With the occasional title as “store mom”, Missy is the one behind the scenes making sure the nitty gritty with the store is all in order.
Are you a Des Moines native? If not where did you live prior?
Born and raised.
Give us a quick rundown of what life looks like for you when you’re not dropping wisdom at Active Endeavors.
One word, Mom. We have two young children and a small zoo of animals that keep us more than busy. I sing lots of songs and make sure tails aren’t getting pulled. I love to cook and bake. I feed my family good food. I am very passionate about what is allowed into their bodies.
How long have you been an Active Crew member?
I started in 1995 when I was in high school.
What is your favorite part about working at AE?
I enjoy getting the product out onto the floor. The whole process from ordering to placing product on the floor is long and hard. It’s a puzzle and I enjoy the sense of accomplishment once it’s done. We always end up with way too much product and it’s a challenge to make it look nice. We always joke that it’s an art form.
What type of gear do you like talking about the most?
Luggage. It can be exciting. People who are looking for it are usually going somewhere fun. I’m a pretty organized person so it makes sense in my head.
What are you most excited about from our Spring/Summer collection?
My favorite piece is the stretch rainshadow jacket from Patagonia. It’s incredibly light and waterproof. I tell all the employees that they should own one, it’s an amazing piece. I think the men’s sportswear from Patagonia always looks great. The colors, prints, fabrics, and textures are always stunning.
What is your favorite activity to do outside?
I enjoy going for a run. I like that I can just put on shoes and go, it’s simple.
Top 3 favorite local spots.
Parks for the kiddos and dog, raccoon river, Francies (nachos)
Best trip you’ve taken to date? Anything cool coming up?
Ventura, CA. We took our employees out there a few years ago. We wanted them to experience first hand why Patagonia is so amazing. We all got on surfboards and spent some time in the cold ocean. I caught my first wave on this trip. At the end of the day I rode a wave all the way into the shore and walked off my board. In those few seconds I experienced a peace I had never felt before. I wasn’t fighting the surf, I was with it. I’m not thrill seeking anymore, I am searching for that feeling again. I am hooked.
If you were stranded in the wild - what 3 pieces of gear would you want with you?
A good rain jacket, a swiss army knife, my hooded down sweater, and a ponytail holder.
