Job Title: Facilities Manager /Senior Whitewater Rafting Guide

Favorite Part of Job:
I love to see progress and Ace is always growing and improving. I like being a part of an industry that helps folks enjoy a little part of life in this stressful world. As far as guiding, what's not to love? One gets to yell at people and they like it.

What Brought You to ACE to be in the Outdoor Recreation Industry:
I love the outdoors. Being a guide since 1969, I can't remember whether I ever wanted to do anything else. ACE bought out the company I was working for. Every day there are new people and new challenges. I never feel bored.

Hometown:
Toledo, Ohio
(But I've been here so long, Minden is my home.)

Hobbies/Interests:
My God and Church are the first. Being a grandpa of 10 and being with my best friend, my wife of 40 years, are special blessing. I enjoy going to other rivers, kayaking, camping, and hunting. Indoors, I love to play Chess, learn about computers and just learn in general. Learning is what keeps one young.

What Joe says ...

I have worked for ACE since 1985. Besides teaching guides, as well as our guests, how to love the white water activities, maintenance, construction and equipment operator are the biggest parts of my work to develop this awesome facility.

I have been in the sport almost from the beginning. I started out racing canoes and kayaks, then got started with rafting in 1969. I have paddled many rivers and been around a lot, which is why I feel we have two of the best rivers. I get to share my love of boating with others. I get my kicks from watching my guests succeed. When I see their excitement, it just makes my day.

My God is who has saved me from drugs and alcohol and allowed me to know what true love is. I work as a teacher and group coordinator in my church. I'm proud to be involved with the Gideon's in giving out God's word.

What we say about Joe...

Joe is not only one of the best and most requested rafting guide at ACE, he also enjoys exploring the world. One of his most impressive adventure expeditions is his recent trip to the Zambezi River at the bottom of Victoria falls in Africa. In Joe's words " It definitely deserves to be called one of the natural wonders of the world." Since words are so hard to explain such a wonderful trip, Joe plans to make a slide show to share his adventure experience with ACE's guests and staff. Although it's a marvelous trip, Joe is still happy to be home... Yes, Gauley season is coming. There is so much fun on the river.