MEET THE CREW
SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
Pete Rockwell
With over 15 years at AIRE, Pete knows our rafts, catarafts, and inflatable kayaks inside and out. From his beginnings welding rafts in production, to now answering phones, providing customer service, and managing dealer & outfitter accounts for the West Coast, he has done it all.
When he’s not helping customers dial in the right boat, or shredding his face off at the ski hill, you’ll probably find him on the Payette — R-2ing, cat boating, family floating, or kayaking.
- Favorite Multiday: Middle Fork of the Salmon
- Favorite Day Run: Staircase Section of the SF Payette
- Favorite Expedition Raft: 156R
- Favorite Day Trip Boats: Super Puma & Hot Potato
Shaun Allumbaugh
Shaun has been part of the AIRE crew for more than two decades, wearing just about every hat—from building boats on the floor to leading the charge in sales and marketing. As Sales Manager for the Whitewater Division, he’s spent nearly 20 years helping customers, outfitters, and dealers gear up for life on the river.
Shaun has been with AIRE for 23 years, working across production assembly, shipping/receiving, repairs, and sales. For the past 19 years, he's proudly managed sales for AIRE's Whitewater Division.
Outside of work, Shaun’s natural habitat is outdoors—spending time with his family, paddling (raft, cat, kayak, or touring), fishing, hunting, mountain biking, snowboarding, golfing, backpacking, or tending the land at Hall Farms.
- Favorite Multiday River: High-Water Selway
- Favorite Day Run or Fishing Spot: SF Payette (whitewater) — fishing spots are top secret
- Favorite Expedition Raft: 160DD – the raft version of a Suburban
- Favorite Day Trip Boats: Super Puma, or Force
Abby Taylor
Abby grew up splashing around the warm rivers of Georgia before heading west in search of bigger rapids and taller mountains. After spending a decade instructing and managing programs at Outward Bound schools across the country, she traded her guide hat (not entirely) for a desk at AIRE HQ in 2023.
These days, she balances account management, event planning, and retail operations with just the right mix of precision and play.
Outside the office, you’ll likely find Abby chasing whitewater or disappearing into the woods. Notable feats include canoeing the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, rowing the Grand Canyon—twice!—biking across the USA, and clinching titles such as Alta Women’s Arm Wrestling Champion and Moogey’s Annual Ham Toss Winner.
- Favorite Multiday: Gates of Lodore
- Favorite Day Run: Section 3.5 on the Chattooga River
- Favorite Expeditionary Boats: 143D / 156D
- Favorite Day Trip Boats: Lynx (if making miles), Hot Potato (if playing)
Andy Osler
With over two years at AIRE, Andy brings a unique perspective to the sales team after spending a decade as a professional fly fishing guide. His knowledge of the water and passion for the outdoors make him a valuable asset in dealer support and customer service.
Whether it's helping a customer choose the right gear or assisting dealers with technical questions, Andy is dedicated to making sure everyone has a great day on the water.
When he’s not at work, you’ll find Andy out fishing, hunting, playing golf, camping, or spending time outside with his family.
- Favorite Multiday Trip: Middle Fork of the Salmon
- Favorite Day Run: South Fork of the Snake River
- Favorite Expeditionary Raft: 136DD with fishing frame
- Favorite Day Trip Boat: Super Puma with fishing frame
ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION
Brendan Nefzger
Brendan has spent nearly a decade supporting the AIRE and Outcast teams in sales and customer service. Today, he leads sales for AIRE Environmental, where he focuses on spill containment and disaster relief solutions.
When he’s not at work, Brendan’s probably outside—floating a river, making music, or enjoying time with his family. His love for the outdoors runs deep, whether it’s boating, creating, or connecting with others.
- Favorite Multiday River: Middle Fork of the Salmon
- Favorite Day Run: Staircase Section of the SF Payette
- Favorite Day Trip Boats: Puma, 13' Wave Destroyer, and whatever R&D is cookin’
Mike McCrosky
With over 30 years at AIRE, Mike has contributed across departments—from manufacturing and sales to team leadership and product development. His passion for the outdoors fuels his work and inspires his approach to everything AIRE creates.
Mike joined AIRE in 1992 after moving from Southern Oregon to Idaho with his wife Jodi. Since then, he’s made a lasting impact across the company while also making the most of every opportunity to chase adventure. Outside of work, you’ll find Mike rafting, hiking, biking, paddleboarding, or exploring the backroads on his adventure motorcycle.
- Favorite Multiday: Middle Fork Salmon
- Favorite Day Run: Lower Deadwood
- Expedition Boat: 143R
- Go-to Day Boat: Old-school 90s Ocelot
REPAIR DEPARTMENT
Ryder Fondren
Ryder has been at AIRE for over 16 years, starting as a temp before going on to manage the swing and graveyard shifts. After a few years in R&D, he stepped into his current role as Service Department Manager in 2015.
My favorite river trips are on the Salmon, and when I’m not working, I’m camping or out riding dirt bikes with my family. I love troubleshooting gear and keeping boats on the water.
- Favorite multiday: Salmon River
- Favorite day runs: SF Payette, Cabarton section
- Favorite pastime: Camping and dirt biking with my family
Jeff Werley
Jeff has been at AIRE for over 20 years years. He started in production and learned a variety of roles that have served him well in his current position as Lead Service Technician
When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find him outdoors—either deep in the backcountry or out in the backyard tending the garden. Jeff loves rafting, kayaking, camping, backpacking, hiking, and skiing. If it gets him outside, he’s in—especially if he can share the experience with his grandkids.
- Favorite Multiday: Hells Canyon
- Favorite Day Run: Cabarton
- Favorite Expedition Boat: 143D aka “Barnum”
- Favorite Day Trip Boat: Puma aka “Jaws”
Mike Wendel
Mike has been with AIRE for nearly five years. He came in to get his boat fixed and ended up getting a job out of it.
He takes great satisfaction in the problem-solving process of getting people’s broken boats safely back on the water. Away from work, he’s floating rivers, skiing mountains, and spending time with his kids and friends.
- Favorite Multiday – The one I’m on
- Favorite Day Run – Cabarton (with kids), Staircase (without)
- Favorite Expedition Boat – 156D
- Favorite Day Trip Boats – 13' Wave Destroyer and Sabertooth
PRODUCTION
Chad Hyde
With 16 years at AIRE, Chad has worked his way up through production and into leadership. From his first summer job before high school graduation to now, overseeing daily operations as Production Manager, he’s been a steady force on the floor for over a decade.
When I’m not at work, I’m probably riding bikes along the greenbelt, hopping between breweries, camping, or wake surfing with friends.
- Favorite multi-day: Hells Canyon cast-and-blast or high water Middle Fork
- Favorite day run: Lochsa
- Favorite Expedition Raft: 146DD
- Favorite Day Trip Boats: 13x22 Wave Destroyer, Sabertooth
John Blanchard
John has been with AIRE for a little over 4 years. He primarily works in production, contributing to both whitewater and environmental projects.
His focus has been on RF and rotary welding. Outside of work, John and his partner foster dogs and spend as much time on the river as possible.
- Favorite Multiday Trip: Rogue Wild and Scenic or the Main Salmon
- Favorite Day Run: North Fork Payette, Cabarton section
- Favorite Expedition Boat: 146DD (though his cataraft holds a special place!)
- Favorite Day Trip Boat: Cranberry Cub
SHIPPING
Josh Harrigfeld
Josh has been at AIRE for 11 years, starting in the shipping department before moving through production, Rotary, and sales at Outcast. He now serves as AIRE’s Warehouse Manager.
I’ve held roles across shipping, rotary (as lead), quality pack, and even worked for the Factory Store. During COVID, I stepped in as Shipping Manager and have continued to evolve with the team. When I’m off the clock, I’m usually smoking something on the Traeger, watching sports, baking bread, reading, or heading for the mountains.
- Favorite fishing spot: Classified (just ask Shaun)
- Favorite day trip float: Main Payette
- Favorite Day Trip Boat: Sabertooth
- Favorite Fishing Boat: Super Puma with a fishing frame.
Treyson Beard
Treyson is entering his fifth year at AIRE and has worn many hats along the way. He started out working hybrid roles in Production and the Showroom and now helps keep things moving smoothly in the Shipping Department.
His hands-on experience across multiple areas of the company gives him a strong understanding of how everything comes together behind the scenes.
When he’s not at work, Treyson is usually outside—skateboarding, spending time on the river, or chasing summer days wherever the water’s flowing.
• Favorite Multiday River: Main Stretch of the Salmon River
• Favorite Day Run: Main or Cabarton section of the Payette River
• Favorite Expeditionary Raft: 146DD
• Favorite Day Trip Boat: SABERTOOTH!!!!
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING
Ben Marek
An Idaho native who grew up on the banks of the Salmon River, I’ve been with AIRE for 4 years, working as a Design Engineer focused on new product development.
Before joining the team, Ben spent a decade guiding whitewater trips across Idaho and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Idaho. When he's not designing boats, you’ll find him chasing whitewater or dropping knees in fresh powder.
- Favorite Multiday Trips: South Fork of the Salmon, Selway
- Favorite Day Runs: Lochsa, SF Clearwater, Payette system
- Favorite Expedition Rafts: 146DD, 183R
- Favorite Day Boats: 13' Wave Destroyer
Zane Kindred
Zane has been with AIRE for over 12 years. He started on the production floor, worked his way into new product development as a Design Engineer, and now leads the team as Engineering Manager. Before that, he studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Idaho and spent his summers guiding on the Salmon River and in Hells Canyon.
When he’s not designing or paddling boats on Staircase, you’ll likely find him hunting, ripping hot laps at Bogus Basin, raisin' hell, and praisin' Dale.
- Favorite Multi-day: Selway, Middle Owyhee (3 Forks to Rome)
- Favorite Day Run: Little Salmon
- Favorite Expeditionary / Multi-day Boat: 126DD
- Favorite Day Trip Boat: Sabertooth and Cub
Purchasing
Kellen Kinghorn
Kellen has been with AIRE for 15 years. After graduating from Boise State University, he started in Outcast sales and eventually transitioned into purchasing and accounting.
When he’s not at work, Kellen enjoys spending time outdoors—golfing, camping, fly fishing, hunting big game, or chasing upland birds with his dogs.
- Favorite Multiday Trip: South Fork of the Snake
- Favorite Day Run: South Fork of the Boise
- Favorite Expedition Boat: 156R
- Favorite Day Trip Boat: Super Duper Puma with a fishing frame
Marketing and Web
Bobby Kuepper
Bobby has worked at AIRE in the eCommerce and Marketing department since February 2025. Before that, he owned and ran a paddlesports retail and eCommerce business for 15 years.
At AIRE, Bobby manages the websites for aire.com and outcastboats.com and contributes to eCommerce marketing. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on the river, exploring alpine singletrack in the San Juan Mountains, and backcountry skiing in Idaho and Colorado.
- Favorite Day Trip: The Upper Pacuare in Costa Rica, but I'm also quickly becoming a fan of various sections of the Payette.
- Favorite Multiday: Wild and Scenic Rogue River
- Favorite Expedition Raft: Tributary 12 HD (perfect for 2–3 nights on the Upper Colorado)
- Favorite Day Trip Boats: The TATER! (or a Cub on the South Fork)
Alex Aldecoa
Alex has been with AIRE for nearly 10 years. She started as a Graphic Designer and quickly grew into her current role as Art & Marketing Director, leading creative and brand direction across AIRE and Outcast Sporting Gear.
Before AIRE, Alex spent several seasons guiding with Mackay Wilderness River Trips on the Main and Middle Fork of the Salmon, building a lasting connection to rivers and the communities shaped by them.
When she’s not behind the scenes at AIRE, Alex is usually skiing, backpacking, mountain biking, traveling, or chasing the next adventure, often with her golden retriever Farley in tow. She also volunteers as an Adventure Mentor with Wild Hearts Idaho, supporting teen girls through outdoor adventures that build confidence and connection.
- Favorite Multi-day: Middle Fork of the Salmon
- Favorite Day Run: South Fork Payette (Canyon Section) or Cabarton with the fam
- Favorite Expeditionary / Multi-day Boat: 146DD
- Favorite Day Trip Boat: Super Puma or SPUD/Hot Potato