Meet the Team

---

I was born and raised in Jacksonport, and had the rare opportunity of living in the only home on Logan Creek.  I spent most of my days running the creek shore and canoeing out to Clark Lake. I studied Limnology and Ecology at UW-Madison, and it really opened my eyes to the amazing  uniqueness of Door County and Lake Michigan.  

Since then I've worked as an environmental restoration project consultant for the USDA, and continue to be active in my families business, Mr. G's Supper Club.  Peninsula Kayak Company is my way of sharing my experience of Door County with folks that like to take the time and observe their surroundings.

I grew up in Ohio  and since leaving for college it has been my life's mission to take the time and explore the world at a slower pace whether by bicycle, skis or a kayak. Upon returning from an extended bike trip to the World Cup years ago I began my guiding career on a raft in Oregon. 

After traveling around the country, in search of adventure,  I fell in love with Door County's rugged splendor.  One visit here was all I needed before I was hooked, and found something I needed to share with the rest of the world.  What I love most about this job, if you can call it that, is that I get to experience the best parts of life with new people every single day.

Hiya! I hail from Valders, WI. Valders is a small town in the county of Manitowoc (MAN - i - TWACK) You might remember Valders from being home of the pirate ship.  You read that right, the Valders Wisconsin know round world as being the former home to THE pirate ship seen  here. I spent many childhood nights dreaming about sailing the seven seas on that pirate ship. Then in my early 30s I learned that the pirate ship was actually a float on a trailer and not very sea worthy. Not to mention the town sold it and is no longer the home of the pirate ship. With my burgeoning pirating career in doubt I decided to get a job kayaking with Peninsula Kayak Company. And yes I do wear my sunglasses at night! YEEHAW!!!!!!

Hear ye hear ye, it is I, Gordon, bar sinister son of Poseidon, and kayaker of great lakes. I hath spent my days dwelling in Door County ever since the time of my parturition, but hath since ventured to the great city of Madison in search of enlightenment. Merely a fortnight ago, at the time of writing this letter, I traversed the land back to Door County to once again serve as a cicerone of the water for my third season. I overflow with excitement and enthusiasm to see you out on the water!

Hello! I’m from Durand, WI which is near Eau Claire. I also attend UW-Eau Claire for Business Finance with a minor in Marketing. I enjoy every minute spent outdoors hunting, fishing, golfing, and of course kayaking! I’m looking forward to a summer on the water soaking up the sun!

Hey, my name is Leah! I’m from Chicago, Illinois, and I spend my summers in Door County. I’m attending University of Texas at Austin, majoring in geosciences. I grew up kayaking and paddle boarding with my family on Lake Michigan.  My favorite part about Door County is miniature golfing and playing the guitar around a campfire! Look forward to seeing you on the water!!

Hey! After growing up in Sturgeon Bay, I studied Health & Medical Biology and swam competitively at Minnesota State University-Moorhead. After working in a hospital following graduation, I am ecstatic to be home and working in the sunshine with you! In the fall I will be moving to Milwaukee to pursue my PhD in Biomedical Sciences. My favorite things to do in Door County include trying new coffee shops, swimming at Sister Bay beach, and eating lots of cheese curds!!! 

Hey all! I’m Niko. I’m originally from Oregon, but I have spent my summers on the water in Door County for as long as I can remember. For the rest of the year, I’m a student at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. I also just finished a 7 week backpacking trip through Southern Europe, and even compared to the water in Italy and Greece, we have something special here on Lake Michigan. I’m excited to see you out there! 

Hi everyone I'm Kailee! I was born and raised right here in Jacksonport and I've spent most of my life on the waters around Door County. Currently, I'm attending UW - Madison remotely for Consumer Finance and Financial Planning. When I'm not traveling or helping out at the kayak shop I live in Milwaukee, although Door County will always have my heart. This will technically be my third season with PKC, but unfortunately, I will only be up during the weekends this summer. Other than being on the water, some hobbies of mine include traveling, camping, and meeting new people. Just this year I was able to spend a month abroad backpacking between multiple countries in Europe. I also love the US National Parks system and have been to 32 parks so far with at least 7 more planned in 2023. Overall I'm super excited for this season and look forward to talking with everyone, so if you see me on the water or in the shop make sure to say hi! 

 I was born in Crystal Lake Illinois, I go to school at The University of Colorado Boulder. So i'll be snowboarding all winter, and being a kayak guide in the summer. Im truly trying to live my best life. I have traveled to 11 national parks in the past year, and plan on going to many more after this season!

Howdy! I’m Kaylee, but you can call me Kale. I grew up here in Door County, but now I go to school at the University of Northern Iowa. I’m currently studying history education. In my time off i enjoy reading, thrifting, and listening to my vinyls. I look forward to seeing you on the water this summer!! 

Best,

Kaylee Mills

Hi everyone - I’m Kennedy! I grew up in northwestern Wisconsin and have been an avid paddler, biker, and camper since I was a kid. Throughout college and graduate school, I really fell in love with paddling adventures through working as a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. When I made Door County my home in 2015, I started guiding kayak tours. I have enjoyed getting to know the county through paddling and sharing that experience with others. When I’m not on the water, you’ll often find me adventuring around the county with my dog, Cedar, and attempting to train him to be my co-guide . . . we’ll see how that goes.

Hey! My name is Katy. I grew up in Madison but have spent many summers in Door County. I’m currently attending school in Seattle, WA as a biology major and competitive swimmer. When I’m not kayaking, studying, or swimming, I enjoy snowboarding, horseback riding, hiking, photography, and ceramics! Can’t wait to see you out on the lake!

My name is Patrick O’Connell. Born in Chicago, I come to Door County via Northern California. I moved here five years ago to rendezvous with family. Over those five years I have lead 70 outdoor tours (hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking) via a group I organized, Door County Outside. I have been paddling on and off for about 10 years now. Outside of Door County, a couple of my favorite paddles have been Elkhorn Slough in Monterey, CA, and the sea caves of The Apostle Islands in northern Wisconsin. I have traveled to a number of European countries, including living in Italy for one full summer. My background is in Natural Science, and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin. And although everything I’ve said here is absolutely true, I am particularly skilled in sarcasm. 

Hey, what's up everyone? I'm a junior at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and I've been coming up to Door County ever since I was a child. When I'm not riding my 4 wheeler to my construction job one of my favorite things to do is go fishing. So if you have any fishing related questions I would love to answer them!

Team PA - Trained in Orthopedic Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine.

Website Designer

Brand Ambassador. Kayaking legend.