RACHEL KAYLOR POPP | Co-Founder & CEO

Rachel started her career in the marketing and PR agency world and has never looked back. Fast-paced, creative and always evolving, she has worked in so many industries she's lost count. From consumer products to tech, outdoor, watersports, textiles, pet, fitness, building, construction, and more.

Rachel started full-time in the agency world at 21. By 24, she was leading her previous agency's North Carolina branch. At 26, she opened its first Denver location. Always working in full-service capacities, Rachel's mind flexes between marketing and PR strategies, and puts the puzzle pieces together so everything works advantageously. 

Rachel earned her degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in communication studies, with a minor in digital arts. She can be found adventuring, traveling and doing ridiculous things with her husband Jeff and their two hounds. She's always thirsty for the ocean - salt water is in her roots - and has a new-found insatiable hunger for the mountains.

KARA LAPOINT | Account Director, Marketing + PR

Kara has more than 10 years of PR, marketing and journalism experience, and more than seven years working in the outdoor industry, across a variety of roles. Kara has led PR strategy and execution for numerous accounts including PEARL iZUMi, HoneyStinger, Saucony, Hobie Cat Co., Diamondback Bikes, Nike Swim and more.

When she’s not at work, Kara is an elite Nordic ski racer, runner and pro triathlete. As a triathlete, she is among the top off-road racers in the world, notching numerous podium finishes on the Xterra Pan-American pro-circuit annually. And as a runner, she is a multi-time BostonMarathon qualifier and top regional trail running competitor

 KELLY BECKER | Account Manager, Marketing + PR

Kelly has worked in marketing, communications, and event planning for over 10 years, first in the non-profit sector and most recently as Head of Partnerships for Bluffworks and Partnerships Manager at Pack Hacker. Her freelance marketing work has included international clients across travel, CPG, e-commerce/retail, sports marketing, SaaS, healthcare, and real estate. Having worked in brand, publisher, and agency roles, she offers a unique perspective at the intersection of marketing and PR.

Kelly earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences & Organization Studies from the University of Oklahoma, and currently makes her home in the small mountain town of Taos, NM. Outside of work you can find her skiing, hiking, and camping with her partner, Mike, and their dog Stella. 

MELISSA ARCHER | Account Manager, Marketing + PR

From a young age, Melissa discovered her love for writing, cultivating curiosity, and staying active in the great outdoors. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in communications, she worked for boutique agencies in New Orleans and Charleston— thriving in the hospitality, entertainment, health food, travel and outdoor industries.

Melissa is energized by researching current trends, generating big ideas, and bringing a brand’s mission to life through PR & marketing strategy, trade show activations, event planning, competitive analysis, copywriting and more. 

She is grateful every day for a career that connects good people, good gear, and outdoor pursuits. When not working, you can find Melissa running, hiking, and nerd-ing out to nearby wildlife. 

CLARA PARKER | Account Manager, Marketing + PR

Clara grew up on the water surfing, swimming and sailing in South Florida. An avid fitness buff, when she’s not cycling or running, she’s doing yoga or finding some unique way to stay active from working out in parks to running stairs.

Clara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. After graduation and a year of living in Florida again, Clara returned to Charleston to pursue a career in public relations. She was introduced to the outdoor industry and offered a position with a boutique agency, where she ran the Hydro Flask account, handling day-to-day media relations, planning media trips, attending trade shows/showrooms and creating strategies to elevate the story and mission of the brand. Now, the outdoor industry is forever a part of her life. When not flexing her PR muscles, you can find Clara supporting expecting mamas as a Doula, running roads and trails, or finding a body of water to swim in.

AMY MAXWELL |  Art Director & Designer

Amy has spent over 13 years collaborating as an art director, designer, and multidisciplinary creative for companies and brands of all sizes. She uses her experience and skills to help brands shine by crafting design that brings their story to life. She is especially drawn to strategy, storytelling, and weaving brand components together in a way that feels authentic and compelling.

Her desk resides on the East coast, but her love for travel and strong wifi signal allow her to work with brands worldwide. Shark teeth and waterfall hunting, adventuring and digital hoarding are her preferred pastimes. As part of Big Fish Collective, she has her hands in the agency’s design and creative, while also running her full-service design agency - Maxwell Design Guru.