543 Paul Ganger: Reimagining Outdoor Retailer, Leading With Integrity, and Building Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah

In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner, an outdoor industry veteran and co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours. Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands, and his current work is helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show.

Show Notes Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast — Episode 543

Paul Gagner: Reimagining Outdoor Retailer, Leading With Integrity, and Building Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast—where we share inspiring stories, thrilling adventures, and expert insights from leaders and legends across the outdoor adventure travel community.

In this episode, Rick sits down with Paul Gagner (outdoor industry veteran + co-owner of Dreamland Safari Tours in Kanab, Utah Dreamland Safari Tours). Paul's four-decade career spans retail, sales rep life, and leadership roles at iconic outdoor brands—plus his current work helping guide the reimagined Outdoor Retailer show headed to Minneapolis, August 19–21, 2026. Outdoor Retailer

Episode highlights

• Outdoor Retailer "tribe energy": why the show has always felt like a high-school reunion—and why outdoor is different than other industries (shared passion, not backstabbing).

• Long-view leadership: Paul's core values—integrity, listening, collaboration, and innovation—and how they apply across retail, brand, and rep roles.

• Dreamland Safari Tours: buying a guide business right before COVID, shutting down 10 days later, then having one of the best years in the company's history after reopening.

• Why Minneapolis: "the outdoors is woven into the city"—lakes, trails, paths, and a vibrant outdoor economy surrounding the convention center.