Peter Linn is a father, husband, rancher, 5th generation local, and the owner of Pendergraft Outfitters.
In this episode, Peter shares his passion for his work and the joy he finds in waking up every day, excited to do what he loves. He talks about his long family history in the valley and what brought him back after living up in Alaska.
Stephan and Peter chat about some of the unique and amazing creatures he has seen while working in the backcountry, including wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and cougars. He then goes on to discuss the challenges and adventures of expanding his operations to a ranch in Kinnear, Wyoming, where he is learning to farm alfalfa and grass. The conversation then delves into the various types of trips Peter offers, including horse-supported hiking trips and progressive travel. Peter then elaborates on Pendergraft Outfitter’s camp, which offers a more comfortable experience with wall tents and a cook tent.
Stephan and Peter also discuss the logistics of pack trips, including the importance of holding onto horses overnight. Peter shares his personal experiences of waking up to missing horses and emphasizes the need for horses to feel safe and secure in their surroundings.
This conversation offers a glimpse into the ranching and outfitting life, showcasing the remarkable adventures and obstacles encountered in the beautiful wilderness of the Tetons and the surrounding areas.
Hal Johnson is a father, long-time local, entrepreneur, horseshoer, ranch hand, and one of the first tram operators. Hal has called this valley his home for over 65 years. Born in Firth, ID, and raised in the Blackfoot area, he made his way to Wyoming as a teenager and landed in Jackson back in 1957.
In this episode, Hal shares with Stephan many stories of what it was like to live in work in Jackson over the years. He talks about owning a feedlot that was run out of business by Purina. Hal goes into detail about all the longtime locals he has worked for, how he became a part-owner of the rodeo and why he left Jackson for a brief period of time. He also talks about being a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and what they do for the community. Stephan and Hal then discuss the importance of finding your happiness and surrounding yourself with people who also share a passion for life.
Dr. Sugden is a veteran, pilot, entrepreneur, physician, paramedic, and teacher to young aviators. Dr. Sugden first called Jackson Hole home back in the 40s when his family owned a dude ranch in Kelly. Dr. Sugden helped establish the first air ambulance service in Jackson Hole back in 1980. He has been inducted into the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame and is the recipient of the Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award. Currently, Dr. Sugden is a family medicine doctor based in Jackson Hole.
Janis and Donna share the same great-great-grandfather, Josiah “Si” Ferrin. Si was one of the original homesteaders in the valley and at one time he was the largest property owner and taxpayer in Jackson Hole. In this episode, Janis and Donna talk about their family lineage and the life of Si Ferrin. They discuss how Si built up his cattle-ranching land and earned the nickname The Cattle Baron of Jackson Hole.
At the peak of land ownership, the Ferrin family had over 3,600 acres of land and 2,000 head of cattle. Foreseeing changes in the cattle industry and the struggles of ranching in a Jackson Hole, Si decided to eventually sell his property to the Snake River Land Company.
Bob is a grandfather, entrepreneur, former mayor of Jackson, former county commissioner, the founder of Shervin’s Independent Oil, and a born and bred Jackson local.
In this episode, Bob shares the history of his family lineage and the story of when he was born back in 1933. He talks about what it was like growing up in Jackson in the 40s and how isolating the winters could be. Bob reminisces about his time working in Big Piney and how a scuffle almost led to his demise. He goes into how he met his wife, moved back to Jackson, and eventually started Shervin’s Independent Oil. Stephan and Bob discuss all the changes that have happened in Jackson since the 30s and what Bob accomplished when he was mayor and county commissioner.
Everything Jay does revolves around cycling. He is an ultra-endurance cyclist, ambassador, guide, teacher, speaker, race director, and sponsored athlete.
In this episode, Jay shares why he left a lucrative career in the city to move out west. He talks about the moment his life changed when he found his passion and reason for living. He explains the intense preparation and dedication that goes into doing an endurance ride. Jay goes into the work he does for the cycling community and why he doesn’t want to just be labeled a professional athlete. Stephan and Jay also talk about the importance of mentorship and how it can be rewarding on both sides.
Babs is the long-time Artistic Director of Dancers’ Workshop and Erin Roy recently stepped up as the Executive Director. Dancer’s Workshop is located in the Center for the Arts and provides diversity in movement experiences through education, performance, and outreach for students and audiences of all ages.
In this episode, Babs and Erin share their stories about how they ended up making it out to Jackson. Babs talks about the potential she saw in Dancers’ Workshop and how she has transformed the organization over the past 24 years. Erin discusses what it has been like to step up into a leadership role and how having a mentor like Babs has impacted her vision. Babs and Erin also talk about the outreach Dancers’ Workshop has, not only in the Jackson Hole area but the surrounding Wyoming communities.
In this episode, Melissa shares what it was like growing up on a ranch in Torrington, WY. She goes into how a job at a car rental company brought her out to Jackson. Melissa talks about starting work for Teton County as the Chief Deputy County Clerk and how that led her to pursue an opportunity to work as the County Assessor. Stephan and Melissa talk about the ins and outs of working as the County Assessor and she clarifies some misconceptions people have of what her position entails.
John is a father, husband, inventor, entrepreneur, former ski patrolman, avalanche expert, and an artist.
In this episode, John talks about how he made his way out to Jackson from New York over 60 years ago. He shares how his father encouraged his inventive and entrepreneurial spirit which led him to start many impactful companies and create numerous life-changing inventions. John goes into how he started a local rafting company, outdoor retail company, and a research organization, all while being a ski patrolman at JHMR. John also discusses with Stephan how he transitioned from operating Simms Fishing Products into becoming an artist.
Pam is a long-time resident, a mom, a wife, a former school bus driver and she is the Owner and Founder of Copperdot Leather Goods.
In this episode, Pam shares how she packed up her car 30 years ago and left Detroit in hopes of landing a career-track job in Jackson. She talks about what it was like to be a school bus driver and how it was one of the best jobs she has ever had. Pam then goes into how the creation of one leather bag led to building a successful locally crafted brand. Stephan and Pam also talk about the importance of leaning into positive feedback and how starting a business can be a lonely road.