Born and raised in the country, Jay has a deep-rooted connection to the outdoors, nurtured by a childhood filled with hunting, fishing, and navigating through forests alongside his father and grandfather.

This love for nature has taken Jay to a range of breathtaking locales, from the Boundary Waters and diverse trails across the USA, to the dramatic landscapes of Namibia, Botswana, and Nepal. He's trekked along iconic routes such as the Appalachian Trail, the Superior Hiking Trail, the Ice Age Trail, and countless other trails across his home state of Minnesota.

Over the years, Jay has introduced numerous individuals to the outdoors, helping them broaden their comfort levels through gentle and thoughtful activities. His skill and patience as a guide stem from his deeply held belief that nature feeds the soul, heals the mind, and imbues our lives with meaning.

Jay brings together his love for the outdoors, his extensive experience, and his desire to help others discover their own unique connection to nature. His mission is to share the rejuvenating power of the natural world and facilitate experiences that lead to personal insight and growth.

Jay has a wilderness first aid certification from NOLS.