Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> March 1, 1999

Gary Olen – The Sportsman’s Guide (sgde)

GARY OLEN, CEO & Chairman of The Sportsman's Guide, Inc. Born on March 29, 1942; Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Children: Wendy, Jeff. Career History: Various positions, JC Penney Catalog Division, 1960-67; Merchandise manager, C&H Distributors, 1967-70; Merchandise director, Fidelity Products, 1970-77; EVP, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, The Sportsman's Guide, 1977-present. In his spare time he likes to hunt, fish, read, and spend time with his family. His major career accomplishment has been 'founding The Sportsman's Guide, which began as a 'kitchen table' operation.' He says, 'I don't intend to retire. I enjoy this business too much.' (GAH605)(13078) Profile
TWST: Give us a brief overview of The Sportsman's Guide?

Mr. Olen: The company started in 1979 selling items through magazine

space ads geared expressly towards deer hunters. The first