Meet Mike Gentile | Overland Gear & Supply Shop Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Gentile and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The overland and vehicle accessory market has experienced massive growth, A majority of the products are expensive and the only p[ace to see them other than online is at a semi annual overland expo on thee East & West coast. Meaning, unless you live in one of the two show regions, seeing these products are nearly impossible. With the price tags high and interest levels growing, we wanted to create a place for consumers to shop these items in person and allow for an experience that encouraged folks to climb inside, compare and contrast. With so many manufacturers and multiple styles to choose from, our goal was to minimize decision fatigue.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We built this business because we weren’t finding anything like it. We had questions, concerns, and the options to get answers were often atypical of the outdoor industry. “If you need to ask, you shouldn’t be here” felt like the mentality for folks shopping gear in the overland industry. Websites were outdated, staff was rude. I felt like with this growing industry filled with unique products and premium prices, there needed to be a premium experience. An unbias resource that not only had a physical location, but an educated and more importantly friendly staff to help guide you through the process. We sell high end accessories for adventure vehicles, an adult motorsports version of a candy store. We wanted people to walk in our store and be enthralled, whether they were buying or not.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d take them down to the art district for some good food, great breweries and colorful streets.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I looked up to my father, a business owner and entrepreneur himself. He taught me at a young age if you can’t find what you want, do it yourself. I also worked for start ups in thee digital technology space for over a decade under CEO’s willing to listen, adapt and and do right. Each company I worked for I learned about leadership, growth and how to overcome challenges in a competitive market,

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