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Staff Bios: Trent Thomas
Trent Thomas, a North Carolina native who has always loved these mountains. Camping, climbing, soccer and skiing are all activities he enjoys.
- In 1976, while attending UNCA, Trent started working at Mountaineering South. Mountaineering South (WNC’s first technical outdoor outfitter).
- October 1978 Brad Shaver founder of Mountaineering South was lost in Northern India mountaineering. Trent took over buying and later general management of the store.
- January 1980 Sales Representative for Wilderness Experience a leading outdoor manufacturer. This experience gave exposure to many different retailers and their methods plus more insight into entire industry.
- February 1982 Return to Mountaineering South when continually asked by the Shaver family, as the store was having “hard times”. This return marked the start of a two-year unprecedented growth for the 15-year-old retailer.
- January 1984 Shaver family announces their decision to sell Mountaineering South.
- May 1984 Black Dome Mountain Shop opened in Biltmore Village
- August 1988 Black Dome opens second store on Tunnel Road
- September 1988 Mountaineering South closes leaving Black Dome as the premier outdoor outfitter in the Southeast.
- November 1990 Black Dome combines their two smaller stores into one superstore location. 11,000 square foot building with 8000 square feet of retail space.
- After years of being voted “Best of WNC” this year Men’s Journal Magazine named Black Dome one of the top 25 Outdoor stores in America and #4 of multi-sport stores.
Trent is also a founding partner** in Asheville’s Habitat for Soccer indoor soccer center and while the glory days of state championships (while playing at Ben Lippen School here in Asheville) of the 1970’s are long past Trent still enjoys both playing and watching his kids play today.
As a charter member of the Outdoor Industry “Woodchucks” Trent enjoys his relationships with many of our industry’s “founders”. Skiing with Yvon Chouinard, Climbing with Jim Bridwell and Jim Donini, Mountaineering with Lyle Dean.
Family is the biggest part of Trent’s life. He enjoys life with his wife
Debby and three children Caitlin, Ella and Porter, and enjoys motorsports
with his brother Mark.
*Jonathan Evan’s associate John Fellers also with First Ascent Sales
**multiple time “Partner of the Year Award” winner
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