Curated Experts: Where These Outdoor Entrepreneurs Work From

Ever wondered what it looks like to be a Curated Expert? Whether working from home or from the road, these Experts share a glimpse into their colorful lives.

By Gabby J., Marc Gelbke, Wesley Bryden, Jason Starkey, Dave McCaul, Brady Falk & Mike Smeaton (Griz)

A green hammock is stretched between two trees and we look down the length of it towards an expansive view of interesting rock features. — Ski Expert Travis Gerhardt picking up at shift at the top of Hartmans Rocks in Gunnison, Colorado. Photo by Travis Grehardt

Published on 08/24/2021

Working from home might conjure up images of sitting at the kitchen table for hours on end, reheating the same cup of coffee over and over. However, Curated Experts tend to do it a little differently! From expansive views to animal companions, these seven Experts share the spots where they crack open the laptop and get to work.

Gabby Johnson: Snowboarding Expert

A parrot sits on the edge of a picnic table with a lake rimmed with trees and a blue sky in the background. — Photo by Gabby Johnson

This is my favorite spot to log into my online work with my favorite coworker, Morgan. You can find us in SW Mass where we live on a little lake. When I’m not logged into Curated, I’m working on my accounting degree and soaking up some vitamin D with Morgan.

Marc Gelbke: Golf Expert

The sunset shines light on rippled clouds above an RV park. — Photo by Marc Gelbke

Living and traveling full time in our RV! We move every three weeks, spending most of our time in Florida, working remotely, and living life with a new view, new yard, and new adventures every month. We showcase all our fun on our YouTube channel, Road Notes RV. Our RV is called Onyx, and our dolly that pulls our car is “Ollie the Dolly!"

Wesley Bryden: Camping & Hiking Expert and Ski Expert

A picture of open water dotted with islands. — Photo by Wesley Bryden

For the last six years, I have undertaken the adventure of buying and living on a large sailboat in Seattle WA, while learning how to sail and fixing the boat up! Almost all of the work I do with Curated is done from the boat. The view from my home marina is spectacular, with the sun setting over the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, and I get the added bonus of new views that never disappoint whenever I set sail on new adventures. Most recently I crossed the Strait of Juan De Fuca and spent a week up in the San Juan Islands.

Jason Starkey: Golf Expert

A laptop opened on the author's lap while they sit on the couch with their dog's face squeezing between the laptop and the back of the couch to lay next to his owner. — Photo by Jason Starkey

On early morning shifts, I usually get help! This is my wonderful boy Cooper being an assistant. He likes to think he is a big asset in making a Curated user happy, but in all honesty, he just keeps his daddy happy while helping out golfers! I couldn’t ask for a better workplace and the assistant t’boot! Thanks, Curated!!

Dave McCaul: Camping & Hiking Expert

An Arcadia RV is set up with a rug outside of it on a lawn, two chairs and a grill nearby, and a dog lounging on the grass. — Photo by Dave McCaul

I am currently in Northwest Wisconsin grabbing this new rig, and I built the RV site it sits on too. Usually, we move every month or so focusing on national parks, and have seen 47 so far! Scout is stoked too!

Brady Falk: Golf Expert

A laptop sits open on an outdoor table on a balcony in front of a mountain view. The sky is blue and the scene is sunny. — Photo by Brady Falk

Fresh mountain air, scenic backdrops, and coffee in hand! Sun Valley, Idaho is by far my favorite place to work and play, with golf in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Mike Smeaton: Camping & Hiking Expert

A view out an open window with many green trees outside. — Photo by Mike Smeaton

Most days this is my view from my workspace (not always raining but this is a great job for rainy days). I have been able to work with my customers while camping with my wife in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, as well as Bro Fest trips with my two sons. I get up early and sometimes work late because I never know when a customer is going to send a message and need some gear for that last-minute trip.

If you have in-depth gear knowledge, a passion for the outdoors, and are seeking a flexible role that enables you to work from anywhere, check out the Curated Expert application here.

Meet the authors

5.0

Wesley Bryden

Ski Expert

Wesley here! How can I help?

5.0

Jason Starkey

Golf Expert

Jason here! How can I help?

5.0

Dave McCaul

Camping & Hiking Expert

Dave here! How can I help?

5.0

Brady Falk

Golf Expert

Brady here! How can I help?

5.0

Mike Smeaton (Griz)

Camping & Hiking Expert

Mike here! How can I help?

5.0

Gabby J.

Snowboard Expert

4.9

Marc Gelbke

Golf Expert

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Written By

Gabby J.

Snowboard Expert

I've been a snowsports enthusiast since 2004. My parents bought me my very first plastic snowboard with the step-in bindings for Christmas, and I took it to our front yard to try it out right away. After sliding just a few feet, I was hooked. From there, and until I stopped growing, my parents got m...

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Marc Gelbke

Golf Expert

Long-time golfer that lead me from a passion / hobby to a full time profession. I have worked in all aspects of the golf industry, from maintnenance to assistant pro and later as Head Golf Pro, Director of Golf, and eventually General Manager for multiple golf course facilities. I also became a Cert...

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Wesley Bryden

Ski Expert

"If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do." - Warren Miller I have 40 years of skiing experience and am passionate about the mountains! I spent the first years of my life living on Stevens Pass, and I was skiing by the time I could walk. I have instructed beginner lessons...

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Jason Starkey

Golf Expert

Although I played as a young child, I really got a passion for the game in my early 20's. Playing every day, learning more and more, and searching for that perfect round. This lead me to learn as much as I could about my own game, what I was doing wrong, and how I could get better. I love to get out...

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Dave McCaul

Camping & Hiking Expert

Born and raised amongst the beautiful lakes, forest, and dramatic seasons of Minnesota I was drawn to the outdoors from an early age. From portaging in the BWCA, to backpacking in the Yukon, to shredding basically any hill or park I could find, I spent my youth learning how to survive, and thrive, i...

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Brady Falk

Golf Expert

I was lucky enough to grow up on a golf course as a kid, and golf has been a huge part of my life ever since. I've had several jobs in the golf industry. I started working as a cart barn attendant in high school at my local golf course where I grew up in southern Minnesota. I spent a summer during c...

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Mike Smeaton (Griz)

Camping & Hiking Expert

I have been an outdoor adventurer since I was a boy scout & sea explorer in my teens, buckskinner & fur trade re-enactor in my 20's, canoe camper and backpacker since my 30's and many, many family camping trips. I love GEAR! I am a firm believer in having the right gear to match the trip. I have l...

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