Mike Overton is a well-known business and community leader in the Lowcountry. From humble beginnings as a windsurfing school in 1979, Outside Brands has grown into a dynamic four-division business with operations in South Carolina and Georgia.

Driven by a mission to enrich lives by connecting people to exceptional places, products and experiences, Outside Brands offers fully customized group travel services, team-building programs, activities and specialty retail.

in young people and advocating for the protection of our planet’s natural resources.

Nowhere is this more evident than at Page Island, which is owned and operated by Outside Brands. Page Island is a 40-acre chain of hammock islands tucked between Daufuskie Island, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and Palmetto Bluff. The secluded location offers the opportunity for guests to unplug from the “real” world and be truly immersed in the tidal salt marsh environment.

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That mission drives forward this successful business and Overton has been known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to environmental preservation for more than 40 years.

In 2014, Overton founded The Outside Foundation, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation, environmental preservation, and protection. As a board member of the Foundation, he remains committed to fostering a love of nature

Those lucky enough to have experienced this magical place can confirm that Overton not only talks the talk but also walks the walk in environmental preservation. Page Island is a testament to his deep-rooted commitment to the environment and he is truly in his element as he hosts private events, cruises and kayak tours at this special destination.

Overton’s commitment to the environment is demonstrated through multiple sponsorships and support for other nonprofit organizations. A recent partner-

Please see OUTSIDES on page 20A

OUTSIDES from page 18A ship with the Coastal Discovery Museum to sponsor an osprey nest, as part of the OpsreyWatch program, is a natural fit for the company as the museum aims to pursue, preserve, and promote the care of the Lowcountry.

“Outside Brands offers a team of passionate leaders and talented outdoorspeople who share a deep connection with our natural environment,” said Overton. “The partnership with Coastal Discovery Museum is just one of the ways Outside Brands is dedicated to connecting people through sustainable ecotourism.”

Preparing for the future is one of the things that most drives Overton as he builds the company for continued success through its fifth decade and beyond. In recent months he has appointed to his leadership team women who are in the forefront of ecotourism, sustainability, and local business.

Sharon Sutton is the new director of human resources, with Sarah Tillman as the company’s chief financial officer, Jennifer Messier as their new director of risk management and strategy, and Anne Kelley as the Outside Destinations Management (DMC) team’s new business development manager.

In the specialty retail arena, Jessie Madden has been named director of retail. Madden oversees all three Outside retail locations – Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Bluff, and Savannah – with the vision to enrich lives by connecting people to exceptional products with a sustainable mission.

“We are so fortunate to expand our Outside team and welcome these impressive individuals. Their experience will take us to the next level as we look to expand into different parts of the Lowcountry,” Overton said.

For more information about Outside Brands, visit outsidebrands.com and follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Lesley Francis is a marketing professional, writer and columnist covering the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire.