Ian J

Ian was born and raised in Northwest Indiana, 10 miles from the south shore of Lake Michigan. Growing up, he spent a lot of time hunting and fishing with his dad and grandpa, which is where he began to develop an appreciation for the natural world. 

After graduating high school, Ian attended Indiana University where he studied Political Science and Outdoor Recreation. While at IU, Ian worked for the university’s Outdoor Adventure program, where he led backpacking trips and taught undergraduate courses on wilderness leadership. Additionally, Ian spent time working at Bradford Woods, a recreational therapy camp in southern Indiana that serves a variety of populations in need. As an Outdoor Instructor, Ian taught outdoor skills to people with a wide a range of physical and cognitive abilities, and he attributes this experience to solidifying his desire to help others learn and grow in the outdoors. A desire to spend most of his time outside and lifelong dream of going West is what brought Ian to Elements. 

When not in the field, you can find Ian climbing, traveling, listening to 90’s rap music and spending time with family and friends.