Meet our Team!
There's an art to moving back home to rural Pennsylvania and making a go of a seasonal, weather dependent small business. That art, for us, has been all about having the right people. Our core crew of four wear a lot of hats in the daily operations, bring new ideas to the table at our winter strategic planning sessions, and spend as much of their off-time rallying around the river and trails to learn more. Our summer staff is nothing short of amazing. They accomplish major goals both logistically and physically. These people make it happen. Without them AO could not do what AO does.
Sue
Official Title: AO Livery & Store Manager; Reigning Champion of AO Turtle Races (Not those turtles…)
Sue has been a key player with AO since 2013. She runs the show behind the counter for our outfitting during summer months, signing up and running logistics for thousands of folks headed out on a 107-mile stretch of river. She also heads up merchandising at the shop.
Growing up in Starbrick, Sue spent her childhood on the banks of the Allegheny River. After graduating high school she spent a couple years working in Los Angeles, California in the Costume & Wardrobe Department on movie sets, followed by five years adventuring in Oregon. She moved home in 2011, and we're so glad she did!
Aaron
Official Title: Veteran Bike Maintenance Guru and Overall Good Dude!
Aaron is the local veteran of bike maintenance - whether it be bmx, mountain bike, road bike or old banana seat bike - this guy knows his stuff, having been turning wrenches since he was 14. He’s also one of our favorite humans, constantly puttin’ smiles on peoples faces with his positive spirit. You’ll see him around town on a bike or in his old VW bus, Orange Peel!
Chris
Official Title: Ski & Snowboard Maintenance Guru; Arguably the best broom guitar soloist to walk Earth.
Our newest core crew member, we’ve been lucky enough to have Chris with us at AO since May 2022. In the summer months you’ll find him shuttling folks to and from boat launches all along the Allegheny River. In the winter months you’ll find him at the shop working on winter gear.
Chris grew up in Warren, then spent 10 years at Stratton Mountain in Vermont, working trail crew and ski patrol. He plays a mean drum (along with several other instruments), and can be found riding anything that has wheels through the shop in his down time. He’s also an incredibly kind, fun human.
Letti
Official Title: AO Customer Service Extraordinaire; Resident AO Mural Painter
Letti joined the AO Team in May 2022, and we’re so glad she did! You’ll find her shuttling folks from time to time in the summer, along with helping Sue set up new displays, and behind the counter year-round. She’s got a real gift of funky artwork as well, just look around AO, you’ll see her artwork displayed for sale and through murals. Letti also has a real knack for helping folks pick out super cute outfits and accessories in a real human, fun way!
After several years in the corporate world, Letti made the personal decision to step into the unknown, and we’re so glad she did! She’s now several small business owners dream all over downtown Warren - a gal that shows up with enthusiasm day in and day out, for several small businesses and restaurants. A real deal advocate of supporting local and small!
Piper
Official Title: Owner, Creative Director
Piper moved home from Alaska in 2006 to begin the journey that has become Allegheny Outfitters. You'll find her by chance (or by appointment) at the shop throughout the year. You'll also find her on various waterways and land trails throughout the year, scouting for trips and collecting new experiences to share.
After eight years as an air traffic controller in the US Navy, Piper moved home to Warren with her three children (under four) in 2006 to make a go of AO. She is Leave No Trace Master Educator certified from the National Outdoor Leadership School and ACA Level II Kayak Instructor certified. She is co-author of the Allegheny River Paddling Guide, and published On the river and down the trail..., a collection of 100 photos adventuring in the Pennsylvania Wilds. She is also one of the founding members of the annual Allegheny River Clean-up.
Summer Staff
Our summer staff sacrifices their weekends to help thousands of people spend time making memories on the river and in the forest, every summer. The list below is certainly not inclusive (due to lack of photos), but these are some of our crew from over the years.
