Business & Tech
ENCORE: Outdoor Recreations' Rob Shoeman Makes Work Look Like Child's Play
Running an outdoor playground company involves work and play for Rob Shoeman, owner of Outdoor Recreations. The Waukee native shares his fondness for doing business surrounded by family and friends.
Editor's note: This story originally ran on Sept. 8, 2011 but we figured, with it temperatures getting more summer-like, showcasing Rob Shoeman certianly wouldn't hurt his ourdoor recreation store.
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Who: Rob Shoeman
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Age: 42
His history as a Waukee native and business owner: Shoeman has owned and operated Outdoor Recreations for 14 years, and has 12 additional years of experience in the outdoor playground industry.
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The company sells high-end outdoor playground equipment, basketball courts, and pool tables to commercial and residential customers.
Shoeman has owned other businesses in Waukee, including the bar that is now Sidetracks. His family owned a century farm north of Waukee that dates back 110 years.
The Hickman Road site holds nostalgia for Shoeman; it had previously been occupied by a truck stop, Dairy Queen and other businesses.
“I remember sitting in this office as a kid watching football games,” he said.
Why he chose Waukee: “Opportunity, I guess,” Shoeman said of the high-profile location that is also close to his home. His business isn’t limited to local traffic, with many metro and statewide sales.
“I drove around and around for a few months,“ Shoeman said. “I needed somewhere with low overhead and good visibility. I still get 50 percent of my business from people who drive by here. A little over 22,000 vehicles pass through here daily.”
What he loves about working in Waukee: “It’s my hometown, and I love running up the street to visit the old haunts,” Shoeman said.
What makes him notable: Shoeman thinks his family history in the community is noteworthy, as well as Outdoor Recreations’ commitment to Waukee through community projects, including those for Waukee High School, the YMCA and local parades.
Why you should get to know him: “I’m a fun guy, and easy to get along with," he said. "I’m a people person. I am not a typical salesperson. I don’t hound people.”
You can visit Rob at Outdoor Recreations at 830 Hickman Road or on the website.
Details
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday
Phone: (515) 987-7759
Email: rob@outdoorrecreations.net