There’s nothing typical about Oxford’s new shop uptown. Seaview Outfitters won’t sell you a foot-long or a faux tan, but they can help outfit you with gear for a whitewater rafting trip or backpacking adventure. An even more unique characteristic is that the store owners are Miami students Steve and Jack Thomas.
Jack is a sophomore Accounting major, while Steve is earning his Master’s in Accounting. Jack’s twin brother, Charlie, also helps with the business—that is, when he has time outside of engineering classes and ROTC. Running your own business is no ordinary extracurricular.
From Left: Charlie, Steve and Jack Thomas
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Grand Opening
Seaview Outfitters is among the newest additions to Uptown Oxford this fall. The grand opening was just the Saturday before classes began.
The Thomas brothers with Alan Kyger, Economic Development Director of the city of Oxford.
Inspiration for Seaview
More interesting than their stellar credentials, however, is the story and values behind Seaview. The name of the store comes to Oxford all the way from the great state of Alaska, where the brothers have spent the past four summers. It’s difficult to determine what was more influential in their entrepreneurial pursuits: Alaska’s breath-taking scenery or their go-getter aunt. Their aunt owns a café and bar in Alaska under the same name, Seaview.
Steve will tell you, “She’s a super cool chick. When she was growing up, she was never the person who said, ‘I’m going to go to college, get a business degree, have a nice job, get married, have kids, join the country club.’ Instead she said, ‘I’m going to find somewhere that I’m happy and then find a job.’” Loving where she lives and doing what she loves has proven a successful philosophy. Her small-town restaurant has continued to grow over the past twelve years.
The Seaview Vision
Their aunt is happy because she wakes up every morning to take a walk around a place she loves. Steve and Jack are committed to bringing the Alaskan experience to both Miami students and Oxford residents. Even though they sell Vineyard Vines and Columbia products, sales are not the priority; experience is.
Their passion is to serve as outfitters for “high-adventure trips,” Steve says. “We want people to go on trips and experience amazing places without worrying about the gear they brought; they should only have to worry about having a blast.”
Steve and Jack plan to facilitate some of these outdoor adventures, as well as some local, laid-back community events. Look out for whitewater rafting opportunities this fall and an extended adventure to Alaska in May.
In Oxford, they’re hoping to plan Wednesday night bonfires and open mic nights uptown. In light of their mottos, you’re guaranteed a very personalized experience with anything they provide.
During our interview, Steve’s mother came in to ask him what he wanted for dinner. This kind-hearted woman has been in Oxford for the past week, helping her boys focus on the business by taking care of things like food and unpacking. Clearly, they are rooted in a family that cares about all facets of the human person.
This has transitioned seamlessly into a business you visit not just for a purchase, but for conversation. I know Steve’s the kind of guy who would much rather sit and chat with you about his family and adventures—on the leather couches by the store’s Alaskan flag—than have you read about Seaview here. The store and the people are a breath of fresh air—and appropriately so.
The staff of Seaview Outfitters
Check out www.seaviewoutfitters.com and stop by between 12 and 8 PM from Tuesday-Sunday! The store is located near the intersection of High and Main next to LCNB Bank.