Welcome to wild rye
Our Mission is to bring women+ (women, femme, and non-binary identifying folks) beautiful and technical mountain apparel that inspires confidence and gets more women outside.
WHAT WE'RE HERE FOR
TO CREATE A WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE ACCESS POINT TO THE OUTDOORS:
Wild Rye serves women+ outdoor-lovers—from beginners to pros to après enthusiasts—regardless of age, background, size or skill level.
TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AND COMMUNITY:
We find that when women are comfortable and feel good in their own skin (and gear) it translates to confidence and thus participation in all aspects of life. Whether you’re at the front of the pack or taking the scenic route, we work to inspire connection and support however you enjoy the outdoors.
TO PROTECT THE PLACES WE PLAY:
We live and play in environmentally-sensitive regions—from the Sawtooths to the Sierras. But that isn't the only reason we're fiercely committed to a sustainable supply chain. Read more here.
TO CELEBRATE FRESH AIR AND FUN:
We believe there is no “right way” to get after it on a mountain bike or on the snow, and however you spend time outside should be celebrated—whether you're in it for the snack breaks, laughs and good times with friends or to set personal bests, we're all for it.
TO EMPOWER WOMEN-IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUALS FROM THE BACKCOUNTRY TO THE BOARDROOM:
In business, in life, in the outdoors, we're here to empower women+. We're dedicated to our partnership with SheJumps to empower women to get outside and our launch of Women-Led Wednesday aims to support women in business.
the team behind wild rye
Cassie Abel - CEO / FOUNDER / HBIC
Sun Valley based. Mom. Margarita professional.
WHY WILD RYE? After close to a decade in the outdoor industry, I knew women deserved better options. At Wild Rye, we're making those options a reality. And a community to match.
DOG: Kirby, Rotty/Shepherd mix
SHANNON ALLEN - VP OF PEOPLE & OPerationS, aka "the handler"
Sun Valley based. Mom of two. Taco + spicy marg fanatic.
WHY WILD RYE? With a passion for building and leading teams, working with the badass women at Wild Rye who get sh*t done and really lean-into the mountain town lifestyle is an all-time dream. We have big plans for Wild Rye and I’m so excited to work with this team to get us there.
DOG(S): 2x Boxer mom to Lucy (blind as a bat) + her seeing eye companion Tucker
Lauren Bertelson - Senior Product Development Manager
Sun Valley local. Rosé all day!
WHY WILD RYE? Wild Rye promotes confidence and inclusion from the office to the outdoors. Having worked in the apparel industry for over a decade, it is enlivening to be a part of a brand for women-identifying adventurers that supports and encourages our outdoor explorations.
DOG(S) Ziggy, Red Heeler
Kelsey Van Patten - product Designer
Encinitas based. Ramen connoisseur.
WHY WILD RYE? Merging a contemporary aesthetic with technical function is a necessary step in the right direction for women's outdoor gear.
CAT: Dusty, Russian Blue
dara mcdevitt - product line manager
Bozeman based. Lemon enthusiast.
WHY WILD RYE? I have been a fangirl of WR ever since I got my first pair of freel shorts, which I won in an Instagram giveaway several years ago (what are the chances!?). It's incredibly powerful when what brings you joy (riding bikes with babes!) and what you're good at (user-centered product creation and merchandising!) merge into an opportunity. I am so excited to be part of WR's mission to support more women getting outside and being able to look good/feel good while doing so—all while being a leader in environmental and social responsibility.
Dog(s): Aunt to Barely (aka Barely Boy) and sister to Django (aka Short Man). The sweetest boys.
Kendall Verge - Marketing & Brand Manager
Ketchum Based. Hydrates with Modelo.
WHY WILD RYE: I absolutely love working with a brand that celebrates and empowers women to do the things we love in the outdoors, while not taking ourselves too seriously and ALWAYS making time for aprés. I am inspired every day by my work for this amazing brand!
DOG: Hazel - heeler/hound mix. Old soul.
REN EGNEW - MARKETING COORDINATOR
Ketchum based. Noodle aficionado.
WHY WILD RYE: I love working for a company that cares so deeply about community, environmental stewardship, and maximizing fun in the outdoors. Couple that with a badass group of ladies, REALLY cute clothes, and the opportunity to live and play in my home state? It’s a no brainer.
DOG: Toast. Baja mutt. Mostly ears.
mariah agee - sales manager
Hails from Lake Tahoe, resides in Ketchum. Water gal. Tajín on everything.
WHY: With a passion for women's outdoor gear & getting women outside, I am stoked to join a brand that understands what is missing in our industry, and is working to blaze the fresh trails women have been searching for, all while creating an inclusive and fun community for all of us.
DOG: Naya - Mini Aussie Mix, Partner in Crime
KEELEY VESTMAN - Sales Coordinator
Ketchum Based, Bourbon Babe
WHY WILD RYE? As someone who has spent my whole life playing outside, I have found that quality and comfort in clothing is a key part in helping me continue to do so. It’s unique to have found a brand that excels at fit and function while also having stylish, fun-loving designs. Wild Rye has personally empowered me and so many other rad women to get after it, while also giving all of us the ability to feel confident and adventurous in any setting. Look good. Feel good. Send it. Shred it. Eat it. Wear it.
DOG(S): Zula- Australian Shepherd
colin johnson - business analyst
Data wizard. Cat dad. Token testosterone.
WHY WILD RYE? After years working in large corporate environments I was looking for a something different. Joining Wild Rye gave me the opportunity to align my love for the outdoors with my work life. Combine that with the chance to support a rad team and it was a match made in heaven. (Maybe I secretly want to learn how to mountain bike too!)
CATS: Whiskey, Tango, and Foxtrot
Abby dow - customer service
Hailey gal. plant mom. sun worshiper + forest bather.
WHY WILD RYE?
It is a dream come true to put my outdoor experience, product knowledge, and customer service skills to use on the daily and to work for an outdoor brand that is female-owned and operated, certified both B-Corp and Climate Neutral, and based in a small mountain town. I love that our team has shared values of protecting our environment, empowering women in the outdoors and in business, supporting the local community, being leaders in social responsibility, working hard + playing hard, and being stoked on the mountain lifestyle. Wild Rye walks the talk and is such a genuine, down to earth, badass, warm, fun-loving company.