Life Resume
2023
Nick will be joining Black Canyon Anglers and Colorado West Slope Fly Fishing this year guiding on the Gunnison, Colorado, Roaring Fork Rivers, as well as many lakes and reservoirs around Western Colorado.
See Nick’s Full Fly Fishing Guide Resume Here:
Fly Fishing Guide
Winter ’22/23
Nick returned to the Tetons for the majority of this winter. He completed his Professional Level 1 Avalanche Certification and continued to explore the Teton backcountry.
In May of 2023, Nick completed his Alpine Skills Course, as part of the AMGA curriculum. This leaves Nick only a couple of courses from being a fully certified splitboard guide.
2022
Nick joined Gunnison River Expeditions, as a fly fishing guide, for the summer season. This is where Nick was first introduced to the Gunnison Gorge, at least the floatable section. There was some dues to be paid, which Nick didn’t mind. He learned a lot this summer about the Gunnison River, rowing through technical rapids, and camping along the river.
Nick also ran trips for Colorado West Slope Fly Fishing on the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. He also taught beginning fly fishing lessons such as casting, how to rig up, and how to find fish.
Summer & Fall 2021
The summer of 2021 Nick attended Sweet Water Guide School in Montana. This was Nick’s first official step into the fly fishing industry. Nick learned a lot fishing the Big Horn River for a week. This week really inspired Nick to dive into the fly fishing industry head first. There was still much to learn, in order for him to become a guide. He spent the rest of the year chasing fish all over with a fly rod.
In December of 2021, he took the Colorado State Rowing Certification Course with Colorado West Slope Fly Fishing. This would be the start of Nick’s relationship with Jeff McKenna and partnership with CWSFF.
The Year of 2020
This year brought many interesting changes for millions of people around the world, Nick was no different. His plans summer plans to return to Alaska were shut down and he had to pivot. He started working as a real estate appraiser in Western Colorado and took advantage of the booming housing market. This new gig allowed Nick to save some money and invest in his true career goals: becoming a fly-fishing guide and splitboard guide.
Nick spent much of the next winter (’20/’21) in the mountains seeking mentorship from local guides, formal educational courses, as well as exploring the Tetons on his own. He completed his Avalanche Rescue and Avalanche Recreational Level 2 course, along with his Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
Summer 2018 & 2019
Nick took his experience in sales North to the last frontier of Alaska. He joined National Geographic photographer and friend Barrett Hedges in Skagway, AK to manage the “Nature’s Wildest Moments” photo gallery. The gallery had two of its best summers to date, while under Nick’s watch. He plans on returning to Skagway for the 2020 summer.
Winter 2018 & 2019
Nick landed a job at Keystone Resort for the winter of 2018. He worked guest services and interacted with guests on a daily basis, helping them with directions, recommendations, and lost and found. While working at the resort, Nick took advantage of every opportunity to snowboard. His passion took off and he quickly started setting his sights on backcountry snowboarding, buying his first splitboard in 2018.
Jan – Aug [2017]
Nick served as sales rep for the sports nutrition company, NutraBio. He worked as the West Coast Territory Manager dealing with big box retailers such as GNC and Vitamin Shoppe. During Nick’s time, NutraBio saw a huge increase on the West Coast, bringing NutraBio’s uncompromising nature to the Golden State.
In Aug of 2017, Nick stepped down from his sales rep position and moved to Colorado in search of a more simple, peaceful life.
Jan 2012 – Dec 2016
Nick worked in various gyms from Texas, Tennessee, and California. He worked with athletes and general population to help his clients achieve better performance, health, and wellness.
Nick has certifications in Corrective Exercise, Performance, Strength and Conditioning, and Sports Nutrition. He’s used himself as a guinea pig to experiment with numerous workout routines and diet programs. His experiences can be found on numerous online sites and forums.
Along with training in gyms, Nick has also helped dozens of those looking to better themselves remotely. In the fall of 2016, Nick looked to expand his career to the sunny beaches of Southern California.
College 2009 – 2014
Nick played 2 seasons at Southeastern Oklahoma State, serving as the teams punter and place holder. He set two school records during his redshirt freshman year: most punts inside the 20 in a single game (6) and vertical jump record for kickers (32.5″).
Nick would transfer to Greenboro College, in North Carolina, to complete his college playing career. He would go on to finish his degree in Physical Education and Instructional Technologies at Texas A&M-Texarkana, not far from where Nick grew up.
Nick’s college career allowed him to see much of the country and play football at the next level. Nick’s dedication and commitment to honing his craft carries over to every job he sets his mind to.