Celebrating International Women's Day with Outdoor Tech: A Chat with Katy Petroff

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the women who are making waves in the outdoor and tech industries. At Outdoor Tech, we’re proud of the amazing women who help drive our mission forward.

Today, we’re excited to share an inspiring conversation with one of our very own, Katy Petroff. Her journey in the industry, her love for the outdoors, and her commitment to making a positive impact on the planet are just a few of the reasons we’re lucky to have her at Outdoor Tech.

For Katy, what she loves most about working at Outdoor Tech is the people. "Our team is incredible," she says. "From the close-knit internal team to our external partners, we’ve created a dynamic and supportive environment that makes coming to work each day a joy." The relationships at Outdoor Tech are the heart of everything we do, and Katy’s appreciation for this community really shines through. It’s the camaraderie and collaboration that fuel her passion and drive for success.

Katy’s journey into the outdoor industry was unexpected, but she’s never looked back. "I was recruited to join the team, and while I’ve worked in retail for many years, the outdoor industry was something new for me,".  With 19 years of experience working in various retail roles, she had already built a strong foundation in customer service. But joining Outdoor Tech was a chance to do something different and meaningful. "Being able to curate an assortment with purpose, interact with customers, and make decisions that prioritize the planet keeps me motivated every day. It’s what drives me to make Outdoor Tech a thoughtful and well-rounded company."

Choosing just one favorite product from Outdoor Tech is no easy task for Katy, but the Orbit headphones stand out. "I use them every day at the office—they’re comfortable, sound great, and fit perfectly into my daily routine." But when it comes to family adventures, the Bolt speaker is always by her side. "The Bolt comes with us everywhere! We take it to the pool with the kids, to the golf course with my husband, and to the pickleball court with me. It’s versatile, durable, and perfect for any activity." It’s clear that Katy’s life is filled with outdoor fun, and our products are right there alongside her every step of the way.

Some of Katy’s fondest childhood memories come from summers spent at her family cabin on Silver Lake near Kirkwood Ski Resort. "I have so many amazing memories of hiking, fishing, and playing in the lake and nearby potholes," she reminisces. But now, as a parent, her favorite memories are the ones she gets to make with her children. "Watching them learn to ski in Mammoth, taking adventure walks through the Carmel Valley mountains, and swimming in Lake Arrowhead are some of my most treasured moments." For Katy, the outdoors is a space of connection—not just with nature, but with the people she loves most.

When it comes to advice for women looking to grow in the outdoor or tech industries, Katy has some wise words. "Believe in yourself and your ideas," she says. "If there’s something you don’t understand, ask questions until you figure it out. Networking is key—you’d be surprised at what you can learn just by listening to others." She also emphasizes the importance of building a strategy for success. "Success looks different for everyone, but a well-thought-out strategy, paired with a strong team, is essential." Her advice is clear: grow, learn, and empower others along the way.

If given the chance, Katy would love to go on an adventure with Rebecca Messina, a leader in marketing with a diverse background. "It would be fascinating to learn from Rebecca," she shares. "She’s such an accomplished leader, and I’m sure the adventure would be filled with amazing insights and fun moments."

As we celebrate International Women's Day, we’re grateful for the women who are pushing boundaries, creating change, and inspiring others—like Katy. Her story is a testament to the power of following your passion, building meaningful connections, and making a difference in both the outdoor and tech industries.

At Outdoor Tech, we’re committed to supporting women in the workplace and beyond. Whether it's through our products, partnerships, or community, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow.

So, here’s to the women leading the charge in the outdoor and tech worlds—keep inspiring us all. And remember, the adventure is always just beginning.