photograph by Travis Long

“I love being active, I love being outdoors, and I love community. I love being face-to-face with people all day and learning about them…and developing relationships.” – Kyle Denis, co-owner, Apex Outfitter & Board Co.

Five years ago, Kyle Denis helped open a shop called Tobacco Road Outdoors in Asheville. A few years later, he took the opportunity to buy the outdoor sportswear store. It coincided with a chance to move back closer to his wife Megan’s native Cary for her job as a therapist. Kyle took the transition as an opportunity to move and completely rebrand the store. In September 2012, Apex Outfitter opened its doors. “We’ve put all of our eggs into the Apex basket,” says Kyle, now 31, of the small-town location that is also his home. The store was such an immediate success that the Denises quickly added its most unique feature: a board shop. “Board sports have always been a passion of mine,” Kyle says. “Whether it’s skateboarding, surfing, wakeboarding. I love it all. We also rent and sell stand-up paddleboards.” As the weather warms up, look for Apex Outfitter & Board Co.-sponsored activities at Lake Jordan and Harris Lake. “We try to create as many events as possible to get our customers out there.”

Apex Outfitter & Board Co.: 225 N. Salem St., Apex and apexoutfitter.com.