Defining the Unify Cooperative

Get Outside KY and Alex Sipple: A Passion for the Outdoors and a Commitment to Community

Berea, Kentucky – For years, Alex Sipple has been a driving force behind outdoor engagement and community-building in Berea through his successful business, Get Outside KY locally known by its trademark, GOKY. Get Outside KY has become synonymous with outdoor adventure, healthy living, and community involvement in Madison County. But as Alex’s passion for supporting community-based initiatives keeps growing, it is beginning to cut into his business's bottom line. Rather than scale back, Sipple chose a bold path: he doubled down on his commitment to the community by chartering the development of the Unify Cooperative ("Unify Co-Op"), a new nonprofit organization he is forming, (bigger than himself and his business) designed to amplify his impact, organize his community objectives, and allow him to pursue his passion for the outdoors without compromising his professional livelihood.

Alex Sipple at his business Get Outside LLC (GOKY)

The Origins of GOKY: A Business Built on Passion for the Outdoors

When Alex Sipple launched GOKY, his goal was simple: to inspire people to engage with the outdoors and live healthier, more active lives – he started out with a few canoes, kayaks and paddle boats. Over time, GOKY became much more than just an outdoor business that complements the needs of customers—it became a hub for community-based activities, outdoor clubs, and initiatives that brought people together in meaningful ways. From hiking and biking groups to nature-based educational programs, GOKY was a key player in helping the community and even the local universities rediscover the value of the great outdoors. Get Outside today is a welcome and proud member of the community.

However, as these community-focused efforts have continued to grow, they are beginning to demand more time, resources, and energy—often at the expense of the business’s bottom line. GOKY’s revenue was increasingly funneled into supporting activities that, while highly impactful, were not directly profitable. In 2023 it became clear that a new social business model was needed, one that would allow Sipple to continue supporting the community, segregating nonprofit rentals and events, without placing undue strain on his profitable bicycle repair shop and recreational adventure outfitter business in Berea.

The Birth of the Unify Cooperative: Aligning Passion with Purpose

Recognizing the need for a new approach, Sipple started developing the Unify Cooperative in February 2024, a nonprofit organization that would serve as a platform for his community-driven outdoor initiatives. The Unify Cooperative was designed to host large social groups, clubs, and activities that had become a central part of GOKY’s secondary mission. By shifting these community-focused endeavors to the nonprofit structure of the Unify Cooperative, Sipple can clearly delineate between his business objectives and his passion for community engagement. This strategic move allows him to continue fostering outdoor engagement without compromising the financial health of his business, it allows him to limit his annual business contribution to the community to a realistic 10-18% of his net annual revenue (which is much greater than most local businesses give to the community).

Why the Unify Cooperative Matters

The Unify Cooperative serves as a natural extension of Sipple’s vision: a community-driven space that empowers individuals to connect with nature, each other, and the heritage of Berea. It provides a structured environment for large social groups and clubs that are focused on outdoor activities, education, and preservation. These events and groups, formerly sponsored by GOKY, now have a dedicated home within the cooperative, which ensures that their growth and impact can continue without being tied directly to the financial performance of Sipple’s for-profit business in downtown Berea. 

This separation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of both GOKY and the new cooperative. With the nonprofit model, the Unify Cooperative can receive grants, donations, and other forms of community support that are better aligned with Sipple's interests and mission. At the same time, Alex can focus GOKY on its core business objectives without the conflict of interest that comes with supporting large-scale community initiatives directly from his business's financial resources.

A Sustainable Model for the Future

By creating the Unify Cooperative, Sipple has effectively doubled down on his commitment to Berea’s outdoor culture and community involvement. He has established a sustainable model that ensures both his business and his nonprofit can thrive independently, yet synergistically. The cooperative is not just a means to continue the work that GOKY started; it’s a way to expand that work in a focused and community-centered way.

The cooperative also allows Sipple to diversify his professional pursuits. While GOKY remains a for-profit business, the Unify Cooperative enables him to channel his energy into nonprofit initiatives that can stand on their own, it allows Alex to diversify creating new structured events and clubs. This separation provides Sipple with an opportunity to engage people outdoors—his true passion—without relying solely on GOKY for financial support.

An Invitation to Join the Movement

The Unify Cooperative isn’t just about Alex Sipple’s vision—it's about what the community wants and needs. The cooperative is designed to be a reflection of Berea’s shared values: community engagement, outdoor adventure, and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. By joining the Unify Cooperative, members are not only participating in activities that enrich their lives—they are also contributing to a larger movement that prioritizes sustainability, education, and community-building.

Why Now is the Time to Get Involved

The Unify Cooperative is still in its formative stages, making this the perfect time for community members to get involved. Whether you're passionate about outdoor activities, cultural preservation, or simply want to contribute to the future of Berea, the cooperative offers a unique opportunity to be part of something new and well-developed that will have a lasting impact on the community.

By supporting the Unify Cooperative, you’re helping to create a space where large social groups and clubs can flourish, outdoor education can thrive, and community connections can deepen. It's about making Berea a better place for everyone—today and for generations to come.

The Future of Berea: A Shared Vision

Alex Sipple’s journey from running GOKY to founding the Unify Cooperative is a testament to the power of aligning passion with purpose. The cooperative model ensures that the community-driven initiatives that started with GOKY can continue to grow and flourish without being limited by the constraints of a for-profit business.

For those who believe in the importance of outdoor engagement, community involvement, and preserving Berea’s natural and cultural heritage, the Unify Cooperative represents a way to turn that belief into action. Now is the time to join Alex Sipple and the cooperative in building a future that’s driven by shared values, mutual support, and a deep love for the outdoors.

For more information about how you can become involved, contact:

Alex Sipple, Proprietor of Get Outside LLC and Berea Tourism Commissioner

Unify Cooperative Society ("Unify Co-Op")
Cell Phone: (859) 582-7166
Email: contact@unifycoop.org
Website: www.UnifyCoop.org