Pitch + Pine

A new kind of pitch competition—built for outdoor-minded innovators, not just polished presenters. We’re flipping the script on traditional stage-style competitions and inviting Michigan outdoor entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas through real conversations, hands-on demos, and community connection.

This fall, ten finalists will host interactive booths at the 2025 Michigan Outdoor Summit, sharing their product, service, or venture with judges and attendees alike. No awkward spotlight. No clunky slides. No one lobbing impossible questions while you dance uncomfortably on stage. Just a 6-foot table, a good product or service, and the kind of energy you bring to campfire conversations.

Ten finalists will receive:

▲ A booth at the Summit

▲ The opportunity to connect with a panel of industry expert judges (see below) and 200+ Michigan outdoor industry and culture taste makers.

▲ The chance to win our Judge’s Pick or People’s Choice awards.

▲ Access to a growing prize package which includes an all-expenses paid trip to Switchback 2026, the fastest growing outdoor industry trade show.

Who should apply?

We welcome applicants at all stages from across Michigan. However, we will give preference to those business that serve the outdoor economy and are:

▲ Already generating some sales

▲ Haven’t yet reached $1M in annual revenue or 50+ employees

▲ Looking for visibility, validation, and connection
—we want to hear from you.

How to apply:

Complete a short application introducing your venture. Tell us:

▲ What your business is.

▲ Why it matters to Michigan’s outdoor economy.

▲ Where you’re at in your journey (pre-revenue, early growth, scaling, etc.)

▲ Optional video submissions are encouraged!

Applications due: September 7th, 5pm

Finalists announced: September 10th

During the summit, judges and attendees will visit your booth, ask questions, and vote for their favorites.

We’re currently curating a prize package designed to offer real value—not only a check, but also the kind of support founders actually need.

Final details will be announced soon, but we know it will include an an all-expenses paid trip to Switchback 2026, the fastest growing outdoor industry trade show.

Additional questions? Contact us.

Pitch + Pine Judges

Principal
Outsize Consulting

PE-backed retail CEO with successful exits to Walmart and Dicks Sporting Goods. As CEO, led Moosejaw to successive years of profitable growth that positioned Moosejaw as one of the top US outdoor retail brands. Acquired by Walmart in 2017 to bolster the outdoor category for Walmart.com.

After a successful divestiture and integration into Dicks Sporting Goods in 2023, I now work with start-ups, PE and VC firms in the retail/consumer mid-market sector.

Vice President, Advertiser Solutions + Client Service
Outside

With seven years of experience at Outside, I am the VP of Advertiser Solutions + Client Service, working across sales, editorial, and digital teams to develop and execute innovative and impactful advertising solutions for the Outside network of media properties. I lead the Sales Strategy teams where we drive thoughtful brand strategy with the GTM team, develop creative + innovative strategy with the Media Planning team, brainstorm and ideate world class partnership proposals with the Creative Strategy team, execute effective and strategic digital campaigns with the Ad Ops team, and enable meaningful and impactful partnerships with the Account Management team.

As a connector of people, a facilitator of relationships, and a lover of good marketing, I am a sucker for a real life phone call, an organized GoogleDoc, and a day full of problem solving. I am proud of the work that we do at Outside and my small part in our mission to get people outside.