Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Rao.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Heidi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all began after graduate school in 1998. I started working with multiple state and federal agencies in the fields of natural resources and wildlife management. While employed, I took the skills with these various agencies and applied them while volunteering with various organizations whose goal was to increase the participation of adults and kids into outdoor activities.
In 1999 I became a small business owner and a published author, dedicated to introducing adults and kids to the outdoors through outdoor products, seminars, and pieces of training.
My clientele includes men, women, and children who are looking to learn the skills needed to participate in various outdoor activities.
I also cater to businesses, companies, and organizations requesting a speaker or a presentation. Some of my topics include outdoor safety, outdoor opportunities, outdoor opportunities for women, firearm safety, how to introduce your kids to the outdoors, and how to be safe in the outdoors.
As my business has grown, about 1/2 of my clientele are individuals and about 1/2 are businesses.
Of the individuals, about 75% of those who contact me are women, specifically single women or women with children.
I give a lot of presentations to a variety of organizations. Many are women groups as well as groups that are predominately female.
A lot of my business requests are teaching women how to be comfortable around firearms and introduce them to the shooting sports. I take an individual, male or female, introduce them to a firearm, teach them the terminology and fundamentals, remove their perceived or real barriers of firearms, and make them completely comfortable.
In the past, I’ve tried to incorporate formal training with my students, but have found that it is difficult to remove the pressure of “formal” training. Throughout my 20 years of experience, I’ve eliminated the “formal” training component and only concentrate on the individual feeling comfortable with the firearm.
Why is my business unique? It is unique because is personalized to the individual. For example, in regards to firearms training, there are a lot of businesses that focus on teaching customers how to shoot a gun, how to defend themselves, and how to obtain their license to carry a firearm. I focus on the step right before that – the first step: teaching men and women how to be comfortable around a firearm.
What makes my business truly unique is that I cater to other businesses, companies, and organizations as well as individuals. If a business is looking for a presentation during their required monthly safety meeting, managers’ meeting, or if they are requesting a speaker for a safety program, meeting, retreat, social, expo, or other events, I can come to their location and tailor to their request. I can deliver a customized, hands-on presentation ranging from a variety of outdoor and safety topics, camping and hiking safety, firearm safety, wildlife management, big game hunting, and most any other customized request about an outdoor topic.
My dedication to introducing people to the outdoors has materialized over the years. In 2009 I proposed, developed and successfully coordinated a family-oriented free event held at Discovery Green, Downtown Houston, called “Take Me Outdoors Houston.”
This event introduces attendees to outdoor activities in Houston’s big backyard, from a variety of exhibitors who provide hands-on opportunities to show and tell their resources and all their facility or organization has to offer. This annual expo continues to grow, reaching 1000’s of attendees each year.
Lastly, I conduct event planning for outdoor venues, that is related to hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. I’ve coordinated small local events all the way up to international conferences.
I am involved with several local, state and national committees and organizations which promote the recruitment and retention of men, women, and youth in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and the shooting sports.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My only (perceived) obstacle was being a female involved in hunting and the shooting sports in a male-dominated environment. BUT — once I entered this arena, I quickly realized that everyone was very accepting and it has been a lot of fun. My misconception that women are not ‘welcomed’ was misguided. I encourage all women to try it!
According to research, 72 percent more women are hunting with firearms today than just five years ago. And 50 percent more women are now target shooting. Teenage girls are the fastest growing market in sports shooting.
Please tell us about North American Outdoors.
North American Outdoors was created to introduce people to the great outdoors. With over 20 years’ experience in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and exploring other types of outdoor activities, my mission has grown to help others enjoy those same opportunities.
I’ve traveled extensively to better my education as a trainer and facilitator, and have acquired numerous certifications relevant to my training. I not only have research knowledge, I have hands-on, real-life experience in the outdoors.
North American Outdoors specializes in helping people gain the knowledge they need achieve what they feel is a satisfying outdoor experience.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is when I first appreciated wilderness.
I cannot recall how old I was, but I remember staring at the horizon watching a sunset. As the sun was setting it dawned on me that this was the same sunset that everyone across the country could enjoy at this exact same moment.
I was in awe that this magnificent sight was available to anyone who chose to appreciate its beauty. All anyone would have to do is know it was available to them, and where to find it.
I guess looking back, this was the beginning of my journey to teach people to enjoy the natural wonders of our world, and introduce them to the great outdoors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NorthAmericanOutdoors.org
- Phone: 281.435.0569
- Email: NorthAmericanOutdoors@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthAmericanOutdoors/
- Twitter: @heidi_rao62699
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
