About Will

Interests: Cycling, Hiking, Triathlons, Climbing (beginning), and Skiing

I was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. For the first 22 years of my life I lived in 3 homes all within a 5 mile radius of each other on the east side of Atlanta. At every home I found the local woods to go play in. Whether we were building forts in elementary school, mountain biking in middle school or high school, or trail running, I always found myself outside. 

 I went to Georgia State University and helped found the Triathlon Club where we raced in USAT's Collegiate Nationals in 2008. I graduated with a Degree in Business Management and 2 days after graduation started a cross country cycling trip with Bike and Build. On the trip we raised money and awareness for affordable housing while cycling from Virginia Beach, VA to Cannon Beach, OR. The trip was amazing and really got me interested in "Epic" adventures. 

After Bike and Build I moved down to Orlando, FL and began working at Disney World. I learned a lot about the hospitality industry and guest service best practices but also discovered my dislike of corporate work. During my time at Disney I decided my next big adventure would be hiking the Appalachian Trail. Though I loved my bike, I do not like repeating myself so i felt that riding across country a second time would be redundant. 

Leaving Disney in early 2009, I spent the summer living and working events at Shelburne Farms. I had never been farther north than Philly but was told about Shelburne Farms by a friend and moved to Vermont, with no car and just my bike. That summer was great and I raced a number of local triathlons as well as my first half Ironman.  I originally thought of moving out west but having never skied and hearing that it is harder to learn on the East Coast I decided to stay. I spent the winter at Sugarbush, working in the rental shop (why they thought a southern kid who had never skied should be outfitting people I do not know. But it worked!).  

2010 brought around the same series of employment, Shelburne Farms and then Sugarbush for a second year. I ran the Burlington Marathon in the spring and decided that in 2011 I would hike the AT. I saved up money all summer and fall (kinda, I tend to find sweet things to buy that I have to have). And bought everything I thought I needed. 

Starting the trail was bittersweet. I do not like long distance relationships however at the end of 2010 I started dating my current partner, Katrieva and I just couldn't stand the thought of not having her in my life. Luckily she is amazing and supported me (over the phone) the whole way, coming down to see me in Virginia when I got sick, with an ulcer. It took me 5 months to hike the AT and decided mid way through that I wanted to work in a gear shop. I love people and I love the outdoors so I saw no better place to be. 

Now I am the OGE's first Events Coordinator and am stoked to build the OGE's presence in our community.