How It All Started…

Sulphur Creek Outfitters was born from a vision to unite the community in fitness, environmental awareness and appreciation for the Arkansas Natural State. An avid cyclist and lover of the outdoors, owner Frank Wimberley founded the Greers Ferry Lake Council in 2009 to create and manage a multi-use trail system for the Greers Ferry Lake Area. Through his time on the Council, Frank saw the need for outdoor sports services emerge, and – with the business expertise of Frank Barton – he sought to meet those needs.

The vision for Sulphur Creek Outfitters first began as a one stop shop for bike purchases, rentals and repairs. This idea soon expanded to accommodate the need for kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals and repairs; outdoor clothing and gear sales; shuttle service; books, guides and gifts and more. Sulphur Creek Outfitters opened its doors with these services in place but will continually evolve to fulfill the demands of the community.

Frank’s involvement in the Arkansas environment doesn’t stop there. He is a member of the Sugarloaf Heritage Council dedicated to keeping that iconic mountain clean and pristine. Frank’s vision and passion to achieve “Bike Friendly” status in Heber Springs will be a major focus in the future. As a dedicated community participant, Frank is also a former president of the Little Red Industrial Training Council and a member of Heber Springs First United Methodist Church.

At Sulphur Creek Outfitters, we operate so that the Heber Springs community can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest extent. Thank you for joining us in accomplishing this mission.

Our Team

Frank Wimberley

Owner

Frank Wimberley is a Vietnam Era Navy veteran. He started United Plastics Technology Inc. in 1989 and moved it and his family from Colorado to Heber Springs in 1996. Mr. Wimberley is president of UPT. He started Sulphur Creek Outfitters in May, 2015. Although this post-retirement plan was meant for a 2020 startup, he credits several factors contributing to the decision: 1) The current location, which is ideal, became available, 2) Darren Cone agreed to help with building upgrades and to manage the store and 3) Frank Barton, a close friend with outfitting experience agreed to help as a consultant. Then other positive factors played a part in confirming the decision and SCO was born. Since opening the store SCO has expanded by over 3000 square feet and is located on both sides of South 7th Street.

Frank is also active in the Heber Springs community. He is past president of the Little Red Training Council and worked with Arkansas Community of Excellence in the Governor Huckabee days. He founded the Greer’s Ferry Lake Trails council in 2008 of which he is still a charter member of that board. He is active with the newly formed Kickstart Heber Springs consortium and co-chairs the Quality of Life and Place with Stan Lee. He is a member of the Sugarloaf Heritage Council, The Arkansas Trails Council, The Little Red River Foundation, the International Mountain Bike Association, Rails to Trails and attends New Life Church.

Mr. Wimberley’s vision for the community and environment is fueled by his passion for trails and cycling. He hopes to see the 10 – mile trail multiuser trail system completed and Heber Springs to become a bike friendly community someday.

Sarah Sayles Lipsey

General Manager

Sarah is the General Manager here at Sulphur Creek Outfitters.  She has been working here since the opening week of the store. Even from a young age Sarah has always been drawn to the outdoors.  Family camping trips and hikes were how her family spent most of their time growing up.

Currently Sarah lives on the Little Red River with her new husband, Parker, and their daughter Laney. Every chance they get they’re out on the water fishing, kayaking, or their favorite paddle boarding. Usually it doesn’t matter where they are or what they’re doing as long as it involves being outside. For Sarah being out in nature is her happy place. It’s where she can be adventurous and daring, or calm and relaxed.  Luckily she has been able to grow up in this amazing place where she can do all the things she loves most.

“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better” – Albert Einstein

John Stark

Technical Manager

Mike Shepperd

Sales and Shuttles

Mike recently retired from Boeing in South Carolina and he and his wife, Susan moved to Heber Springs. He has worked with Trek and knows bicycles. He loves paddle sports as well and just recently discovered stand up paddleboarding. Sulphur Creek Outfitters and our customers will benefit from his diverse skills and his friendly personality.