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

Hi Samantha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
LUE Outdoors started during a time in my life when I had to figure out how to begin making an income again: For the previous 3 years I had been battling health issues. Due to my health I could not promise to be reliable, and in turn did not get hired (except for odd jobs), so I was unemployed for most of that time. What business owner/manager wants to hire someone they cannot rely on to work their shift? The summer of 2018 LUE Outdoors began as an Ambassador and affiliate business for companies in the Outdoors and Snowboard Industries, and then we did a collaboration with Findlay Hats (Spring 2020), grew to be an online retailer (Summer 2020), and from there our journey has continued.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
LUE Outdoors tries to offer a wide range of products that most people do not think of when getting ready for a camping trip, a day on the mountain, or even a quick hike. Things like Minimalist Eco-Friendly Basic Neccessities – like Kula Cloth Pee Cloths, Change Toothpaste Tablets, Redbud Suds, Patch Biodegradable Bandaids, and T’s Tonics Grab Salve. But we also carry the things we all need, such as Sunscreen, SPF Lip Balm, Sunglasses, Beanies, Clothing, and really great hiking/skiing/snowboard/cycling Socks.

LUE Outdoors wants to support and see small businesses grow. That is why most of the brands we carry are from small businesses. We also pride ourselves on working with companies that are eco-friendly and/or socially conscious. And, Being a Colorado Proud business, we also try to work with as many amazing Colorado companies as we can. We want to support our local communities as much as possible, while also offering top quality gear, clothing, and accessories at affordable prices.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

A couple of Summer ideas
– Hiking. Where depends on their experience level, and what they are looking for in a hike. Some popular trails for people who have not been here are the Troll in Breckenridge, Mohawk Lakes, Boreas Pass, the areas around Green Mtn Reservoir, Democrat – Lincoln – Bross, Quandary Peak, Oro Grande, and the Peru Creek area.
– Boating & Fishing on Lake Dillon
– Frisco Adventure Center (summer and winter)
– Rafting on the Colorado
– Swan Mtn Rec Path/Sapphire Point
– Events and Concerts
– Loveland Pass

A couple of Winter ideas –
– Snowboarding, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing
– Snowmobiling
– Tubing
– Visit the Ice Castle, and the Ice Sculptures
– Ice Skating in Breckenridge or Keystone
– Events and Concerts

Food –
We do not eat out a lot, so I do not know a lot of the restaurants here, and they change often. I can only recommend a few, as I only go to a few.
– An obvious one to visit, because this is where the LUE Outdoors store will be located, is Bluebird Market, where you will find a variety of restaurants, and a cool bar.
– Kenosha Breck
– Burke & Riley’s
– The Cala Pub & Restaurant
– Last Chance Pizza
– Lake Dillon Tavern (Pizza)
– Mountain Lyon Cafe
– Cool River Coffee House
– Sunshine Cafe
– Hacienda Real
– Blue River Bistro
– Hearthstone
– Nozawa Sushi

– The Blue Fish
I guess I can name a few more than I thought as I could go on.

Summit County pretty much always has something going on, and there are tons of fun things to do. What to do all depends on the person and their interests.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are quite a few people who deserve a Shoutout.

The women who inspired my love of retail, and the desire to one day have my own store, were Michelle Stephens Schroeder when she was my manager at 129 South Activewear in Breckenridge, and Annie Evans, the owner of Joy of Sox in Breckenridge, during my three years with her.

My family and dearest friends, who have been there for me professionally and personally throughout the years. Without their love, confidence in me, and cheerleading, there is no way I would have the confidence to now go after the forementioed dream. Especially my mother, who is sadly no longer with us, but absolutely deserves the most credit for my success. And without my amazing dad, there would be no LUE Outdoors Store opening.
And we cannot forget the first companies who gave me a chance by working with them when LUE Outdoors began as an Ambassador or Affiliate. Companies like Kemper Snowboards, Kula Cloth, Alpine Start Coffee, Drop Mfg, and Larq.

Website: lueoutdoors.com

Instagram: @lueoutdoors

Facebook: LUEoutdoors

Other: Pinterest: lueandryder

Image Credits
– 1st photo is of me at Grand Prismatic Spring; photo taken by my friend Carla Matte – Rendering of Bluebird Market is from the Bluebird Market Website – I made the png images – The last photo is my son and I when we went on a camping trip around Southwestern Colorado. This particular day we were at Mesa Verde.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.