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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
Sometime in his toddler years Bill started camping with his dad and thus began his love for outdoor recreation. His dad, an avid boat builder and outdoor enthusiast, was always encouraging Bill's love for the out of doors. Because of his parents support, Bill discovered the joy and value of wilderness adventure at the young age of 12. He now has 13 years of experience planning and executing back country adventures, and training staff to lead life enriching experiences such as backpacking, climbing, white and flat water canoeing, caving, and the like. Bill's strengths are identifying teachable moments and guiding reflection experiences that insure maximum learning and fulfillment. Bill's favorite pastime is spending a canoe trip with his family and friends, and taking the occasional opportunity to stand upon his environmental soapbox. Bill also likes working in his community. Recently Bill enjoyed organizing a citywide clean up and facilitating an "art with recycled materials" workshop for youth. Bill's motto: "Be like water and seek your own level." Bill is a direct descendant of Moses Bates, the founder of Hannibal, and was the first riverboat pilot to navigate the upper Mississippi. Bill comes by his sense of adventure honestly. He is the co-founder of Phoenix Adventures along with Jon Richard.
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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 and Bill Martin are the co-founders of Phoenix Adventures. |
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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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Dr. Tim & Anne Jordan
Wapiti Pro Staff
Founders of Children & Families, Inc. & Camp Weloki
Tim Jordan, M.D. and Anne Jordan, R.N. founded Children & Families, Inc. in 1989. The Jordans work with children and parents who want more joy and peace in their families. Their dream is to make the world a more peaceful, safe and loving place for children and their families to live and grow. They believe peace begins at home. Anne Jordan, R.N. is President of Camp Weloki. Tim Jordan, M.D., is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, an international speaker and an author. Tim and Anne are dedicated and passionate about serving children whether it is in their private practice counseling children, teenagers and parents; operating their summer camp; speaking to businesses and organizations; or teaching weekend retreats. 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". You can learn more about Dr. Tim & Anne Jordan at www.WELOKI.com. |
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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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Anton Keller
Corporate Executive Chef & Epicurean Pro Staff
Renowned Executive Chef Anton Keller has literally been around the world including stints in Hong Kong, Mexico, Guam, New York and most recently with the luxurious Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. Anton was born and raised in Switzerland and did his training at Culinary Art College in Solothurn, Switzerland. Anton is fluent in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. He is involved in overseeing unforgettable culinary experiences for Wapiti clients that put our adventures in a league with no equal. His food is both beautiful and positively delicious and matched with the perfect wine or microbrew by the crackling campfire; it is an experience that will inspire you and change your perspective.
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Darla Stadler
Wapiti Pro Staff
Guru of Travel & Logistics
An exercise buff and globe trotter, Darla has spent her lifetime with a commitment to top notch customer service and excellence. She is the co-founder of a travel agency affiliated with HelmsBriscoe - the largest meeting site selection company in the world with over 963 associates around the world. She spent twenty years with Maritz Travel Company and was involved in leading groups all over the globe. In addition, her firm has been involved in sports arena management, the airline industry and hotel management. Darla and her travel team take the labor-intensive, time-consuming task of coordinating every last detail for your trip. Nothing is left to chance.
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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 is 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. He received his B.S. from Iowa State University in Psychology, Economics, and Business. Venard is a Human Behavior Consultant for Personality Insights. Craig's company, INSIGHTS TO YOU, works with corporations, associations, schools districts, and individuals. Craig provides training and individual coaching on leadership, communication, workplace relationships, sales training, and team-building through the portal of human behavior. 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 serves on the Board at Westminster Christian Academy. He has been a resident of the St. Louis area for 43 years.
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James K. Marstiller, Jr.
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 Mathews
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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