meet the staff
At Peninsula Kayak Company we are a dedicated group of recreational professionals aiming to take our passion for kayaking and provide all of our guests with fantastic new experiences. We opened our doors in 2017 with the goal of helping anybody and everybody safely enjoy pristine natural landscapes while providing the best possible experience. We firmly believe in exploring the natural world with minimal impact leaving everything as intact as when we found it for all to enjoy. Our abundance of localized Door County knowledge not only ensures a great trip but you will leave here with more than enough ideas to keep you coming back for years to come. It's your adventure, let us be your guide. Now lets meet the crew!
Meet the Team
Rob
Michelle
Rob
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.
Dane
Michelle
Rob
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.
Michelle
Michelle
Michelle
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!!!!!!
Gordon
Gordon
Michelle
Growing up around the waters of Door County meant sailing and windsurfing was a part of everyday life. I instructed sailing for several years and loved teaching others the joys of being on the water. My future is still a little fresh with plans to travel Europe before settling on an education path.
Uve
Gordon
Leah
Hello!! I’m stoked to get back on the water with everyone! I’ve spent the past four years out in Montana and just graduated in Microbiology with a focus of Environmental Health. As much as I love playing in the mountains, I’m excited to be back on Lake Michigan and share it with more people!
Leah
Gordon
Leah
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!!
Elliot
Elliot
Elliot
Brand Ambassador. Kayaking legend.
Niko
Elliot
Elliot
Hey all, I’m Niko. I just finished my first winter at university in Montreal, Quebec. Lots of fun but, safe to say, I’m over the snow. Can’t wait to see you on the water this summer
Kailee
Elliot
Kailee
I was born and raised in Door County and have been in and around water my whole life. I’ve worked kayak rentals and lifeguarding, I scuba dive, and I’ve been swimming for 10 years. Right now I’m attending Milwaukee School of Engineering and I have plans to travel around the US and visit all the national parks.
Kyle
Makayla
Kailee
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!
Claire
Makayla
Makayla
Hello! My name is Claire Lantero and I am from Hinsdale, Illinois. I am here this summer to save up some money so that I can move out on my own. I am also here to enjoy thelake and kayak each day. I have been coming to Door County all my life and love everything about this place. I enjoy nature and the cute towns and of course the cherries! I am so happy you are here and I can’t wait to share this amazing place with you!
Makayla
Makayla
Makayla
This month I will be graduating with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Policy after a full year of adventures! When living in Hawaii for a few months, I was able to skydive, swim with local sea life, and hike around the island of O’ahu. As a small break before my senior year, I took a trip to Ireland where I roadtripped around the country for a week. The past few months have been a whirlwind of finishing up college and getting ready for the summer!
Margaret
Margaret
Margaret
Hi! My name is Margaret and I'm currently studying Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Management at Northern Michigan University, so I spent most of my winter studying. (And by studying I mean, enjoying the Upper Peninsula's legendary winters). Diversions included learning how to cross country ski, snow shoeing and lots of exploring!--
Patrick
Margaret
Margaret
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.
Sophie
Margaret
Sophie
heyo, my name is Sophie! Also known as mom to our shop dog aspen. I’m from Algonquin, IL and have somehow ended up in door county for the summer. YAY vacation every day! Other than the burning love for my dog I have a passion for travel. In the winter season you’ll find me in Aspen Colorado as a ski instructor. In the mean time afterwards I’ll be pursuing full time travel around the country living in a van with my dog. Less space more love! Anyways if you read my bio this far you should probably book with me! (Not to toot my own horn.... I am the best) :)
Atlas
Atlas
Sophie
Chief Navigator and somebody to keep the crew in line!
Sal
Atlas
Emily
Website Designer
Emily
Atlas
Emily
Team PA - Trained in Orthopedic Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine.