About

Russell McPherson is the heart and soul behind Gear re-Store. With a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Manitoba and an MBA from Queen’s University, his journey has been guided by a love for learning and a drive to create meaningful change. He spent over 25 years as a Certified Management Accountant, building experience with companies of all
sizes—startups, large corporations, private firms, and public organizations.

During his time in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force Russell developed a deep appreciation for gear that stands the test of time. Maintaining and repairing essential equipment sparked a passion for extending the life of quality items—a philosophy that now drives Gear re-Store’s mission.

Eventually, his passion for innovation and his love for the outdoors came together, and Gear re-Store was born. His goal was simple: build a company that not only excels at repairing gear but also helps reduce the impact on the planet.

Outside of work, Russell is a hands-on family man and an active member of his community. You’ll often find him hiking, camping in the mountains, attempting to grow the perfect tomato, or tinkering with his beloved electronic accordion.

Angelica Gonzales is the General Manager of U.S. Operations for Gear re-Store. She studied Entrepreneurship at Metropolitan State University and has extensive knowledge of sewing techniques and outdoor gear construction.

She has had the opportunity to grow within the organization, starting as a sewer and progressing through roles in logistics, repair supervision, site supervision, and most recently as the Human Resources Manager. These experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of our operations and a deep appreciation for the collaborative relationships we share with our partners.  She is passionate about supporting her team and educating others on the importance of restoring gear. 

Born and raised in Colorado, Angelica loves spending her time with her dog and husband, off-roading, and camping. When she’s not in the mountains she spends her time sewing and sharing her love for sustainable fashion by managing an online thrift shop.

Esme is our East Coast-Philadelphia based Site Supervisor. She has worked in the sewing and design industry for over 15 years. She started with a degree in Visual Arts from Antioch College and followed with a more focused degree in Fashion Design from Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She fell in love with Philadelphia and decided to make it her home. She began as an urban menswear designer and continued creating everything from licensed costumes for mass distribution and stage productions, as well as bridal gowns to leather handbags. Her flexibility and broad range of experiences makes her a great match for our location in Philadelphia.

Esme spends her time off with her two dogs. She enjoys working on her home and upcycling everything from clothing to electronics to create works of art. She has used her love of plant as inspiration for building large scale planters out of material waste from local manufacturers. 

Cecilia was born and raised in Hong Kong, where her parents provided her the opportunity to study abroad. After earning her BA in Winnipeg, she returned to Hong Kong and built a successful career in purchasing, gaining over 20 years of experience in the consumer products sector. Cecilia moved to Calgary in 2022 and started working at Gear re-Store in 2023. While she tends to be on the shy side, Cecilia finds fulfillment in supporting customers and colleagues, always striving to create a positive and collaborative environment. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two children and friends, exploring her new surroundings.

Kaylee brings over three years of professional experience in the garment industry to Gear re-Store, with a background in both manufacturing and on set tailoring. Before joining us, she served as a production manager at an apparel manufacturing facility, handling contracts with TSA, Nordstrom, and the U.S. Military. Kaylee’s expertise in large-scale production is matched by her extensive hands-on experience in garment repair and tailoring. Her keen eye for detail and craftsmanship makes her a perfect fit for her position at Gear re-Store. Outside of work, Kaylee indulges in creative pursuits in fine arts and fashion, strives to perfect her matcha-making skills, and cherishes time with her loved ones.

Itzel is a Colorado native who channels her self-expression through painting, mixed media art, and fashion. Amidst the pandemic, she further developed her sewing skills by making face masks for loved ones. This led them into the realms of alterations and garment making. Now, with experience in both the bridal industry and at Gear Restore, Itzel’s artistic endeavors align with her humanitarian beliefs, driving her to make sustainable choices. Their dedication to art, sustainability and equality encompasses their life’s purpose.