Dunkelberger’s is a local outdoors shop that has been rooted in Stroudsburg, PA for five decades (Since 1972). They’ve changed locations three times in the span of 50 years – all on Main Street – and have settled down at 585 Main Street.
When the business was bought in the 1970’s, the store was a lot smaller and their products did not have nearly as much variety as they have now.
Dunkelberger’s specializes in – and has for 50 years – sports wear; outdoors wear for all seasons; fishing gear; and hunting gear. They have a wide array of items for all people seeking to enjoy the outdoors or just pick up clothing to fit the seasons.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and the generational story of the Dunkelberger’s business runs much deeper. They are rooted into the town of Stroudsburg itself; taking local business to the next level.
The Mountaineer caught up with honored interviewee, Trisha Dunkelberger-Fritz, and learned her fascinating story about the business; but first, a preface to the interview:
“We are vested in the community. Dunkelbergers is vested. We’re here- We’re here to support the community. We are part of the community. The people that work here live here. There might be someone you know working at one of our counters… If you go to a Dick’s Sporting or a you go to a Target, they might not be as forthcoming to give you something as we would be.
— Trisha Dunkelberger-Fritz
.sno-pullquote-693b1e5c920cf { display: flex; float: none; margin: 30px auto; width: 100%; border-color: #888888; border-top-width: 5px; border-right-width: 5px; border-bottom-width: 5px; border-left-width: 5px; background-color: #dddddd; } .sno-pullquote-693b1e5c920cf p.pullquotetext, .sno-pullquote-693b1e5c920cf p.quotespeaker { color: #000000 !important; } .sno-pullquote-693b1e5c920cf .pullquotepic { width: 250px; margin-left: 25px; } .sno-story-body .sno-pullquote-693b1e5c920cf p.pullquotetext { font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.4em; } .sno-pullquote-693b1e5c920cf .quotebar { background: #dddddd; flex: 0 0 90px; margin-top: -15px; margin-left: -15px; padding-left: 15px; padding-top: 15px; margin-right: 15px; } .sno-pullquote-693b1e5c920cf .largequote { color: #870808; } .sno-pullquote-693b1e5c920cf .quotebody { width: 100%; }A short introduction of Trisha Dunkelberger-Fritz:
Timones: Is there anything you want to tell us about yourself, anything to break the ice?
Fritz: Yes, I want to give a shout out to my senior, Zachary Fritz.
Timones: I want you to say whatever comes to mind about your business to start off with.
Fritz: Interestingly enough, this is my father’s business. It’s a family business. I have been working here ever since I could count fish worms (that was her first job).
Timones: Did you get any money out of that?
Fritz: No, I wasn’t paid until I was probably 18, I was in highschool. I’ve been doing it (helping run the business) for a very long time.
On the Dunkelberger’s being from Stroudsburg:
Fritz: I’m a Stroudsburg alumni, I graduated in 1989. My dad also graduated from Stroudsburg (Zachary’s grandfather), and Zachary is going to graduate from Stroudsburg. His great grandmother who is 102, also graduated from Stroudsburg.
Timones: That’s amazing
On the Business side of things:
Timones: Is there anything that you can tell us about why the business was started?
Fritz: My dad bought the business from someone who just had it and they were doing little hobby things. (Fritz went on to discuss the original location of the business).
Timones: How long has this business been running?
Fritz: So he bought the business in 1972 and it’s what, 2025, so it’s 53 years.
Timones: Why Stroudsburg?
Fritz: We lived here, born here and raised here. Zachary and Nathan (Her sons) are five, I think sixth generation Monroe County.
Timones: What’s the best experience you’ve had regarding the store?
Fritz: I love the customers. I love helping people. I love, you know, they come in here and they want to buy something. We’re a happy store. I like it when customers are happy and I get to help them.
Timones: What’s the worst experience you’ve had with the store?
Fritz: Mean customers, yeah, it’s gonna be that simple.
Timones: What makes a mean customer to you?
Fritz: They’re entitlement. If they feel like they’re entitled to something.
Timones: Who has inspired you in your life?
Fritz: My dad. I’ve worked hand in hand for, you know, since I was little. I’ve grown up with this.
Timones: Why outdoorsy stuff?
Fritz: Well, that’s where the business started- And from that it’s just grown from there, it’s grown from hunting and fishing to camping, archery, footwear, clothing, some gifts, that kind of thing.
Ending statements made by Fritz:
Timones: Where do you see the business in a decade?
Fritz: Running the business is fun, but it’s a lot of hard work. And you know, I’d like to say we’d still be here.
Timones: Whats one piece of advice to a new business owner, an entrepreneur of sorts, what would you give them?
Fritz: It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so worth it. But my advice to you guys, when you’re out and looking for jobs, when you come to stores like this, is give us your best. Give us the best of you, and do your best work. Don’t be slouches.
Timones: That’s a good piece of advice. That’s how you keep your job.