David RoetzelMountaineer, United States

What is your first memory of nature?

Summertime - playing in our backyard until dark and seeing all the fireflies.

How would you describe the nature where you grew up?

Luckily, Akron is one of the hilliest parts of Ohio and the woods are filled with large deciduous trees and streams. In the spring and summer, the undergrowth was so thick that it was easy to get lost. Many of the trees had vines hanging from them, so swinging from these was always fun.

What activities did you enjoy during your childhood?

Playing soccer, swimming, and riding my bike around with my friends. Wonderful times.

What is your main activity and why do you love it?

Climbing. I love it because it feeds my spirit and it allows me to leave everything else behind: allowing my mind to focus on one thing. It helps to remove all the chatter.

How old were you when you became passionate about this activity?

I was 18. I was exposed to climbing in the summer of 1988 shortly after moving to Boulder, CO for college. I was immediately hooked. I began ice climbing in the winter of 96/97 in the Vail area. Again, I was immediately hooked.

What advice would you give to others who want to excel in this activity like you?

Keep it fun. As you progress and get better, remember why you began in the first place and do not let comparing yourself to others affect you.

How would you describe Norrøna in your own words?

A multi-generational, family-run business producing high-end, high-quality outdoor apparel and gear in the most sustainable ways possible.

How would you describe the nature of Norway?

Mountains, fjords, snow, and the sea. I’d certainly like to visit.

How can you help take Norrøna another step forward in innovation and product development?

I have used many different products in the 38 years that I have been
climbing. Some wore out, some broke, and some I modified. We continue to modify equipment when we see potential adjustments for the better. I have been a “tester” of prototypes for multiple brands over the years, and it seems to come down to how well a brand might synthesize a product from all the feedback they get from their ambassadors and designers. Clearly, Norrøna has an excellent ambassador team, so I am sure HQ gets good feedback. How the brand and the ambassadors work together to implement suggested ideas / change is paramount to success.

What tips and advice do you have for minimizing our footprint on the planet?

As for the brand.. do everything you can to stay on track with your 2029 Responsibility Roadmap. What an awesome goal for a company to set. As for me.. We look at how much we travel, we use things that last, we fix things when we can, we eat in a more sustainable manner - we do what we can and will continue to figure out more ways to lessen our impact. As for the entire human population.. I am unsure. Late stage, modern capitalism, consumerism, and the growing population are a dangerous mix when it comes to the state of our environment and where it is headed.

What adventures do you dream of undertaking in the future?

I picture faraway places to climb both rock and ice. Places where the snow is deep and stable.

How do you plan to make these dreams a reality?

Like always, with work and determination. As an aging climber, maintaining health and one’s physicality is really the main goal. Without one’s health, all other things fall to the side. And.. perhaps Norrøna will want to meet up with their new ambassadors. I would love to visit Norway.

Do you have a profession alongside your main activity?

If so, tell us about it! I have been a sales representative in the outdoor industry for over 25 years. Along the way, I have worked for many strong brands. Recently, I have begun to teach and guide ice climbing again. I enjoy working with people outside and soon, I will be guiding on our local via ferrata that we are building.

What do you enjoy talking about with other people?

Whatever makes their eyes light up is good with me. If this happens, I am sure it will be a nice conversation.

What do you think about right before you fall asleep at night?

I hope that I was a good man on this day and that I put energy in rather than taking energy out.

What book has made the biggest impression on you – and why?

The Hobbit. It is a book of such grand adventure that I can pick it up anytime and read it again. I have always preferred to be outside, and the landscapes described in the book only added to this feeling.

Which three artists do you listen to the most – and why?

Bob Marley: His music can transform any moment into a better one and it brings people together like few others can. Grateful Dead: There is so much variety within this band’s history. One song can sound so different from decade to decade. The memories I have from seeing live shows are some of the best I have. Classical music as a genre: With no words, there is more room for listening, interpreting, and feeling.

Who inspires you the most today?

For sure my son. In recent times, he has taken it upon himself to make difficult change. When I think of him, I feel inspired to go forth and do more to better myself.

If you were to create your own life motto, what would it be?

“With as much grace as possible, go straight through.” As I age, realize that my time here is limited, and grow to appreciate moments more and more, I feel that I want to move through the rest of my life with intention.