Pisgah Forest entrepreneurs Mike and Susie McKearin `02 are excited to unveil their latest venture, Crystal Creek Gear Company. Their flagship product, the GoReel, was born from their active lifestyle while on a bike ride with their four children. The McKearins found, as many parents do, that traditional fishing rods are clumsy and difficult for small children to cast and control, not to mention difficult to transport. Instead of having to choose between a bike ride and fishing, Mike decided to improve the ancient technology of the hand reel and created the GoReel. It features an ergonomically designed preloaded hand reel and two tackle containers complete with dividers and stocked with premium tackle, all packaged in a chic, twist lock case.
The GoReel has been making waves in the outdoor industry resonating with a broad spectrum of customers. While Mike created the GoReel with children in mind, it’s not surprising that the product struck a chord with the survivalist community. You can find Mike and the Crystal Creek team at Georgia Bushcraft gatherings, where minimalists and survivalists alike fawn over the GoReel’s innovative design. With an established market and loyal customers, Crystal Creek has begun injection molding the GoReel to keep up with high demand. Whether you’re a parent of a young child, a beginner looking to learn more about the sport, or a dedicated angler, the GoReel is for you!
Mike and Susie `02 met while students at Brevard College in the Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education (WLEE) Program. While completing their degrees, Mike and Susie fell in love with each other and the local community before settling in Pisgah Forest permanently. Over the last two decades, Mike and Susie have been involved in numerous entrepreneurial endeavors in Transylvania County and are proud to call Pisgah Forest home with their four children.
Mike and Susie have applied lessons from their WLEE degrees to their business philosophy, personifying the versatility of experiential education. Their willingness to engage and evaluate risk, ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a team, and commitment to skill progression have all translated directly to their diverse portfolio.
After graduating, Mike and Susie quickly began contributing to the local economy. Susie saw a gap in the market and started the Brevard Rock Gym, which still hosts the BC Climbing Club, while Mike acquired Looking Glass Outfitters, the only climbing shop in Transylvania County at the time. While their passion became their profession, the demands of owning a brick-and-mortar ironically kept them from climbing as often as they wanted.
In short, Mike and Susie McKearin’s story is another example of passion meeting innovation in the BC alumni community. Their love for the outdoors and commitment to making fishing more accessible has led to the creation of the popular GoReel, a product that resonates with anglers of all skill levels. They’ve built their businesses on community, experience, and a genuine desire to improve the outdoor experience. Check out Crystal Creek Gear Company to join the fun, and keep your eyes peeled for the McKearin family on public lands in Transylvania County!