Rod Johnson, the founder and owner of Midwest Mountaineering, who described himself as a “long-haired hippie with no credit and no formal business education” when he started the business out of his kitchen in 1970, has begun a search for his Minneapolis-based specialty store’s potential new owner.

“I don’t want to sell the store to some faceless corporation, and I don’t want to close the doors and liquidate the inventory for an easy profit,” he said in a statement. “I want to find a person who can run Midwest Mountaineering for the next 50 years, someone who truly understands that it’s not about how much you sell, or how much money you make. It’s about getting people outdoors.”

Johnson is seeking out general manager candidates for Midwest Mountaineering, promising the winning candidate an annual salary of $85,000, training on the intricacies of the business, and a pathway to ownership. Interested parties are advised to send a letter of interest to him at: rjohnson@midwestmtn.com.

“The last few years have been remarkably profitable, as outdoor recreation has surged in popularity,” Johnson commented. “The brands which line our shelves include the best of the best; the outdoor knowledge and professionalism among our 50-person staff is exceptional; and our connection to our customers and community is unparalleled.”