I was born in San Francisco, California, but grew up on a farm in the Ozark Mountains of Southwest Missouri. This environment provided me a solid foundation for hard work, adaptability and love of the outdoors. I spent hours in the wilderness and this is where my desire and drive to explore was born. What started out as hiking, backpacking, hunting and fishing with my father and two brothers, later developed into exploring, climbing and mountaineering, and a true love affair with the mountains.

Highlights:
To date, I have explored and climbed over 60 mountains and led expeditions in 14 countries.

Fun Facts:
I eat a modified vegan diet (eggs now and then, and meat occasionally, preferably pasture-raised).
I have no tattoos or piercings
History and antiques are legitimate interests of mine.
Fall is my favorite time of year.

What are you looking forward to?
Leading a trip to a remote, nearly unclimbed part of Mongolia that provides an opportunity for several first ascents.

What’s an interesting trip/climb/expedition where you’ve taken your LOWAs?
In 2015 I was leading an expedition on Cho Oyu in Tibet, when our team was caught in the Nepal earthquake at 19,000 feet. A very scary and humbling experience….

My favorite LOWAs:
The 6000 RD for mountaineering, Caminos for rugged trails and Renegades for everything else.