Kansas. It would not typically be high on an adventure seeker’s bucket list, especially if they are looking for easy beach access or intense mountain hikes. But if you ask outdoorsman Anthony Glassman, adventure is still out there, even in the Midwest.
“We really have to go out and seek adventure due to what we are limited to topography-wise, but making the most out of 50 feet of elevation shows so much commitment and tells a more compelling story,” he said.
His commitment to adventure has turned this lifelong biker and clothing buff into a business owner, opening a Midwest-inspired and outdoor retail store in 2023.
“I wanted to combine my love for both clothing and the outdoors into a lifestyle brand that could take risks and evolve,” Glassman said. “ I based it in the Midwest market due to knowing how much outdoor activity we have that doesn't get the attention like in Colorado or California.”
Known for its prairies and rolling hills, Kansas offers a more mellow biking experience, something that Glassman took advantage of when learning how to bike river trails as a kid in his hometown of Hays, Kansas. The experience of biking Midwest terrain for many years has profoundly influenced Glassman and is reflected even in the name of his store.
“It is essentially the way I see riding a bike in the country,” Glassman said. “We're not sailing on water, we're ‘Prairie Sailors’.”
Located on Johnson Drive in downtown Mission, Kansas, the Prairie Sailor storefront is stocked with all that a shopper could ever need when planning their next Midwest adventure.
“Although we have a healthy amount of it, we aren't just a bike clothing brand. We are a Midwest outdoor lifestyle brand. Our denim alone is one of our best-selling products,” Glassman said. “I personally have designed and built not only the store, but also each stitch and graphic of everything we offer in the store. Oh, and we have beer!”
Glassman’s personal touch in the details stems from his love of clothing and style from a young age, admitting how he watches movies and shows for the sole purpose of analyzing their fashion choices.
“I will completely miss the plot lines and just focus on the clothing,” he said. “ I had to watch James Bond: Quantum of Solace at least six or seven times in the theatre…the clothing and style that was designed for that movie was just very motivating and interesting to me.”
Riding the waves of owning a business can be extremely stressful. While Glassman has felt the weight of responsibility with his store, he has also felt the weight lifted thanks to the support of his community.
“I will say it a thousand times, I have the best customers. They care about what we are doing, and they help share the story of what we are trying to do,” he said. “ I just want the chance to keep growing the community and making better and better clothes and products season after season. I want to serve the customer quality so they can brag about what they are wearing and where they got it from. Rep the brand that reps you.”
Seeing the Prairie Sailor brand in the Kansas City Metro area is a dream come true for Glassman. Waiting for the right time to invest in a store took many years and lots of hard work. While the temptation to think about expanding in the future is very real, focusing on growing their flagship store is what Glassman’s sights are set on.
“I have never been happier and more passionate about my work. I get to do exactly what I have dreamed about and built toward for a long time. Plus, I get validation from people coming in and asking questions while they are shopping,” he said. “I can't thank those enough who have helped me get started, and we hope to be around for a long, long time.”
Even though life managing the store is busy these days, Glassman will always make time to hit the prairie for a chance to soak in the great outdoors. After all, the great outdoors should be just that.
“I truly believe that being outdoors is the best way to spend your free time. Being able to escape with friends or by yourself really seems cathartic to me,” he said. “ I don't compete in many events or make it stressful. I want the outdoors to be fun and relaxing, just like riding the river trails used to be.”
Rep the brand that reps you.
I truly believe that being outdoors is the best way to spend your free time.