The sporting life

Iain MacLeod runs a successful local endeavour, built on the sound business formerly owned by his stepfather

Iain MacLeod's favourite part of his workday is helping customers find the right gear for their outdoor recreations. — Glynis Fediuk photo

Ask a Cranbrook resident about their favourite outdoor activity and you're apt to get a response as varied as the nationalities of visitors to Kootenay ski resorts. Hiking, mountain biking, triathlons, skiing and kayaking are just a smattering of the sports with dedicated followers; few people enjoy—and benefit from—the connection to the outdoors more than Iain MacLeod, the owner of High Country Sportswear.

In his youth, MacLeod didn't envision himself living and working in Cranbrook. He moved to Calgary post-high school to experience the big city life, during which time his mother and stepfather bought High Country Sportswear. It wasn't long before family commitments drew MacLeod back to the Key City, and he began working in the store in the early '90s.

"Calgary was great, but doing what I do—being outdoorsy, and having the quick access to the outdoors and a bit smaller town, and less commute time—It’s pretty amazing here, and we’re lucky to have what we have. I came back to work, specifically, and wasn’t going to stay, but I liked the work and liked the business—and was decent at it."

Finding a balance

MacLeod said he has seen a transition in how people use their free time. There are more day hikes, more early-morning paddling trips, more usage of local trails; people may have busy schedules, but they're making their recreation time a priority. In this regard, MacLeod is no different. Running a small business is difficult; MacLeod said he could easily work upwards of 60 hours per week. However, though helping a customer find the perfect product is rewarding, days off and family time are worth more than the money long hours bring.

In 2007, MacLeod took ownership of the business from his stepfather, Terry Miller. Trends change, clients change, products change—but overall, MacLeod is building on a sturdy foundation and High Country Sportswear is much the same store it always has been.

"Through work we became a closer family, though we also wanted our time alone," said MacLeod. "In some ways, we saw less of each other outside work, but overall it was very good. I feel an obligation to Terry to continue trying to do as good a job as he did. It’s very difficult, but I feel a sense of pride being able to take over what he built." 

The next generation?

And what does the future hold for High Country Sportswear? Will MacLeod's two-year-old daughter one day work in the store? 

"I was thinking about that this morning on the way to work," he said. "What’s she going to be like when she’s older? Is she going to want to work here? I’m not going to make her work here, but I’ll offer her a job for sure—why wouldn’t I? I think it’s a good environment to work in. I hope we’re still around when she’s old enough to work here and I’m making every effort to ensure that happens."