Early March I received a phone call from Pete Kutzer from the Orvis Company. Phone call started with small talk and then I was asked if I was attending the manager meeting in Manchester, VT this May. I said no sir I wont be able to make it due to my busy guiding schedule guiding in Weldon, NC for the striped bass run. Then Pete dropped the fact that I was nominated as one of the finalist for "Guide of the Year". At first I was contemplating even going but quickly realized this was to important to miss wether I was the winner or not. Being nominated was a honor enough. Since I was guiding two 5 hour trips a day for striped bass during that time I made the trip to Manchester quick as possible so I didn't have to cancel anymore trips. On May 11th I caught a 6am flight to Albany, NY and a hour and half car ride to Manchester I was there. This was my first time to the area and I must say that it is beautiful country and I regret not staying longer. I made the trip alone unfortunately, my wife and son were planning to come but my became sick right before the trip. The evening of May 11th was the awards ceremony for the Lodge, Outfitter, and Guide of the Year awards. Pete would read a review left by a client before announcing the winners name, as soon as I heard the first few words I knew I had won. I can't describe the feeling I had at that moment and how honored I feel to win this award! I owe a big thank you to all my clients that fish with me and trust me with their time on the water. I couldn't of done it without you and reviews you left on the Orvis site. Thank you to my family that allows me to make a living doing what I love. Fishing has been a huge part of my life since I was a child and I owe that to my father for getting me in the outdoors! Also like to thank my friend Pat Dorsey that took a chance with me when I was 19 years old living in Colorado. Pat took me under his wing teaching me the business and how to be a good fishing guide! Last I would like to thank the Orvis Company for recognizing their endorsed partners in this awesome way. Orvis is the only fly fishing company that does this for guides, outfitters, and lodges. Thank you all and hope to see you on the water this year!
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