outdoor style
Story and photo by Susan O'Connor

Real style is a way of life. As a purveyor of the latest trends in outdoor and workout wear, Amanda Herget lives the lifestyle.

Amanda, along with husband, Ted Herget, own and operate Gearhead Outfitters, a true destination shopping experience in downtown Jonesboro, with a location at The Mall at Turtle Creek. With brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Merrill, Life is Good and Skirt Sports, Gearhead offers style plus quality.

“These companies truly back their merchandise,” she said. “That’s why we chose the brands that we sell. They are a little more expensive, but the quality is worth it. And these companies have gone from clothing that looked like mountain gear to more trendy styles taken from the fashion world.”

Ted began Gearhead on Flint Street prior to meeting Amanda. At that time, the store specialized primarily in bike sales, repair and apparel, in addition to boats, canoes and camping gear.

In 2002, Amanda visited the store with a friend who was Christmas shopping for her husband. At the time, she was a fifth grade teacher in the Nettleton School District.

“We started talking,” she said smiling, “and we had lots of mutual friends. He called me after that. We had the best first date I’ve ever been on. It was like I’d known him all my life.”

Later that year, Ted bought the building downtown at a time when the renovation of the area was just beginning. “Downtown was basically boarded up,” Amanda said. “I thought, ‘This is going to be a lot of work.’” The evolution of Gearhead has been a boon to the revitalization of downtown Jonesboro.

The couple married on Jan. 1, 2003, and their son, Harrison, was born in October 2004. After Harrison’s birth, Amanda chose not to return to teaching and began helping Ted in the store.

“There was a need for me. The store was getting bigger and Ted just needed help. He needed someone to share the load with. Ted said, ‘We need a feminine touch in here.’ And women would say, ‘You have so much for men, but what do you have for me when I bike and work out?’”

So, Amanda began buying the store’s apparel, with input from Ted and employee Heath Gammill, who manages the mall location. The Hergets travel to market twice a year in Salt Lake City, Utah.

They also can be seen biking and running around Jonesboro, living the lifestyle.

What are some of the current trends in the fashion world you see moving into workout wear? The color purple! Lavender, plum, orchid, or any variation of the three. For ladies, the more feminine, the better! The workout skirt will be seen outside of the tennis courts. You will see them on runners, cyclists and aerobics instructors. Skirt Sports was the original designer of the “running skirt.” It is my favorite women’s athletic line.

What are your best selling items this season? Anything by The North Face! A great purchase is the Apex Bionic Jacket for men, women and kids. This jacket is windproof, water resistant and warm without bulk — perfect for many outdoor activities.

What do you enjoy most about the Salt Lake City area? We love the atmosphere of mountain towns! When we attend market, we always stay in Park City. The views are breathtaking. When we attend summer market, we hike, run and bike the amazing trails. At winter market, we can snow ski.

As a runner, what items of apparel can you not live without? My Native Hardtop sunglasses, Headsweats running hat and SmartWool socks. For colder weather, my ToughGirl tights and Skirt Sports and Brooks Vapor Dry hoodie are a must! I run in Mizuno Wave Inspire stability shoes.

What are the biggest changes in your business since you moved downtown? Absolutely everything, except the name and owner! Moving downtown has allowed us the ability to grow. We have increased our square footage, but more importantly, we have developed as a company. We are fortunate to be a part of the restoration of downtown Jonesboro. We are very lucky to have a very loyal, hardworking and knowledgeable staff, which allowed us the ability to open the mall location. It also gives us an opportunity to take an active part in community events. Most out of town customers ask where they can find other Gearhead stores and think we are a chain! That is a huge compliment.

What is the best part of working with your husband in business as a team? I have learned so much working with Ted. I am so laid back and sometimes need an extra push to get my day going. Ted doesn’t accept laziness. He is very passionate and practices what he preaches every day. He is the hardest worker I know. Just watching him makes me want to be a better person. In working together, we are able to balance the everyday stresses of the business. On days when I feel overwhelmed, Ted says, ‘Don’t worry. WE will get it done.’ I love knowing that I have him on my side.

What is your favorite vacation destination? We love to travel! We have joked about buying an Airstream RV when we retire, but we do love finding great hotels. We plan vacations around business trips or races. Our favorite spots are Park City, Utah, Panama City Beach, Fla., and Palmetto’s Bluff, S.C. Ted recently raced in Lake Placid, N.Y., and Kona, Hawaii. Both locations were fabulous!