Sustainability consulting has become overly complicated—buried in jargon, endless compliance checklists, and frameworks that leave businesses frustrated. At Emerger Strategies, we take a different approach. We simplify sustainability, making it practical, measurable, and valuable. No unnecessary complexity. No greenwashing. Just clear, expert guidance that helps businesses reduce costs, mitigate risks, and strengthen their reputation. And because we believe sustainability should deliver a return on investment, we tie sustainability goals to real business outcomes—giving companies the tools and support they need to turn sustainability into a competitive advantage.
Our Story
Emerger Strategies was born from a love of the natural world and a deep appreciation for fly fishing. Our founder, Rick Crawford, grew up in Savannah, GA, exploring salt marshes, barrier islands, and coastal plains of the Lowcountry, but it wasn’t until he moved to Wyoming in 2008 that he became truly obsessed with fly fishing. The cool meandering rivers, abundant trout, and vast wilderness were a stark contrast to the saltwater landscapes of his childhood, but the connection to nature was the same.
That summer, while working at the A Bar A Ranch in Encampment, WY, Rick read Let My People Go Surfing by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard. It was a revelation: business could be a force for good. That realization sparked a vision—to marry fly fishing and sustainability, using business as a tool to protect the places we love.
Rick’s journey wasn’t without challenges. He worked at two sustainability startups—one in biodiesel, another in green building software—both of which ultimately failed. But those experiences taught him a crucial lesson: sustainability, for the sake of sustainability, isn’t enough. Businesses need real, measurable value. Sustainability has to make business sense. And that’s exactly why Emerger Strategies was created—to help companies reduce costs, strengthen their brands, and navigate sustainability in a way that drives success while protecting the planet.
Our Name
In fly fishing and entomology, an emerger is an aquatic insect in the critical transition between a nymph and an adult. It’s a moment of transformation, growth, and vulnerability—making emergers an essential food source for trout.
While learning to fly fish in Wyoming, Rick became fascinated with entomology, which also served as an introduction to systems thinking—a holistic way to understand how different factors interact within a larger system. Just as a mayfly, a sipping trout, and a river ecosystem are connected, so too are businesses and the environment.
The name Emerger Strategies reflects this belief in transformation and interconnectedness. We help businesses evolve, break through barriers, and emerge as more sustainable, resilient, and competitive organizations—proving that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business.
Our Founder
Rick Crawford’s journey is rooted in a passion for both fishing and sustainability. In 2018, he launched The Sustainable Angler, an award-winning podcast dedicated to educating and inspiring anglers to protect the planet. Two years later, he founded the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance, bringing together fly fishing guides, shops, lodges, brands, and nonprofits committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Leading by example, Emerger Strategies has proudly been a 1% for the Planet member since day one.
Today, Rick helps companies simplify sustainability while making the business case for it. His expertise is backed by an MBA in Sustainable Business from Marylhurst University, as well as certifications as a Sustainability Excellence Associate and Sustainability Leadership Initiative Fellow. Through his work, he provides world-class sustainability consulting that never wavers on quality.
Rick found his life’s purpose at the intersection of fly fishing and sustainability. Fly fishing taught him that everything in nature is interconnected—that we are part of nature, not separate from it. Sustainability reinforced the reality that we cannot exploit natural resources indefinitely. Just as a mayfly, a sipping trout, and a river ecosystem are connected, so too are businesses and the planet. His vision is simple: businesses and the environment thriving together.
Helping companies measure and improve their sustainability performance isn’t just a job for Rick—it’s his life’s work. And he’s grateful for every step of the journey.
Want to talk sustainability? Book a free 30-minute consultation, or email Rick: rcrawford@emergerstrategies.com
