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THE WAPITI LEADERSHIP TEAM
All of our team members are committed to the cause – getting people outside to enjoy nature, be inspired, and experience breakout thinking. Whether young or old, or somewhere in between, the Wapiti team puts together an adventure that will astound your group and motivate you toward change.
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Ralph Pfremmer
Co-Founder & Chief Excitement Officer
Pfremmer's love for the outdoors, along with his commitment to health and fitness, began during a personal bout with pneumonia and a need for personal re-invention. Today, he races bikes and competes at an elite level. He has been an inspiration to many and encourages people to get out, get moving, and get fit – it is never too late! When not in the saddle on his mountain or road bikes, you can find Ralph perched in the seat of his kayak, cruising down an Ozark stream. Ralph actively volunteers his time to Junior Achievement, the St. Louis Regional Entrepreneurial Studies, several youth groups, and has mentored a number of young people over the years. He is a licensed racer with USA Cyclists; Category 3 in Cyclo-cross & Expert Class in Mountain Bike, and he is an active member of IMBA and GORC. When not riding his bikes or paddling his "yak", Ralph loves hanging out with his wife and daughter, and taking a little time to jam on the guitar and play some blues on the harmonica. Ralph's motto: "Get Fit and Stay That Way!." Learn more about Ralph by visiting his blog, The Ralph Account. |
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Kevin Miquelon
Co-Founder & Chief Adventure Officer
Miquelon blames his family tree for his passion for being outdoors. His grandfather, Harold Sunstrom, was an avid fisherman and all around outdoorsman and encouraged him to enjoy and appreciate natural settings. A tour of duty in the Boy Scouts reinforced those beliefs and led to a lifetime of love for all things outside. Kevin is an avid fly fisherman – including tying his own flies – and has fished throughout the United States. He has been an instructor for fly tying classes, conducted tying demonstrations, and cherishes his time – with family, friends, and alone – out in the Ozark Mountains. Miquelon is committed to getting both adults and kids outside and educating people about conservation. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Ozark Fly Fishers and is a member of the Federation of Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited, the Small Mouth Alliance, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri. Kevin's motto: "Just Get Outside!" You can frequently find Kevin in a canoe or kayak, floating and fishing and hanging out with his wife and four kids. |
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Bill Martin
Chief Environmental Officer
Master Guide
In Hannibal, MO Bill grew up like Huck Finn on the banks of the Mississippi River. He is a descendant of Moses Bates: Riverboat pilot, entrepreneur, and founder of their home town – Hannibal.
Sometime in his toddler years Bill started camping with his dad. Thus began his love for outdoor adventure. Bill's dad, an avid outdoorsman and scout leader, was always encouraging a love for nature. Bill first discovered the joy and value of wilderness adventure (in the Quetico Superior National Forest) at the early age of 12. As you can see, Bill comes to his sense of adventure honestly.
Bill has over a decade of experience planning and executing back country adventures, and training guides to lead life enriching experiences through backpacking, rock climbing, white and flat water canoeing, sailing, caving, cross country skiing, and so on. Bill's strengths: identifying teachable moments; and guiding reflection experiences that inspire maximum learning and fulfillment.
Bill's favorite pastime is spending a camping trip with his family and friends (beware friends, because he will take the opportunity to stand upon his environmental soapbox). Bill also likes working in his community. Recently he helped organize a citywide clean up and guided "Art with Recycled Materials": a stewardship workshop for youth in conjunction.
Bill's motto: Be like water and seek your own level.
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Jon Richard
Chief Entertainment Officer
Wapiti Pro Guide
Jon's outdoor enthusiasm is rooted in his church trips to the Algonquin Provincial Park in Northern Ontario. Later as a young man Jon explored the canyons of Yosemite Nat'l Park. During that month of exploration and self discovery his path was cemented and adventure became a way of life. What truly makes Jon a wonderful guide is the thrill he gets showing his participants the beauty of the places they explore and how to have fun once you're there. Whether it's leading a climb, caving, or making music around the campfire Jon thrills at the opportunity to share in the wonders of America's majestic natural wonders. Jon's favorite outdoor activities include hiking, camping, climbing and mountain biking. Jon has 10 years of climbing experience and has worked in the outdoor industry for over 8 years. He recently completed the AMGA Instructor Course in North Carolina. That means he not only knows how to guide a fun adventure, he can keep it safe too. When Jon's not climbing he can be found mountain biking, or playing in his church band. Recently he has started an outdoor ministry at his church. The objective is to help people evolve spiritually and become better stewards of our resources.
Jon's motto: "Don't argue with reality.you won't win."
Jon is the founder and owner of Vertical Voyages. |
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Tim Wade
Wapiti Pro Guide
Owner of North Fork Anglers in Cody, Wyoming
Tim Wade is an avid outdoorsman and has been guiding, teaching fly tying, fly casting, and entomology and has been writing fly fishing articles for too many years to count. Over the years, Tim has developed a reputation as the "Fishing Guru" when it comes to finding out how to tie that obscure wet fly your grandfather used, how to catch that wily brown whose been snubbing your offerings, or showing you how to tie all those complicated knots needed when fishing in the breezy flats for tarpon, bonefish or permit. Tim was born in Missouri, migrated to California and showed up one day in Cody and never left. His fly shop is a must stop destination for all anglers wanting the latest information on hatches, conditions, and the right equipment before they head out to explore the waters of the region. North Fork Anglers in Cody, Wyoming is on the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park and is the center for over 2,500 miles of blue ribbon trout streams filled with wild trout. Tim speaks to groups across the U.S. and fishes worldwide. You can learn more about Tim at www.northforkanglers.com. |
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Ken Morrow
Wapiti Pro Guide
Ken says he wants to be Teddy Roosevelt when he grows up.
Born in the Ozarks and raised in Texas, Ken comes from a rich outdoor heritage of fishing, hunting, river bumming, and backpacking. And the other family tradition that stuck with him is a heritage of military service dating back to the American Revolution. Predictably, the outcome of all of that is that today Ken is a professional outdoor writer, adaptive fly casting and fly tying instructor for the disabled, a veteran of Desert Storm, and former hunting outfitter. He has also done stints as a whitewater canoeing and backpacking guide, and as a professional beachfront lifeguard. Along Ken's path of outdoor adventure, somehow he also found time to develop a successful career in real estate with Coldwell Banker.
Ken's adventures have taken him all over the United States, the Far East, the Bahamas, and Latin America. But like his presidential hero, his first love is still the American West. Currently, he lives with his lovely wife and faithful Weimaraner in El Paso, Texas, where his wife serves in the US Army. Ken is a strong proponent of wounded warrior and veterans' care. Disabled himself, Ken volunteers with Rivers of Recovery, a non-profit organization that takes wounded warriors on fly fishing trips on Utah's Green River. And he is working with the Army and Veterans Administration to develop a new professional outdoor adventure therapy program for military personnel, veterans, and their families. Ken is a Certified Adaptive Casting Instructor, a licensed fishing guide, a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, the Federation of Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited, and the Fort Bliss Rod and Gun Club. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and graduated Cum Laude from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. But he's still scared to death of snakes and doesn't trust horses.
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Bruce Corey
"El Lobo Grande"
Wapiti Pro Staff
El Lobo Grande (or The Big Wolf as he is known in parts of the Western United States) brings a unique combination of skills - extensive business experience in information technology in the financial sector and other businesses - and guiding outdoor adventures in the mountains and canyons throughout the United States and internationally. Bruce actually spends more time outside than in and he is able to sleep in some of the worlds most remote locales with the absolute minimal gear. A "Leave No Trace" advocate, he is one of the foremost experts on the Grand Canyon and has spent considerable time over the past several years in the great outdoors leading groups on "adventure of a lifetime" trips. He is also the co-founder and owner of Canyon Tough with his wife - specializing in guiding and gear. Bruce has worked with business leaders, youth, and a number of international clients and is known for his wily wisdom, sense of humor, and his ability to utilize adventure for learning.
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Dr. Tim & Anne Jordan
Wapiti Pro Staff
Founders of Children & Families, Inc. & Camp Weloki
Tim Jordan, M.D. and Anne Jordan, R.N., founded their company, Children & Families, Inc in 1989 and Camp Weloki in 1991. The Jordan's work with children and parents who want more joy and peace in their families and they believe peace beings at home.
Dr. Tim Jordan is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, an international speaker, author and media consultant. Anne Jordan serves as President of both of their companies and is also an educator and speaker. Tim and Anne are dedicated and passionate about serving children whether it is in their private practice counseling children, teens and parents; operating their summer camps and weekend retreats, speaking to businesses and organizations; or working with schools. The Jordan's have consulted with many public and private, independent schools in the St. Louis area over the years creating class retreats, parent presentations and teacher staff development presentations. They share a love for the outdoors and helping people and organizations experience long-term change. They have raised three children of their own; the ultimate "practice".
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Brian Wise
Wapiti Pro Guide
Head Guide at River of Life Farm
Fly fishing is not a hobby for Brian; it is a way of life. He spends around 150 days on the river yearly and gets excited every time he hits the river like it was his first time. Brian is an experienced North Fork of the White River guide with more than 6 years of guiding experience under his wading belt. He has been floating the North fork for more than 14 years and knows the river like the back of his hand. Growing up just minutes from the river helped him get acquainted with the North Fork at a young age. Brian has worked with people of all skill levels and experience and Brian is an outstanding casting instructor and an all around good guy. He speaks to a variety of audiences and has been involved with the St. Louis County Parks "GONE FISHIN'" program for several years. When he is not fishing, Brian is busy raising a family of young fly fisher folks. Brian is a member of Federation of Fly Fishers, is American Red Cross Certified in Advanced CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Wilderness First Responder and an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. Brian has built a reputation as one of the best guides in the Midwest. |
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Doug Thompson
Vice President of Anything & Everything
Wapiti Pro Staff
Thompson is a native Missourian, but has experienced adventure throughout North America. He is passionate about the outdoors and has done his fair share of fishing in a variety of waters. At Wapiti, Doug is in charge of everything that no-one else knows how to do. Called MacGyver by some, and King of the Ozarks by others, Doug has been known to save the day on a number of occasions. Doug is an avid outdoorsman and all around handyman. With Doug on a Wapiti trip, you know that you will never be in need of anything. Doug is a busy father with a young family, and he knows how to make time for the important things. |
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The Traveling Team of Darla Stadler & Karen Schacht
Wapiti Pro Staff
Travel & Logistics Gurus
This dynamic duo are the co-founders of a travel agency affiliated with HelmsBriscoe – the largest meeting site selection company in the world with over 963 associates around the globe. An exercise buff and globe trotter, Darla has spent her lifetime with a commitment to top notch customer service and excellence. She spent twenty years with Maritz Travel Company and was involved in leading groups all over the globe. Karen comes to Wapiti with a strong service and business development background. She spent several years building her clientele with "customer service" being the name of the game. In addition, their firm has been involved in sports arena management, the airline industry and hotel management. Darla, Karen and their travel team take the labor-intensive, time-consuming task of coordinating every last detail for your trip.
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Mike Lander
Wapiti Pro Staff & Guide
With a passion for both the outdoors and people, Mike brings a unique combination of skills to Wapiti. With a background in business and a career in working with youth in the great outdoors, Mike is known by those around him as a catalyst for positive change. Mike is the Founder and Owner of The Round Table and is a life-skills coach and runs life and social skills groups for young men in their adolescent and pre-adolescent ages. He has been involved with youth and summer camps since 1994. When not working, parenting, or sleeping, Mike coaches youth ice hockey. Mike's wife, Mary, is also on works with youth and they are the proud parents of two sons. Mike is also an avid cyclist and is known to have the occasional road rash. |
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Jim Modglin
Wapiti Pro Staff Videographer
Jim grew up with a true passion for the outdoors, fishing the lakes and rivers of Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky with his dad.
He is an award winning audio and video producer with over 20 years of experience in broadcasting. In 1997, Jim founded Metropolis Imaging, an audio and video production company based in St. Louis, Missouri. He has produced creative content for a number of companies including General Motors, Casino Queen, First Mariner Bank, Next Generation Financial Services and Wapiti. When not "behind the camera," Jim loves spending time with his wife and two daughters. |
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Coach Ben Wade or "COACH"
Wapiti Pro Staff
Growing up in a family of musicians and traveling across the globe, Coach Wade developed a thirst for adventure. Whether it was being a first hand witness to his parents devotion to the secret underground church in communist Russia or visiting the poorest slums of New Delhi India one can see how these events shaped his young life. Several chapters of the "Maestro's" life have been chronicled in recent years. Soccer coach, world-class trumpet player, professional kayaker, symphony conductor and most recently a contestant on (CBS Survivor). With a drive for perfection and unrivaled intensity "Coach" Wade has propelled himself to the forefront of every field he has chosen to excel in. Self titled as "The Renaissance Man" Benjamin has a more diverse background than most people today. His book, A Voyage Beyond Reason published in March of 2009 tells the adventurous and dangerous tale of when Benjamin set the world record for the longest solo kayak expedition. In 1996-1997 he kayaked alone from San Felipe, Baja California to Punta Charambira, Colombia South America. This novel tells of the harrowing onslaught of dangers that he encountered along with the beauty of nature and the searching of a man's own soul. Small Town Big Symphony is a documentary in 2008 showing how one man (Coach Wade) transformed a small prison town in northern California into a hot bed of classical culture. Ben is a tremendous asset to the Wapiti Team.
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Ken Trzaska
Wapiti Pro Staff
Knowledge Management
An outdoor enthusiast and committed family man, Ken oversees all of the content and meeting flow at our outings. He brings comprehensive leadership experience as a community college administrator, corporate consultant, educator, curriculum developer, and change agent. Ken serves as the Dean of Instruction at the Chief Academic Office of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula (UP). Prior to that Ken was the Dean of Continuing Education and Community Engagement at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. Ken spent five years as Director of the Business and Industry Training Center at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois. He has also worked in corporate as a product developer and training education manager. Through collaboration with organizations such as Abbott Laboratories and Volkswagen, Ken led the development and implementation of strategic organizational development plans and curriculums in leadership, communication, values, goal clarification, and strategy. Ken brings an energy and passion to learning and challenges his participants to "think beyond the obvious" and to "be aware of what is happening around them". |
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Craig Venard
Wapiti Pro Staff
Craig has the "wanderlust" and has traveled to 23 countries, hiked and backpacked in the Colorado Rockies, floated rivers, and fly fished in the wilds of Missouri and Colorado. He also has the scars to prove it. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas. Craig received his B.S. from Iowa State University in Psychology, Economics, and Business. Craig is a Human Behavior Consultant for Personality Insights. His company, INSIGHTS TO YOU, works with corporations, associations, schools districts, and individuals providing training and individual coaching on leadership, communication, workplace relationships, sales, and team-building. Craig has worked with a number of companies including Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling, Monsanto, Pfizer, Nestle-Purina, and the World Conference Club Managers Association of America. Craig is married and has 2 children. He has served on the Board at Westminster Christian Academy and has been a resident of the St. Louis area for 44 years. |
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James K. Marstiller, Jr.
Wapiti Pro Staff
By day, Jim is a consultant and co-founder of The Solution Partnership, a firm that specializes in innovation. His 25 years of business experience include leadership, research & development, marketing, sales, and global business development. His clients include Fortune 1000 and other organizations and his work is recognized internationally. He is the co-author of "The Power to Innovate: Rewiring the Minds of Individuals and Organizations" along with Jennifer Joerding Fickeler, Ph.D. (also the co-founder of his firm). When not leading change and innovation in the corporate world, Jim is a passionate outdoorsman and has spent many hours in the wilderness. Recently, Jim spent a week in the boundary waters of Canada on a solo journey...and lived to tell about it. This was one of a number of trips that he has taken and enjoys sharing his experiences with others and frequently does travelogue presentations on his adventures. Jim has also led corporate retreats to some of the world's most beautiful destinations and in 2007 took a group of top executives from a handful of global companies to British Columbia. Activities included fly fishing, kayaking, hiking glaciers, and other things. Most of all, Jim cherishes time with his family and strives toward balance in his life. |
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Zach Matthews
Wapiti Pro Staff
Zach is originally from Northwest Arkansas and grew up fishing the Ozarks. He graduated from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where he spent his hours between classes chasing trout on the Little Red River. After law school at the University of Tennessee, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he practices law. He and his wife, Lauren, edit The Itinerant Angler and contribute writing and photography to a number of fly-fishing magazines. Zach is a Contributing Writer and editor with American Angler, which features his articles on a regular basis. He and Lauren have also contributed writing or photography to Fly Fisherman, Fish and Fly, The Drake, and Backpacker. Zach hosts The Itinerant Angler Podcast through his website and iTunes. It is regularly featured in the Outdoors section of the iTunes Store and has grown to be the most popular fly fishing podcast. Past guests include Lefty Kreh, Bruce Richards of Scientific Anglers, Jim Bartschi of Scott Fly Rods, Conway Bowman of Dollar-Wise Fly, Jason Borger, The Angling Exploration Group (of Trout Bum Diaries fame) and many others. His adventures have taken him all over the world and we are pleased to have Zach on our team. |
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Luke Bobo
Wapiti Pro Staff
Luke's day job is Director of Lindenwood College of Individualized Education (LCIE)
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministry Studies at Lindenwood University.
Luke has a love for "adventure" and enjoys trying "new things", watching his son play sports, high octane softball, meeting and observing people, being in the outdoors, "pittling" in the garage, a good Merlot, and traveling. After undergoing major kidney surgery and being forced to slow down and relax, Luke took up an interest in bird watching. Luke and his wife have been married over 25 years and they have two cool kids: Briana (Indiana University) and Caleb (a precocious middle school student). Luke enjoys teaching immensely. His favorite subjects are ethics and contemporary culture. He has written and spoken on "artifacts" of contemporary culture including bioethics, technology, obesity, Oprah, and rap music. He has traveled to the University of Cape Town, South Africa; and Goiania, Brazil to speak. Luke's simple life goal is helping people 'connect the dots' or develop critical thinking skills. Learn more about Luke by reading his blog at lukebobo.wordpress.com |
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Roger Hall
Wapiti Pro Staff
A mountain man lives in the heart of this consultant. Roger a Business Psychologist and he is the Founder of Compass Consultation Services. Since 1993, Roger has worked with everything from little companies with only a few people all the way up to big behemoths that dominate their industries. He has coached business leaders from Fortune 20 companies and from closely held private enterprises. He has consulted with hospitals, universities, and professional associations. Via public speaking he has had the opportunity to speak to thousands of people – at conventions, professional seminars, after dinner events, at workplace retreats, at churches, and in corporate workshops. His focus is people who want to become the best version of themselves. He'll ask you questions that will make you scratch your head and maybe even squirm. His job is to tell you the truth as he sees it – whether you like it or not. He has had the good fortune of building the lives of leaders to help improve the lives of all the people around them – their families, their employees, their customers and their neighbors. By influencing one life, many lives improve. |
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