Johnny Russell

denver, colorado

Johnny’s adventures in Wyoming began on a snowy night in upstate New York with a simple question: “Why are you wearing cowboy boots?” From there, the inspiration was born to follow in the footsteps of friends at Colgate University and take a chance on a ranch in Dubois for the summer. Originally from New England, Johnny learned to slide down icy hills with sticks on his feet in the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. Since then, he has looked for every opportunity to share the joy and challenges of the outdoors with friends and family.

After four summers in Wyoming while attending Colgate, Johnny learned the true meaning of hard work in the fall of 2010 with a hunting outfitter in the Teton Wilderness Area. He went on to spend a winter chasing tram laps at Jackson Hole and enjoying the simple pleasures books, black coffee, and wood burning stoves. Johnny is always in search of the next opportunity to embrace the unknown and learn something new in the process, and is currently trying to spread the Give’r gospel in Washington, DC at a think tank. And since it would be a crime to resign to routine, he is still on the look out for the next pair of cowboy boots that could prompt a simple question – and the mystery that ensues.

Most importantly, Johnny challenges himself each day to embrace the Give’r philosophy by sharing his experiences, passions, and ponderings on life with others. Whether it’s friends, family, or a stranger, he is most fulfilled by the brilliant look in someone’s eyes when that person decides to just Give’r.