. I’ve lived in Chattanooga for over 10 years.
I grew up in Franklin, TN, but didn’t find a passion for the outdoors until moving to Chattanooga for college. My roommates and I hiked and backpacked practically every weekend. For me, there is nothing more therapeutic than a walk in the woods or a night in the wilderness. I love a rewarding climb, trek, and struggle to reach a remote destination. I’m excited to pursue more caving, biking, and climbing. My creative hobbies include woodworking, woodcarving, simple jewelry making, and landscaping.
I love working at Four Bridges Outfitters as we share the same motivation for sustainable, ethical, and economical consumer practices. I believe that we should always consider a sustainable future in where and how we spend our time and money. The mission of Four Bridges is definitely something I get behind.
My goal as Manager and Four Bridges team member is for everyone, in all walks of life, to feel welcome, validated, heard, and well catered to when visiting and working in our store.
I look forward to seeing you in the store and serving you to the best of my ability!
Luke
Local to Tennessee, my hometown is a short 120 miles north in Cookeville, TN. I started working in the outdoor industry at a locally owned outfitter, Outdoor Experience (OE). Starting in 2019, I bounced around between OE and Cookeville's local bike shop Caney Fork Cycles until I landed in Chattanooga in 2022, working as a bike mechanic for the bike share program.
I’ve tried many of the outdoor activities that the southeast has to offer (caving, climbing, backpacking, fishing, bike riding, paddling). The two that have stuck are bike riding and fly fishing. I prefer to ride bikes without the threat of cars, which pushes me toward gravel and mtb riding, but I also enjoy road rides (mostly to commute). My hobbies outside of the outdoor world include playing music, reading, and crafting.
I'm grateful to be part of such a kind and supportive team, and I look forward to watching Four Bridges grow and expand into more community events.
Alan
Howdy y’all, my name is Alan, and I’m the events coordinator here at Four Bridges Outfitters. I’ve been with the store since 2022 and have loved every minute of it.
I’ve been in Chattanooga since 2018, and one of the things that makes me love this city is our access to the outdoors. So it only makes sense that one of my favorite aspects of our store is the fact that we can get folks outside for cheap! Our gear and clothing make it so you don’t have to spend a fortune to get out and enjoy nature.
It’s this community connection that really drives my love for everything Four Bridges and makes me enjoy the time spent at events and teaching classes to further educate our community. My favorite thing to do outdoors is play disc golf. You can find me at the sinks or over at Portland Park after work a lot of days.
Nick
I grew up here in Chattanooga and have been a Four Bridges customer for around 8 years. Growing up skateboarding, it was the closest store on my route downtown, and I have been a regular since then.
I’ve been working here for just over 2 years, and I’m very happy to be part of a local, family owned business that has grown and evolved in so many ways, continuing to be a cornerstone for the outdoor community here in Chattanooga.
The friends and connections I have made with the Four Bridges community and staff over the years have given me so many opportunities, lifelong friends, and skills that I would’ve never expected.
This small business is a perfect example of why and how supporting your community can improve so many lives along the way, and I’m thankful to be a part of it!
Yolaila
My name is Yolaila (or Yoli for short). I've been slinging used gear here at Four Bridges Outfitters for about a year now, ever since I returned from a van trip out west last summer.
Originally a Florida transplant, I've lived in Chattanooga for 5 years, following my passion for climbing, hiking, and exploring the grand outdoors. Four Bridges has been my haven for getting connected to good people, good places, and good gear.
I love the community we have curated here in Chattanooga, bringing together folks from near and far. My favorite part of the store is our little climbing corner! I feel so much psych for the new and old climbers alike, and you can usually find me back there geeking out and helping customers.
Sage
I’m Sage! I was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN! I’ve been very lucky to grow up here and be the spontaneous, outdoorsy, reckless, tough, loving girly my parents raised me to be!!🤸🏻♂️
My favorite things to do on my days off include (but are not limited to): I LOVE to climb!! Specifically at my favorite crag OBED and my second favorite fosters, fly fishing the Tellico and backpacking something crazy with sick views 🏕️
Fun facts about me: !!!
• I just got done working a seasonal all women’s trail crew in Washington state this summer!! (it was sick)
• Two summers ago, I backpacked the entire John Muir Trail! Go do it!!!!
• I did competitive mountain bike racing with NPMM in middle school and did competitive rock climbing in high school!
• I went to Center for Creative Arts majoring in visual arts!
• Recently graduated at UTC (go mocs!!!) with a Bachelors of Science in Outdoor Recreation! (majored in mountains🏔️)
See some of y’all at the crag!! The rest of you at FBO!!!! 🫶🏻
Maybellene
Things Maybellene likes: treats, good scratches, and rock hunting at the creek (she has a whole process for finding the perfect rock).
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Dislikes: thunder storms, having her picture taken, and going to the vet.