Oboz Footwear Partners with The Unity Folks to Launch “Unity in Motion”

December 3, 2025

Innovative program connecting the outdoor industry and higher education.

Bozeman, Mont., (December 3, 2025) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ — Oboz Footwear and The Unity Folks teamed up with Oboz retailer, FootsLoggers, and North Carolina State Parks at Lees-McRae College to welcome students and staff into the outdoor lifestyle and present pathways into the outdoor workforce through the inaugural Unity in Motion: Campuses Meet the Outdoors.

“We’ve been discussing with Earl and his team for a while about how to get more people of diverse backgrounds into the industry,” said Martijn Linden, Oboz Head of Brand and Product Strategy. “Unity in Motion is an opportunity to showcase our industry—from the retail floor to state parks to the brand level and beyond—to college students who might not otherwise consider a career path in the outdoors.”

Over 100 Lees-McRae College students and staff attended the program which began with a panel discussion lead by The Unity Folks founder and President Earl B. Hunter, Jr. The panel included Dr. Katie Wall, Lees-McRae College Program Coordinator for Outdoor Recreation Management and Wilderness Medicine and Rescue, Oboz Outreach and Education Specialist Peter Carioscia, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Park Superintendent Andy Sicard, as well as Kyle Moorcones and Hannah McCarraher of FootsLoggers. The group discussed the various jobs throughout the outdoor industry and ways to enter it.

Following the panel attendees went on group hikes on the nearby Hemlock and Holston Trails where they had the opportunity to test Oboz shoes and boots. The event culminated with a networking event and celebration which included Oboz shoes and Oboz x Unity Blaze insoles giveaways and where attendees received Unity Blaze pins and certifications in recognition of their completion of the Unity Blaze Academy.

“Lees-McRae College was the perfect location to pilot our Unity in Motion – Campus project, especially as the first certified Unity Blaze College back in 2023,” said Hunter. “We NEED more young folks, partners, and college and university students engaged in the outdoor industry. Our data shows they want to be strategically Invited and Welcomed. The success of our pilot proved we have the right recipe to attract them, and the tools and knowledge to help them get more involved. We believe in ROI plus – Return On Invitation + Unity = Participation and Revenue.”

Oboz and The Unity Folks are planning more Unity in Motion stops on college campuses around the country over the next year. If your college is interested in hosting a stop contact info@theunityfolks.com.

For more information on The Unity Folks and upcoming initiatives, visit theunityfolks.com.

About Oboz Footwear

Born of Bozeman, Montana, Oboz crafts outdoor footwear designed to strengthen the unique human-nature connection that’s rooted in the love of hiking. Inspired by the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Oboz delivers unmatched fit, exceptional feel, and outstanding performance. As a certified B Corp, every pair of Oboz Footwear sold helps plant trees. That’s millions of trees – and counting.  For more information, visit obozfootwear.com.

About The Unity Folks™

The Unity Folks™ is the parent company to an award-winning brand that helps the outdoor industry create welcoming customer experiences through strategic training, data-driven and cultural relevant marketing, and ROI-driven partnerships. Founded in 2019 as Black Folks Camp Too™, the company equips leaders with tools such as the Unity Blaze Academy, Unity Blaze Certification Program, and the Unity Blaze Map to ensure everyone is connected to the outdoor industry and lifestyle. Learn more at theunityfolks.com.

Media contact:

Michael Collin, Pale Morning Media
michael@palemorning.com
802-496-6082