Our Story
All Forward: A Journey to Help Outdoor Recreation Professionals Thrive
Nearly 35 years ago, I was a young technology professional working long hours in a demanding career. My sanctuary was always the outdoors. Whether kayaking wild rivers, backpacking across the U.S., competing in saltwater fishing tournaments, or—my favorite—chasing trout or tarpon on fly fishing adventures, nature became my reset button.
Every time I ventured out, I found myself surrounded by remarkable people—outdoor recreation professionals whose skill, care, and passion turned my trips into unforgettable experiences. Often it was just one person guiding me, but I knew there was a whole world of planning, expertise, and support behind the scenes. And yet, even back then, I could sense the economic tension in their lives.
Despite the “dream job” perception, these were skilled, dedicated people who were rarely rewarded in proportion to the value they created. I tipped generously, but deep down, I knew they deserved so much more.
Seeing the Other Side of the Counter
Years later, while living in Estes Park, Colorado, I decided to step into their shoes and spent a season as a part-time fly fishing guide. The work was beautiful—but hard. Guests could be rude or demanding, and not everyone tipped. I didn’t depend on the income, but I quickly saw that for many, it was a fragile living. What I did gain was a deep bond with the outdoor recreation community—and a clearer view of the gaps they faced.
I couldn’t fix it then. But I made a promise to myself: someday, I would.
From Boardrooms to Rapids
Fast forward to my glide path toward retirement after nearly 40 years in business. My career had been blessed, but the outdoors never stopped calling. My wife and I moved from Dallas to Santa Fe, and I set out to check off a bucket-list dream: becoming a whitewater rafting guide.
Guide school was the most physically demanding week of my life. I trained alongside five incredible young people, all my kids’ age, and was welcomed into a community of smart, skilled, passionate professionals. But again, I saw the same challenge—these people were scraping by, not because they lacked ability or drive, but because the system was stacked against them.
The Broken System
I realized something unsettling: outdoor recreation professionals are small business owners, skilled entrepreneurs, service leaders, educators, first responders, environmental stewards, and master facilitators. But they’re often left out of the very systems designed to help small businesses succeed—systems overflowing with resources for tech, energy, and trades, yet nearly blind to the economic and social value of outdoor recreation.
They lack access to capital, marketing, strategic business coaching, real estate opportunities, and economic development programs. They aren’t represented in incubators, accelerators, or grant initiatives. And that’s a huge missed opportunity—not just for them, but for communities, economies, and the stewardship of our natural spaces.
The Mission of the All Forward Foundation
Now, in Santa Fe—a community with resources, talent, and a willingness to think differently—I see the potential to change this story. New Mexico is rich with natural beauty and outdoor talent. The people here could power a thriving outdoor recreation economy—if given the same tools, training, and support afforded to other industries.
The All Forward Foundation exists to close that gap. We’re here to elevate outdoor recreation professionals to the same level of respect, opportunity, and prosperity as any other skilled profession. We believe they should not just survive—they should thrive.
This is not charity—it’s smart investment. It’s an opportunity to create a sustainable, prosperous future for the people who inspire us, teach us, and connect us to nature.
Let’s change the system. Let’s lift them up. Let’s thrive together.
--All Forward.
