Taylor-Ann Smith is a graphic designer and the entrepreneur behind Ride Force. Taylor-Ann is originally from Montana, but has Wyoming roots. Taylor-Ann started Ride Force 3 years ago after she discovered that she couldn’t find any clothes that made her look and feel good on her mountain bike.
In this episode, Taylor-Ann shares her fascinating story about what led her to move to Jackson and her family’s deep roots in Wyoming. We learn about her grandfather Duane Wiltse, who pioneered the first KOA in Wyoming, and her other grandparents who owned a cabin in Colter Bay.
Stephan and Taylor-Ann engage in a compelling conversation about the birth of Ride Force, delving into how Taylor-Ann manages to balance her full-time job as a graphic designer while also running a successful business. The two explore the topic of overcoming obstacles and fears when embarking on new ventures, and Taylor-Ann openly shares the ups and downs of creating a clothing brand from scratch. Above all, she explains how she is striving to make a positive difference for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities, no matter their body type.
Peter Rork is a retired orthopedic surgeon and co-founder and pilot for Dog is My CoPilot. In this episode, Peter shares his inspiring journey of finding purpose in his life after his wife passed away.
In 2012, he teamed up with Judy Zimet, a Scottsdale real estate attorney and animal lover, to start Dog Is My CoPilot. Over the past decade, Dog is My CoPilot has grown from flying 20-30 pets at a time to now rescuing 1,000 dogs and cats a month all across the country.
Peter and Stephan talk about the dedication of the volunteers at the animal shelters and the hard work and logistics that goes into transporting hundreds of animals at a time. In 2023, their volunteer pilot team has grown, and they now have ten pilots helping to fly their rescue missions.
Dog is My CoPilot works collaboratively with city shelters, local animal welfare organizations, and individuals to save the lives of pets abandoned in animal shelters. They reduce animal euthanasia in overcrowded shelters by ensuring that each pet has the chance to find a safe and loving home.
Christie Watts is a mother, wife, globetrotter, and life coach. With a background rooted in Michigan, she relocated to Jackson Hole in 1998 with aspirations of becoming a professional snowboarder.
In this episode, she shares her journey of discovery and personal growth with Stephan. After leaving the world of corporate advertising in Seattle, she delved into Chinese medicine which led her to discover her true passion of being a life coach. Through her work, Christie has impacted the lives of hundreds of individuals, guiding them towards finding their purpose and living a fulfilling life.
Stephan and Christie also explore how technology has transformed the life coaching industry, and Christie shares her entrepreneurial ventures, including her ultimate goal of becoming a digital nomad. With her unique perspectives and wealth of experience, she is poised to continue making a positive impact on the world.
Kyle Green is the Host and Executive Producer of The Green Way Outdoors a TV show, podcast, outdoor education series. The Green Way Outdoors is dedicated to inspiring a passion for fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation among millennials and Gen-Z through engaging and informative content.
In this episode, Kyle and Stephan discuss why The Green Way Outdoors team is heading out to Jackson Hole to film an episode of their new show on the History Channel. From fishing and hunting, to the difficulties of shipping meat, car ride games, podcasting, living in Michigan, lost luggage, and the importance of fishing and hunting licenses for conservation, Kyle and Stephan will cover an eclectic range of topics. They’ll also talk about how good the fishing is in Jackson Hole and the many dangerous ways you could meet your maker in the area.
Andrew Perez is a co-founder and owner of High Point Cider, located in Victor, Idaho. Andrew and his co-founder brother, Alex, grew up in southern New Hampshire. Andrew didn’t start off wanting to pursue brewing or making cider; he actually earned a degree in biochemistry from the University of Vermont and worked in a biotech laboratory before transitioning to finance as a financial analyst and consultant. However, at a point where he felt that he needed a change, Andrew got a call out of the blue from his brother who asked if he wanted to quit his job to start a cider company out in Jackson Hole, despite having no experience in cider making. After years of tinkering, location scouting, and a rebrand, the brothers launched High Point Cider. In this episode, Andrew shares with Stephan the challenges they faced, the cider-making process and how they overcame fear and self-doubt. He’ll also discuss their plans for the future and how they hope to continue growing High Point Cider.
Jacob Urban is the founder of the Jackson Hole Outdoor Leadership Institute, and he has an inspiring and multifaceted career in the outdoor industry. Jacob started out in Pennsylvania, but he set out to find his own path as soon as he was an adult. That path led him to study audio and video production in Florida, and then to Vermont, where he studied recreation resource management and began to build a career in the outdoors. After 15 years in Vermont, Jacob made the decision to move to Jackson Hole, where he took on a variety of roles and responsibilities, including teaching at Central Wyoming College, working on Search and Rescue, and founding the Jackson Hole Outdoor Leadership Institute.
Despite these achievements, Jacob has also faced challenges, including addiction, debt, taking on too many roles and not implementing enough self care. He shares his story of how he took a step back to focus on rebuilding himself and taking care of his mental and physical health in order to thrive. Through finding his tribe and overcoming obstacles, Jacob has transformed himself into the person he wanted to become.
In their conversation, Jacob and Stephan also explore the importance of disconnecting from technology, connecting with nature, and understanding the ways in which we are all connected as humans.
Shari Brownfield is a fine art advisor, appraiser, and owner of Shari Brownfield Fine Art. Shari was born in Montreal and grew up there and in Israel. She went on to study fine art at Concordia University and double majored in art history and studio art. Shari has worked her way through every level of the art world and now has her own project space and office inside the famed “Wort Cabin” just off the town sq in Jackson.
In this episode, Shari shares her family’s fascinating history and why she left life in the city to move out to Jackson over 20 years ago. Shari and Stephan also discuss changing career paths, the fine art industry, why people buy and collect art, what gives Art value, and the importance of maintaining a good reputation.
Leigh Reagan Smith is a documentary filmmaker, mom, teacher, writer, entrepreneur, podcaster, and artist. Leigh is the founder of Soul Creative, a multimedia company focused on bringing creativity, inspiration, and joy into people’s lives.
In this episode, Leigh shares how a serene moment in the city inspired her to seek out snow and nature. Leigh and Stephan then discuss art, creativity, podcasting, and the importance of finding a way to express yourself.
Julie Guttormson is a trainer, community leader, baton twirler, entrepreneur, stroke survivor, former news anchor, the founder of VIM, and the new non-profit Rock on Society. VIM is a fitness and training studio that specializes in group classes. The Rock on Society is a dynamic experience and fundraising non-profit that provides aid for stroke and cardiac patients.
In this episode, Julie shares why her life was flipped upside down at the age of 31 and how it led her to start the VIM. Stephan and Julie also chat about recovery, authentic fitness, following your passions, re-branding, the power of positivity, and supporting your community.
Juan Morales is the creator and CEO of Naughty Fruit and Rosa’s Tamales. Naughty Fruit combines dehydrated fruit and a blend of unique spices, such as dried chili and lemon. Both of Juan’s companies put family in the forefront and are inspired by his Mexican family heritage.
In this episode, Stephan and Juan chat about the importance of family, hard work, eating local, doing what you love, and drawing inspiration from your community.
Juan and Naughty Fruit are participating in Silicon Couloir’s 10th Annual Pitch Day. The event takes place at The Center for the Arts on October 19th at 5 pm.