Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Business Spotlight: Brokenstraw Outdoors Brings Innovation and Conservation to Hunting Enthusiasts

Jeremiah Pfadt, Owner and President of Brokenstraw Outdoors, was born and raised in the small town of North East; and has been a part of the local hunting and fishing community his entire life.

A few years ago, this passion for the outdoors developed into the invention of Jeremiah’s own patent-pending shooting rail, “The BOSS.”

Brokenstraw Outdoors Owner and President Jeremiah Pfadt

The BOSS is a sturdy and adjustable shooting rail, that creates a stable rest for an effective shot which, in turn, decreases the number of wounded animals.

In addition to contributing to the efficiency and fun of the sport, the BOSS also provides safety features for the hunter to help prevent injuries from slips or falls while in the tree stand.

As with many Pennsylvania outdoor recreation businesses, Jeremiah recognizes the importance of conserving our natural places to continue outdoor recreation opportunities for the future.

The rails are compact, lightweight, and easily portable.

With the creation of this shooting rail, Jeremiah’s business, Brokenstraw Outdoors, was born.

Named after Brokenstraw Creek in Pittsfield, the business has now expanded to provide various outdoor services, including wildlife habitat management.

Conserving our state’s natural resources while continuing to make outdoor recreation opportunities abundant now and for future generations is of utmost importance to Jeremiah.

An earthworks division is a huge component to the many aspects of Brokenstraw’s specialties that make this business unique.

Jeremiah offers numerous services to help landowners plan, create, and maintain a healthy environment for wildlife and ecosystems, especially whitetail deer.

These services include excavation, food plot establishment, forestry, and more.

His passion and respect for the land, wildlife, and the continuation of our state’s outdoor recreation opportunities is the driving force behind his business.

Jeremiah also strives to connect with other people and businesses involved with outdoor recreation and sees the opportunity that an Outdoor Business Alliance could offer.

“Networking is key to being successful, and gathering like-minded people to discuss the industry is a great way to keep making connections so we can continue effective practices of conservation across the Commonwealth,” said Jeremiah.

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If this business feature resonates with you, please be sure to complete the Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Industry Survey and register for an upcoming Business Engagement Workshop in March.

Moving forward together: Pennsylvania’s $18.9 billion outdoor recreation economy and opportunities for future coordination

By Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

Pennsylvania’s vast natural landscapes, from the Pennsylvania Wilds to the corners of the state, featuring miles of rivers and lush forests, make it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

But beyond offering scenic beauty and adventure, the outdoor recreation industry is becoming an economic powerhouse for the Commonwealth.

As demand for outdoor experiences rises, so does the potential for Pennsylvania to harness this momentum to benefit businesses, communities, and the broader economy.

Chris Perkins is Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, where he works to promote the sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation economy.

In my role at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), the nation’s leading coalition of organizations representing the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, I help bring together outdoor recreation activities from hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, hunting, and fishing, to boating, horseback riding, off-roading, RVing, hospitality, camping, and many others around the same table to illustrate outdoor recreation’s positive impacts to our economy and society alike.

And in this role, Pennsylvania continues to offer innovation and inspiration for states nationwide.

Outdoor Recreation Important Contributor to Pennsylvania Economy

Outdoor recreation in the Keystone State is more than just a weekend pastime — it’s a significant economic driver.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributes $18.9 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and supports 168,322 jobs.

When looking at Pennsylvania’s economy overall, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data tells an even more compelling story — outdoor recreation contributes more to

Pennsylvania’s economy than oil and gas extraction, utilities, trucking, warehousing, and data centers.

Since 2012, this critical sector for Pennsylvania has grown nearly 5 percent annually.  

Outdoor recreation’s economic impact is diversified and prevalent across the Commonwealth.

The industry includes businesses in outdoor gear manufacturing, tourism, guiding services, hospitality, and conservation efforts, all working together to fuel growth.

Activities like hiking, fishing, biking, and boating generate substantial revenue for local businesses, from outfitters and retailers to restaurants and lodging providers.

The demand for outdoor experiences has surged in recent years, particularly as people seek healthier, nature-based lifestyles. This increase in participation translates into job creation and economic stability for communities across the state.

That’s where Pennsylvania’s Elevate initiative comes in. Investing in outdoor businesses isn’t just good for entrepreneurs — it’s good for entire communities.

Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Industry

Many rural and small-town economies in Pennsylvania have historically relied on industries like manufacturing or coal mining, which have seen decline.

When outdoor businesses thrive, they create a ripple effect in local economies. Restaurants see more patrons, lodging providers experience higher occupancy rates, and local artisans and retailers benefit from increased foot traffic.

Additionally, the presence of strong outdoor recreation opportunities improves residents’ quality of life, making these communities more attractive places to live and work.

Pennsylvania has already carved out a leadership role through the creation of its Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2023 by Governor Shapiro, and now the Elevate initiative and the prospect of a new Pennsylvania Outdoor Business Alliance offers another leap forward.

Whether through policy support, business incentives, or public-private partnerships, the state has an opportunity to lead the way in demonstrating how outdoor recreation can be a major force for economic and community development.

To fully tap into Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation potential, businesses and stakeholders need to work together.

Coordination between outfitters, retailers, tourism boards, conservation groups, and policymakers can help create a more cohesive industry. By sharing resources, marketing efforts, and advocacy initiatives, businesses can amplify their impact and attract even more visitors.

By investing in infrastructure, fostering business development, and strengthening statewide collaboration, Pennsylvania can set the standard for outdoor recreation economies across the country.

Whether through policy support, business incentives, or public-private partnerships, the state has an opportunity to lead the way in demonstrating how outdoor recreation can be a major force for economic and community development.

As more people discover Pennsylvania’s outdoor offerings, the industry will continue to thrive.

Now is the time for businesses, policymakers, and community leaders to come together to ensure a bright and sustainable future for outdoor recreation in the Commonwealth.

WEBINAR: 2023 — A Tremendous Year for Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation Industry!

New data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry saw tremendous growth in 2023.

In this webinar, recorded Wednesday, December 11, the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation discussed the new data and provided context about what it means for the Commonwealth.

In addition, several outdoor recreation industry stakeholders shared their thoughts on what they are experiencing and how an effort to grow a unified and active outdoor recreation industry will provide more opportunity to make Pennsylvania a national leader in outdoor recreation, entrepreneurial opportunity, and job creation.

Speakers:

• Nathan Reigner, Director, Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation

• Dave Pryor, Co-Founder and Event Director, unPAved

• Matthew Smith, PREVAIL Ventures and ELEVATED Consulting

• Christie Colin, eComm Manager, PREVAIL Ventures

• Jennifer Marsh, VP of Business Development, Bedford County Development Association

• Silas Chamberlin, Principal, Firefly Outdoor + Economics