Meet Our Team

My name is Cory. I was born and raised right here in Traverse City. I spent my childhood summers exploring the great northern Michigan
outdoors on foot or by bike, and exploring the lakes aboard our family boat.
Back in those days, my father would tell me tall tales of a wilderness island
named “Isle Royale”, which sparked my interest in backpacking at a young age
and led me to a lifelong love for the outdoors.

During my time at Backcountry North, I have done it all, from outfitting customers heading on their epic trip of a lifetime, to rigging up a custom fishing kayak, or teaching a class on backcountry cooking. At the present time I am the go-to guy for all things watercraft and equipment, the assistant duck-keeper-in-a-rower, as well as the corporate director of shenanigans.

If you need help gearing up for an adventure, picking out that perfect kayak, or have found that your life is lacking  shenanigans, come see me!

Hello! I’m Candice, and I genuinely love what I do here at BCN. The outdoor industry is a great place to be—the technology is innovative, the adventures are exciting, and the people (both customers and coworkers) are some of the best you’ll meet. Every day at the shop brings something new: a meaningful connection, a bit of industry insight, or a story from the trail (which we always love hearing!). This place is special, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

My love for the outdoors started young, camping and exploring nature with my family. Since then, I’ve hiked and paddled throughout Michigan. Isle Royale National Park is especially dear to me – it’s my most-visited backcountry destination and the place where my husband and I were married after years of backpacking and canoeing there together. When introducing friends or family to backpacking, I often take them to Pictured Rocks or the Manitou Islands—you just can’t beat the unexpected beauty of those places.

I’ve also been lucky enough to explore some incredible national parks outside of Michigan, including Glacier, Acadia, Zion, Bryce, Yellowstone, and Voyageurs. Each one was uniquely captivating, and offered once-in-a-lifetime memories. And while I didn’t backpack or paddle during my trip to Iceland, it remains one of the most magical places I’ve visited.

At the shop, my role changes day to day. Behind the scenes, I handle scheduling, process coordination, and some of the buying. I often alternate between our two locations—usually to merchandise, and occasionally to jump in on the sales floor, which still remains my favorite. For me, the best days are the ones spent connecting with others who love the outdoors as much as I do. Next time you stop in, if you happen to see me, make my day and say hello! 🙂

Hi! My name is Steve and I’m a manager here at Backcountry North. My wife and I decided to move away from the business of the city, and go to the place that we’ve always visited for the beautiful nature; Traverse City.

I love all the trails, lakes, and rivers there are to explore here in northern Michigan. In the summer I spend my time hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, exploring trails and beaches with my two Bernese Mountain dogs, and just unwinding in the serenity that the Traverse City region has to offer. One of the greatest things about northern Michigan is that there’s also a lot to do in the winter! Between snowshoeing, snowboarding, and ice climbing, I like to keep busy during the “slower months”.

The passion for adventure extends beyond Michigan, as my wife and I love to travel to destinations around the world. From spelunking in caves of Puerto Rico, climbing via ferrata in Switzerland, or snorkeling the continental rift of Iceland, there are so many adventures and wonders to explore.   

It is an absolute joy to be able to share my experience and expertise to help others find a similar fascination with the great outdoors whether it’s in our own backyard or across the globe. At Backcountry North we have a dedicated team of similar minded outdoor enthusiasts who can outfit you from head to toe in the gear you need to enjoy it all. We take pride in our level of expertise I’m proud to work with such a passionate and friendly team of individuals.  

My name is Ethan Goss, and I’m a Floor Lead here at Backcountry North. I’m thrilled to help outfit you for your next adventure, whether it’s a short hike at the Old Mission lighthouse, or a week-long canoe trip in Northern Canada. My passions include Nordic skiing (I’m a high school club coach), canoe camping, hiking, and anything outdoors.

I grew up in Northern Vermont, where I hiked in the Green and White Mountains every weekend. When I moved to Traverse City, I wanted to find a group of like-minded people with similar interests, which led me to Backcountry North in 2019. Here, we pride ourselves on providing the best customer service possible, ensuring you have everything you need for a spectacular adventure. I can’t wait to chat with you when you visit us!

Hazen has said that he is working on his bio, but it’s not quite ready to publish. In the meantime, if you want to get to know Hazen a bit better, come chat with him in the store sometime!

Allen is another one of our amazing team members who hasn’t written his bio yet. Allen has ever helped you in the store, you would remember him – he is an excellent active listener, and he will give you all the information and time you need to make the right decision for your adventure.

One of these days, we will get him to write a little something here. Until then, you can find out more about him by chatting with him when you stop in the store.

Howdy Folks! My name is Henry, and as a Senior Sales Associate, I’m not only happy, but proud, to find you what you’re looking for. I’m in the business of fitting, not selling, so whether you’re in the market for sandals or a kayak, I’m committed to finding the best fit for you and the crazy activities you have planned.

I grew up in southern Ohio before moving at a young age to beautiful northern Michigan where I’ve planted my roots. I’ve always been passionate about mountain biking, skiing and off-roading whatever-truck-I’m-working-on at the moment. Growing up in the Manistee forest surrounded by larger than life trees and flowing rivers, I can’t help but be thankful for the spectacular setting that is our state. If I’m not on the trails or on the slopes, I’m picking bluegrass tunes with my family or enjoying a home cooked meal with my wife. The best part of my job is being able to help people from across the country get out into the pure Michigan outdoors – as I have been lucky to do for most of my life.