Our Member of the Month for September is Mike Brown, owner of Mossy’s Fly Shop in Anchorage, Alaska. Here’s what Mike had to say about his business, AFFTA membership and the Dealer Summit:
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xplain your business — the who, what, why. What makes Mossy’s unique?
Mossy’s Fly Shop is a smaller, family owned and operated fly shop in Anchorage, Alaska. Being located in Anchorage we are a destination shop, providing information and equipment to local fisherman and travelers from all over that world that come to Alaska to fish. I think the thing that makes us unique is our old school approach and feel, everyone that comes in we try and make feel at home and one of the gang. The coffee is always on and there is usually some Bailey’s sitting there to.
How did the shop start?
I bought the shop six-and-a-half years ago from a gentleman named Dennis McAfee; it was called McAfee’s Fly Shop. Dennis started the shop in 1984. After a life long job of working in my family’s business here in Anchorage, I decided I wanted a change. Fishing was my passion and I like to help people out so the opportunity arose to buy the shop and I took it.
How has AFFTA membership benefitted you?
Since becoming a member of AFFTA last year and attending the Dealer Summit, I was sold on being a member. The interaction that it has opened for me between other dealers and our manufacturers has been very beneficial. With things like the Dealer Summit, I really feel like AFFTA is trying to better our industry and that is something I enjoy being a part of.
Thoughts on IFTD this year? What really stuck out to you about the show?
Since this year was my first time attending I don’t have a past comparison but I really enjoyed it. It’s a long haul for me to attend but I will definitely be going again.
When you’re not in the shop, what are you most likely to be found doing?
When I am not in the shop you will find me spending time with my family and going to our cabin on the Kenai. In the past you would find me at at a hockey rink, but now that our son is gone off to college we probably won’t be at the rink much.
