The LandTrust Podcast

Beyond the Bro Deal: Bryan Koontz on Tech, Trust & the Real Influencers of the Outdoors


Listen Later

In this episode of the Outside’s Insiders series, Nic DeCastro sits down with Bryan Koontz, the founder and CEO of Guidefitter—a marketplace connecting 300+ outdoor brands with verified hunting, fishing, and outdoor professionals. From hunting whitetails in rural Maryland to studying engineering at MIT and working on early drone research in the DoD sector, Bryan brings a rare blend of field cred and technical chops to the hunting tech frontier.

They unpack the flaws in traditional pro purchase programs, why Guidefitter vets users like no one else, and how outdoor brands can turn real users—not influencers—into their most powerful advocates. Bryan also opens up about the challenges of navigating anti-hunting bias in tech, payment processing hurdles, and why mapping might just be a commodity in disguise.

If you're building, investing in, or just curious about the future of hunting, fishing, and outdoor rec tech—this episode is a must-listen.

  • The founding story of Guidefitter and why it’s more than a pro deal platform

  • The "real influencers" vs. Instagram models: why guides matter

  • Common failures in brand pro programs—and how to fix them

  • Activating pros as brand ambassadors (and why attribution is so hard)

  • Building trust with retailers while still selling direct

    • Anti-gun and anti-hunting friction with Meta, Google, and payment platforms
    • Why mapping might become a free utility (hot take!)
    •  

      👉 Check out what Bryan and the team are building at Guidefitter: Guidefitter connects outdoor brands with verified hunting, fishing, and outdoor professionals—power users who live the lifestyle and influence real purchasing decisions. Whether you’re a guide, outfitter, veteran, or just an avid outdoorsman, explore the platform and apply to join the Insider network. 🔗 ⁠https://www.guidefitter.com⁠

       

      👉 Book your next DIY hunting trip with LandTrust: LandTrust is the go-to platform for booking DIY hunts on private land. Whether you're after elk, whitetail, turkey—or just want a quiet place to fish, camp, or get outdoors—LandTrust connects you directly with landowners across the country. No outfitters, no crowds—just authentic outdoor experiences on your terms. 🔗 ⁠https://www.landtrust.com⁠

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      The LandTrust PodcastBy LandTrust