Soko Outfitters

Soko Outfitters opened in Czech Village as a 5,000-square-foot independent retailer built on the belief that the Cedar Rapids Corridor was ready for serious outdoor gear. The four founders—Steve Shriver (entrepreneur, rock climber), Steve White (commercial real estate specialist), Graig Cone, and Dr. Ryan Sundermann (emergency medicine physician, endurance athlete)—spent over a year courting major outdoor brands before opening.

The pitch worked. Patagonia, initially skeptical about brick-and-mortar retail, sent representatives to Cedar Rapids and became convinced enough to sign on as a dealer.

• •Apparel: 80% of inventory
• •Patagonia
• •Prana
• •Kuhl
• •686
• •Parajumper

• •Hard Goods: 20% of inventory
• •Backpacks (Black Diamond, Big Agnes)
• •Tents
• •Camp stoves
• •Future: kayaks (planned within two years)

"Our goal is to open a store that is a favorite around here, that will take you to your favorite mountain-town shop, and inspire you to be more active and adventurous." — Steve Shriver

The store sits in Czech Village, positioned between the Cedar River trail system and Mount Trashmore—a former landfill being developed into 50+ acres of hiking and mountain biking trails. A new pedestrian/cycling bridge (Sleeping Giant Bridge) and kayak boat landing are also in development.

Neighbors include Lion Bridge Brewing and Goldfinch Cyclery, making the area a growing hub for outdoor retail and recreation.

Soko employs about 12 people—all sports enthusiasts with genuine gear knowledge. Dr. Sundermann's background in emergency medicine and endurance sports adds depth to conversations about body mechanics, physiology, and fitness. The focus is breaking the online retail habit by offering real expertise: proper backpack fitting, boot selection, and realistic advice on what actually works in the field.

Steve Shriver is the CBJ's 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year. He co-founded Eco Lips (personal care products) and Brewhemia (coffee house in NewBo). He's also a veteran rock climber and mountaineer who launched Vertical Pursuits, a climbing instruction and guide service, early in his career.