Meet the Team: Oliver, Warehouse Manager

Recently, we sat down with Oliver for a chat – as Alton’s Warehouse Manager, he can be a hard man to pin down!

Since Oliver joined the team in late 2022, he’s been the one keeping everything moving behind the scenes, and makes sure every order lands on your doorstep as quickly as possible.

Known for his infectious enthusiasm for just about everything, Oliver’s always happy to share his knowledge of gear, Alton, and all things outdoors related.

Let’s start with the basics – what’s your job title here at Alton?

I’m the Alton Warehouse Manager. When I first started, it was just Sam and I onsite – I would come in for a few hours a day to pack orders. Things just evolved from there!

When did you start working with Alton?

Late 2022, if I remember correctly.

What does a typical day working for Alton look like for you?

Every day kicks off with me at the desk working through emails, messages, and DMs from customers.

There's usually a solid queue first thing in the morning – questions about products, order updates, that kind of stuff – so it's good to get on top of those before the warehouse gets busy.

After that I'll check in with the office team (Toby, Christie, and Sam) to get the lay of the land… What new products or updates are coming through, any deals or promos we need to be across, and what stock deliveries are expected. It keeps everyone on the same page and makes it easier to field customer questions, too.

Then I head downstairs, open up the shop, say g'day to the dispatch team, and print off the day's orders. From there it's all hands on deck; we're packing orders, helping customers who come in-store, fielding calls and emails, and handling any returns, exchanges, or incoming stock. It keeps you moving, that's for sure.

Australia Post usually swings by around 3pm to collect our outgoing parcels, so that's a bit of a natural rhythm to the afternoon. Once they've gone, I'll do another pass through the inbox, especially checking for any warranty or exchange submissions that came in during the day.

Then we tidy up the warehouse, stage everything for the next morning, and call it a day. It sounds like a lot when you lay it out, but the team makes it run really smoothly!

What do you enjoy the most about working at Alton?

Because we’re a smaller team, we all play a big role in the company. The responsibilities we’re given, and the freedom to take them on in our own way creates a level of ownership over what we do. It’s a great feeling knowing that what I do is valued by the company, and our customers.

We're given real responsibilities and the freedom to figure out how we tackle them. It's not micromanaged, which I really appreciate. You bring your own ideas and way of doing things to the role, and that gets valued. It makes you actually care about the work, you know?

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

While I do try and get out there when I can, you’re more likely to see me on the trail in the cooler months. Summer in Brisbane is brutal, so I pick my moments!

When I’m home I spend a lot of time with my family doing things around the house or getting stuck into a new video or board game. There's something great about sitting down with a good game and just losing yourself in it for a few hours. Big fan of both.

What's your favourite outdoor activity?

Sunrise hikes, without a doubt. Nothing beats enjoying a fresh brew watching dawn crack from a good lookout spot. It never gets old.

What's one piece of gear you can't live without and why?

My merino Buff. I use it in so many different ways when I go out. Neck gaiter, dust mask, balaclava, sleeping mask? Check, check and check!

It takes up basically no space, weighs nothing, and you can throw it in the wash easily. I've had mine for years and it's still going strong. Genuinely one of the best value-for-money items you can own for the outdoors.

What's your bucket list activity, destination, or expedition?

Japan is high on the list — specifically the forest and mountain hikes that lead you to the remote temples.

There's something about that combination that really gets me. You've got the physical challenge of the hike, the beauty of the natural environment, and then at the end of it all, there's this spiritual, centuries-old structure waiting for you. How cool is that?!

Has being outdoors ever changed how you see the world?

Absolutely. Growing up in the US, I got to see a lot of different landscapes. From beaches to swamps, canyons to glaciers… then coming to Australia and seeing how unique the environment is out here… anyway, those experiences have really made me see that a country’s natural environment is its biggest tourist attraction and most precious resource. I think the world would be a better place if everyone got out more to experience the incredible natural environments right on their doorstep – it would make them realise how special it is.

On a hike, what motivates you to keep going when it's uncomfortable or challenging?

I've got a saying I come back to whenever it gets rough: "If you wanted to be comfortable, you should've stayed in bed."

That sounds a bit brutal but it's actually freeing. The moment you accept that being uncomfortable is just part of the deal, it stops feeling like something is going wrong and starts feeling like something is going right.

Any final thoughts you'd like to share?

Since being a part of Alton, I’ve gotten to hear first hand how having confidence in the right gear has led folks to push themselves beyond what they thought they could do, and helped them have unforgettable experiences because of that.

I genuinely love hearing the stories from our community and seeing all the cool set up and advice they post on our socials and reviews. That's what it's all about for me!