Creative strategist, operator, and entrepreneur with experience spanning global brands, large-scale real-world experiences, and building an outdoor hospitality company from the ground up.
ABOUT ME
Sam 'Degs' Degenhard
Sam Degenhard
Based in San Diego
I believe the best solutions do more than solve the problem. They bring a brand to life.
My career has taken me from bike and ski shops to Red Bull’s U.S. headquarters, from leading Red Bull Rampage to founding the hospitality company, Campfire Ranch. Across every chapter, I’ve been drawn to the work of turning ideas into experiences people can see, feel, and remember.
DEGWORKS is my independent practice that brings those chapters together. I work at the intersection of strategy, creativity, operations, and entrepreneurship to help organizations develop consumer-forward solutions that can succeed in the real world. Depending on the challenge you are facing, I can join as a fractional team member, project-specific lead, or consultant & advisor.
PHILOSOPHY
HOW I THINK.
STRATEGY HAS TO WORK IN THE REAL WORLD
A good strategy accounts for the people, resources, constraints, and decisions required to make it real. It should create clarity and momentum, not just another presentation that sits in a drive.
YOUR BRAND SHOULD LIVE THROUGH THE SOLUTION
Solving the immediate problem is only part of the work. The right solution should feel true to your brand, engage the customers it serves, and create value beyond serving as a quick-fix.
HOSPITALITY CREATES BELONGING
Creating a culture of hospitality in your organization is an investment in your team and your customers. It means putting people at the center of your value proposition, considering how each interaction feels, and delivering more value than is reasonably expected.
RECOGNITION
INDUSTRY ACCOLADES.
2025
OUTSIDE™ Ignite Startup Competition
People's Choice Winner
2025
OUTSIDE™ Ignite Startup Competition
Overall Runner-up
2023
OUTSIDE™ Online
Best Backcountry Cabin in Colorado
2023
Western Colorado University Alumni Awards for Excellence
Keynote Speaker
2022
VF™ Venture Foundry Startup Accelerator
Top-8 Finalist
2022
Moosejaw Outdoor Industry Startup Accelerator
Top-10 Finalist
2020
Colorado OEDIT Opportunity Zone Capital Accelerator