Stan Gearboy received his undergraduate degree form the University of Oregon. While at the University Stan was on both the cycling and the cross country ski team. It was in college where Stan began to realize that he truly enjoyed pushing his body and mind aerobically.
After school Stan worked at R.E.I., initially on the sales floor for two years, moving to a managerial position soon thereafter. Stan worked at R.E.I. for five years getting a complete picture of the retail outdoor market. Stan had always had the dream to own his own business but felt that he did not have a complete enough skill set to risk his own money so he thought it would be prudent to go back to school for a Masters in Business.
Stan chose Southern Oregon University in Ashland based on its active culture and proximity to the mountains. While at school Stan knew in the back of his mind that he wanted to open a retail establishment. Stan recognized that there was no need for a bicycle shop as there were plenty in the city. What Stan did realize was that there was a true lack of sources of men's aerobic sports clothing retailers.
After his first year in school Stan knew this was the category that he wanted to work in. He went through his second year of school with this idea in mind, formulating parts of the business plan while he was still in school. Two months after graduation, after applying and receiving a significant loan through the school's entrepreneurship program, Stan began to work full time on Gear Wear.
Stan will begin operations with a few key positions:
| Personnel Plan | |||
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
| Stan | £24,000 | £30,000 | £33,000 |
| Sales staff | £27,000 | £35,000 | £40,000 |
| Support Staff | £22,500 | £27,000 | £29,000 |
| Bookkeeper | £19,700 | £24,000 | £28,000 |
| Total People | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| Total Payroll | £93,200 | £116,000 | £130,000 |