My Story
My dream to marry fly fishing and sustainability began when I was living in Jackson Hole, WY fly fishing on America’s public lands & waters, installing solar panels, and working as an Aquatic Invasive Species Technician for Wyoming Game & Fish. At the time, I wasn’t sure how I would realize my dream, but decided to start a career protecting what I love…wild places and wild fish.
I pursued an MBA in Sustainable Business, and after graduating, spent the next few years working at two startups in biodiesel production and a green building software. After both startups failed, and learning the lesson that sustainability for the sake of sustainability is not enough (it must make business sense), I decided to create my dream job and launched Emerger Strategies in 2016 to prove the business case for sustainability.
Over the last ten years I have helped fishing & outdoor brands like Z-Man Fishing, RepYourWater, Crazy Creek and others turn sustainability into a competitive advantage by reducing operating costs, increasing customer loyalty, protecting revenue and mitigating risks, all while measuring, improving, and credibly communicating their sustainability efforts.
I am humbled to have been named one of the “50 Most Influential People” by Charleston Business Magazine, named “one of the fifteen people, places, and ideas forging the South of tomorrow“ by Garden & Gun Magazine in the April/May 2022 fifteenth anniversary issue, and featured in the 2021 Patagonia film DROP: Water Connects Us All.
If your brand needs guidance on the growing number of sustainability-related regulations, retailer sustainability compliance, or simply wants to do the right thing, I’d love to book a discovery call with you.
Protect what you love,
Rick
Real Results for Authentic Fishing & Outdoor Brands
$430K+ in reduced operating costs for clients
16.9% increase in customer loyalty driven by credible sustainability storytelling
Achieved Walmart Giga Guru recognition
- Improved CDP scores
We focus on intentional progress, not perfection. Explore Case Studies.
“Emerger Strategies has been an incredible partner for Crazy Creek. They’ve helped us comply with our REI Product Impact Standards and OIA’s Climate Action Corp requirements by measuring GHG emissions, setting science-based targets and creating a Climate Action Plan. This has set us up with a clear path to path to meet both our sustainability goals and GHG reduction targets.”
Karson Bagby, Co-Owner, Crazy Creek Products
“We have loved working with Emerger Strategies over the years to help us measure and improve our sustainability performance, including helping us effectively communicate the difference we are making, which has significantly increased our customer loyalty!”
Corinne & Garrison Doctor, Co-Owners, RepYourWater
“Emerger Strategies has been vital in helping us exceed our sustainability goals, and I highly recommend them to any company who needs help with retailer sustainability compliance! With Emerger Strategies’ comprehensive approach to sustainability, we have been able to take our reporting to the next level by employing their advanced knowledge, in addition to responding to and improving our scorecards for the annual CDP, THESIS and Project Gigaton reporting cycles.”
Carrie Orr, Sr. Director of Production & Compliance, Blue Sky
“We hired Emerger Strategies to analyze Z-Man’s sustainability performance, and after completing an assessment, Rick helped steer us towards installing solar at our headquarters, which has saved us about $80,000 per year on our power bill while also reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. I would recommend Emerger Strategies to any business who wants guidance on how to make the business case for sustainability.”
Daniel Nussbaum, CEO, Z-Man Fishing Products
Sustainability Is No Longer Optional — But It Shouldn’t Be Overwhelming
Since 2016, we have been a trusted partner to brands selling to: Walmart • Target • REI • Specialty Retailers
Smart 21st-century brands understand that sustainability isn’t going away, and here’s just a few reasons why measuring & improving your brand’s sustainability performance makes sense:
- Rising costs are squeezing margins
- Sustainability-related regulations are increasing
- Retailers expect credible sustainability data
- Consumers support brands that align with their values
- Assessments are time-consuming and unclear
Most brands don’t have the time, staff, or clarity to keep up — and guessing creates risk.
We help you move forward confidently and responsibly.
The Emerger Framework
A clear, practical path to a Compliance-Ready Brand.
MEASURE
REDUCE
COMPLY
PROFIT
Understand emissions, packaging, and retailer & regulatory risks.
Cut costs, waste, materials, emissions, turnover, and risks.
Meet retailer expectations, EPR for Packaging, PFAS, Climate, and FTC Green Guides regulations with confidence.
Protect margins, avoid fines, hedge rising costs, secure shelf space, and strengthen brand value.
We don’t sell sustainability. We build the business case behind it.
Our Core Services
World-class sustainability expertise—without hiring a full-time team.
Get Your Sustainability House in Order in 30 Days—Without Hiring a Full-Time Team.
Pricing: $5,000
Sustainability gap assessments, scorecards, and retailer reporting — done right in 120 Days.
Pricing: $16,000
Your complete sustainability department — assessments, emissions, reporting, compliance, and supply chain — without the overhead of hiring in-house.
Pricing: Custom, Let’s Talk.
Emerger Strategies is also a sustainability solutions provider, so we can offer your brand everything from more sustainable packaging options to sustainability software solutions.