Tom Rosenbauer

Chief Enthusiast
The Orvis Company

Tom Rosenbauer has been with the Orvis Company since 1976, and while there has been a fishing school instructor, copywriter, public relations director, merchandise manager, and was editor of The Orvis News for 10 years. He is currently their chief marketing enthusiast, which is what they call people when they don’t know what else to do with them.

He has fished extensively across North America and has also fished on Christmas Island, the Bahamas, Belize, in Kamchatka, Chile, and on the fabled English chalk streams .

His podcast, The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast, is one of the top outdoor podcasts on ITunes and has had over 25 million downloads since its inception. He lives with his wife and son in southern Vermont on the banks of his favorite trout stream.

summary
In this episode of the Big World Made Small podcast, host Jason Elkins welcomes Tom Rosenbauer, the Chief Enthusiast of Orvis, to discuss his extensive journey in the fly fishing industry. They explore Tom's early experiences with fishing, the evolution of fly fishing, and how it has become more accessible to newcomers. Tom shares memorable adventures, the importance of passion in sustaining a long career, and how technology has changed the way they connect with the fishing community. The conversation wraps up with insights on future travel aspirations and demystifying fly fishing for beginners.

takeaways

• Tom Rosenbauer has been with Orvis for 49 years.
• The title 'Chief Enthusiast' reflects a long career with Orvis.
• Starting in retail is a common path for those in the fly fishing industry.
• Fly fishing can be accessible and affordable for beginners.
• Technology has transformed how fly fishing is taught and shared.
• Traveling for fishing can lead to unforgettable experiences.
• Passion is key to longevity in the fly fishing business.
• Fly fishing is not just about trout; there are many species to target.
• Independent fly shops are crucial for the fishing community.
• Learning to fly fish has never been easier with online resources.

Learn about Tom's trip to Iceland.

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