Who We Are
Most businesses are stuck in a broken system—a linear model that takes, makes, and wastes. At Emerger Strategies, we help companies break that cycle. We guide them toward a path that’s circular, responsible, and restorative.
I started this company because I care deeply about wild places. From the salt marshes of Lowcountry to the cold, clean rivers of the Rockies, these places have shaped who I am. And I believe business has a responsibility to protect what it depends on.
Emerger Strategies exists to prove that doing good for the planet isn’t at odds with making a profit—it’s the only way forward.
We work with companies in the fishing and outdoor industries because that’s where we live. We help our clients measure what matters—waste, emissions, and impacts—and then do something about it. The result? Lower costs, fewer emissions, and more resilient businesses.
Our vision is a planet that’s fair, inclusive, and thriving—for everyone, for the long haul.
We get there by doing the work. Measuring. Improving. Educating. And always asking: Is this the right thing to do?
Our mission is simple:
Help businesses improve their sustainability performance—and their bottom line.
Our values? Honesty. Integrity. Innovation. Quality. Compassion. Love. These aren’t marketing slogans. They’re how we show up.
I’ve been fortunate to align my passion with my work. Fly fishing taught me patience, humility, and respect for nature. Sustainability taught me that business can be a force for good. My goal is to share that with as many people as possible—so our fisheries, rivers, and oceans don’t just survive, but thrive.
If you’re ready to do the right thing—and do it well—let’s talk.
Protect what you love,
Rick Crawford
What We Do
At Emerger Strategies, we partner with fishing & outdoor brands by helping them navigate the complex world of sustainability compliance while unlocking cost savings, reducing risk, and strengthening brand reputation. Our expertise ensures that companies meet retailer sustainability requirements, avoid penalties, and gain a competitive edge—without the need for a full-time sustainability team. Our services include:
Compliance: Stay Ahead of Regulatory & Retailer Demands
The Problem:
Sustainability-related regulations, such as climate disclosures, Extended Producer Responsbility (EPR), and others are on the rise, and big-box retailers like Walmart, REI, and Target now require suppliers to meet strict sustainability reporting standards (e.g., CDP, THESIS, REI Product Impact Standards, Scopes 1-3 GHG emissions). Companies that fail to comply risk costly fees from regulators, losing shelf space and revenue.
Our Solution:
Emerger Strategies simplifies compliance by handling the complex sustainability reporting for you. We ensure your business meets regulatory and retailer expectations, responds accurately to sustainability assessments, and stays ahead of evolving regulations.
ROI: Compliance is no longer optional—it’s the cost of doing business. We help you avoid lost revenue and exceed retailer’s expectations.
Cost Savings: Sustainability = Profitability
The Problem:
Many businesses view sustainability as an added expense rather than a cost-saving opportunity. The reality? Inefficiencies in energy, waste, and supply chains increase operating costs unnecessarily.
Our Solution:
We help businesses cut costs by identifying sustainability-driven efficiency improvements, reducing waste, and optimizing operations.
ROI: Our clients have saved thousands of dollars in operational expenses through sustainability improvements.
Risk Mitigation: Future-Proof Your Business
The Problem:
Brands that don’t take sustainability seriously are at risk of: losing retail partnerships for non-compliance; facing lawsuits and regulatory fines for PFAS, EPR, and emissions violations; and damaging their reputation in an era where consumers and investors demand sustainability transparency.
Our Solution:
We help businesses identify, manage, and mitigate sustainability risks before they impact revenue.
ROI: Brands that take sustainability seriously experience higher customer loyalty, reduced legal risks, and stronger long-term growth.
Emerger Strategies helps outdoor and fishing brands navigate sustainability compliance, reduce costs, and mitigate risks—ensuring they remain competitive and profitable in today’s evolving marketplace. We make sustainability simple and profitable. Learn more about our Sustainability Consulting Services.
Clients & Testimonials
As Seen In
2023: Rick Crawford, is named in the “50 Most Influential People” by Charleston Business Magazine.
2022: Rick Crawford is named “one of the fifteen people, places, and ideas forging the South of tomorrow” and named “The Lowcountry’s Green Guide” by Garden & Gun Magazine in the April/May 2022 fifteenth anniversary issue.
Additionally, Emerger Strategies was featured in the 2021 Patagonia film DROP, which follows a single drop of water from its starting point atop the Continental Divide to its final destination in the Pacific Ocean:
