Who We Are
Outside Brands has grown steadily over the last forty years. Our dynamic team is comprised of passionate leaders and talented outdoorspeople who share a deep connection with local nature, history and culture.
From humble beginnings as a windsurfing school in 1979, Outside has grown into a dynamic 4 division business with operations in South Carolina and Georgia. Driven by a mission to enrich lives by connecting people to exceptional places, products and experiences, Outside offers fully customized group travel services, team building programs, activities and specialty retail.
Outside is a constantly evolving and growing business, fortified by a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about creating and delivering truly remarkable experiences for all of Outside’s clients. Leveraging their deep local connections, Outside designs exclusive experiences catered to the needs and objectives of their customers. Simply put, Outside unlocks the nature, history and culture of the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire for our customers.

An evolution
of growth
1970's

Mike Overton started a small windsurfing company on the beaches of Hilton Head Island while on summer break from the University of Vermont. He would soon move the start-up school to South Beach, on the southern end of the island. It would become the largest windsurfing school on the East Coast, and hosted some of the best attended windsurfing events available.
1980's

As the island and Mike’s vision grew, Windsurfing Hilton Head became Outside Hilton Head and then simply Outside. During those early years, Outside concentrated on creating and providing interpretive kayak tours to island residents and visitors. The flagship store, located in the Plaza at Shelter Cove, was opened in 1986 and offered an expanded selection of the finest outdoor wear and gear available.
1990's

Outside acquired Page Island, a 40-acre chain of hammock islands on the back side of Daufuskie. At this new location, a series of team and leadership development courses were built and Outside began offering boating based programs to get guests to and from Page Island.
2000's

Outside outgrew its original facilities and established operations at Shelter Cove Marina and Palmetto Bluff, growing into the most comprehensive outdoor outfitter in the region. Offerings expanded into numerous unique kayak tours, extensive boating programs, fishing trips, children and teen camps, history tours, scavenger hunts, and much more.
2010's

Our Team
Leadership


Sarah Tillman
CFO

Susan Edwards
Director of Human Resources
Hire Date
June 2021
Passionate about
Family, all things HR, and sweet tea
Contact
susane@outsidebrands.com

Mickey Price
Director of Marine Operations

JC McCune
Director of Programs
Hire Date
May 2015
Passionate about
Sharing my appreciation for the lowcountry
Contact
jc@outsidebrands.com

Michael Hodsdon
Director of Shelter Cove Marina Operations
Hire Date
February 2009
Passionate about
Learning and sharing knowledge
Contact
michaelh@outsidebrands.com

Lynn Halpin
Director of Retail

KELLE Steen
Director of Palmetto Bluff Operations

Brittany Winter
Director of Reservations
Hire Date
February 2021
Passionate about
Life enrichment and getting outside
Contact
brittanyw@outsidebrands.com

Carol Kavanaugh
Director of DMC Sales
Hire Date
April 2013
Passionate about
Learning and sharing life’s lessons
Contact
carol@outsidebrands.com

Jennifer Freeman
Director of DMC Operations
Marketing

Jolie Chabala
Marketing Manager

Brooke Frey
Digital Marketing Manager
Hire Date
February 2022
Passionate about
Staying active outside, sports, and connecting with like-minded people
Contact
brookef@outsidebrands.com

Anneliza "Pippi" Itkor
Marketing Coordinator
Hire Date
May 2017
Passionate about
Learning, teaching, conservation, adventure
Contact
pip@outsidebrands.com
Programs

Mickey Price
Director of Marine Operations

JC McCune
Director of Programs
Hire Date
May 2015
Passionate about
Sharing my appreciation for the lowcountry
Contact
jc@outsidebrands.com

Michael Hodsdon
Director of Shelter Cove Marina Operations
Hire Date
February 2009
Passionate about
Learning and sharing knowledge
Contact
michaelh@outsidebrands.com

Brittany Winter
Director of Reservations
Hire Date
February 2021
Passionate about
Life enrichment and getting outside
Contact
brittanyw@outsidebrands.com

Katie Kavanaugh
Reservations Manager

Patte Ranney
Guide Performance & Development Manager
Hire Date
January 2002
Passionate about
The natural world & indigenous wisdom
Contact
patte@outsidebrands.com

John Oliver Hinchey
Boat Mechanic Manager

Boo Harrell
Palmetto Bluff Brand Ambassador

Jean Fruh
Intern Coordinator
DEStinations DMC

Carol Kavanaugh
VP of Destinations DMC
Hire Date
April 2013
Passionate about
Learning and sharing life’s lessons
Contact
carol@outsidebrands.com

Jennifer Freeman
Director of DMC Operations

Meghan Cline
DMC Program Manager
Retail

Lynn Halpin
Director of Retail

Michael Smith
Savannah Retail Manager

Jessie Madden
Retail Operations Manager

Leisa Cram
Women's Buyer

Kelley Kendrick
Mens Buyer

Mark Wray
Paddlesports Buyer