We’ve been introducing several people to you over the past few weeks. Today we get to meet Dustin who has been a part of our Branson Zipline Crew since the beginning of our 2010 season. He grew up right here in the beautiful Ozark terrain and has always loved working outside. This passion for the outdoors lead Dustin to become a part of Branson Zipline. I mean, what other job pays you to play in the snow?

Dustin is our all around outdoor guru. With all kinds of relevant outdoor information, you are sure to enjoy yourself on his tour. He doesn’t only use his extra time to camp, backpack & slack line, (Check out the picture above if you don’t know what slack lining is) he also has a degree in electronic media and holds a part time job traveling as the sound engineer and stage manager with Country Music Hall of Famer, Roy Clark. On his many adventures with Roy, Dustin has rubbed shoulders with many country music stars including Jessica Simpson at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. He enjoys traveling and going to all types of concerts. Anyone would be so fortunate to have Dustin as their zipline guide!

Best time to zipline? I prefer spring because the weather is perfect and all the dogwoods on the property are in bloom.
You’ve been with us for almost two years now, what is your favorite part of working here? I enjoy helping people overcome their fears. Many people start out really timid but by the end they are having the time of their lives.
Best advice for a new zipliner? Relax and just do it – once you’ve done it you will be fine. By the time you get half way down you will like it!
What is your favorite outdoor activity and why? Backpacking in Arkansas at Horseshoe Canyon – its nice to get away from everything, get in the woods and be self sufficient for a few days.  
What did you think the first time you went ziplining? I was like ten so I was pretty scared. It was at Kanakuk summer camp – I remember it being fun but it was so long ago that it is hard to say. The first time I zipped here I was more comfortable with doing stuff like zipping than when I was ten.



If you are looking for a guide who is all in, we have found her. Jen has been a part of Branson Zipline since April of 2011. She is a fun loving, hard working tour guide, and loves chatting with her guests about everything and anything! Jen grew up in Branson, Mo and always loved going to Silver Dollar City – a must do when visiting Branson. It was only fitting that Jen work as a zipline tour guide at Branson’s best outdoor activity, Branson Zipline Canopy Tours!

When Jen was in middle school she used to love listening to 80’s music. Ever since her childhood she has been adventurous. She loves getting out there and keeps herself busy by working out and spending time with her daughter, Becca. But, she is also all about wearing Pajamas and sitting back as she enjoys her Chicago style pizza and Ben and Jerry’s “Phish Food.” I guess we can say that if you are looking for someone who has the best of both worlds you’ve found her! She has been a great member of our team and we are really excited to showcase her today!

A Few Q & A’s with Jen:

What are your responsibilities as a Tour Guide? Making sure everyone is safe and comfortable.
How do you feel about working at BZL? I enjoy it; it’s fun and keeps me moving. Interacting with new people every day is definitely a highlight. I have had people from different countries and they are so interesting to get to know.
What is the best vacation you’ve ever had? One time I went on a backpacking trip at Glacier National Park in Montana. I loved seeing the scenery, waterfalls, springs and things no one could see unless they hiked up the 20 miles. It took my breath away.
What is your favorite activity? Kayaking
Best tour you’ve ever had? At the beginning of the summer I was privileged to zip with a couple. The gentleman told us that he was planning on proposing to his girlfriend of a year and a half. Sure enough he got down on one knee and a few moments later she said,”Yes!” They then took the plunge of our Freefall Xpress! Best tour ever! Favorite season to zip & why? Spring, because it’s a comfortable season to zip. Not too hot and not too cold. Everything is blooming and green!
Best advice for a new zipliner: Be strong and hang in there because you will love it in the long run

Kyle is definitely our artistic mind out here at Branson Zipline (see some of his early pieces above). With a wealth of knowledge, Kyle is sure to know the answer to any of your outdoor questions. He grew up in Springfield, MO and was the oldest of three children. Now he is currently living with his family in Billings, MO. This January is going to be quite exciting for Kyle and his family as they are expecting to add two twin girls to the mix! Whether he is sharing stories about his sweetheart & four daughters or talking about his most current artwork he entertains everyone. Kyle is a fantastic storyteller and is always sure to create a great experience for every guest on his tour.

Originally Kyle worked with 11-17 year olds at Camp Arrow Head, a Boy Scouts camp in Marshfield, Mo. There he taught the scouts how to tie knots, belay, repel, climb, and navigate through a challenge course.  Kyle enjoyed working with the boy scouts and found it very rewarding, but was excited to take on a full time outdoor job.  So he became a member of our team in the Spring of 2010 and is a fantastic leader. He has lots of awesome stories from his time working with the boy scouts but believes that making sure 12 adults are safe and secure while  at Wolfe Creek Preserve is easier than keeping track of 30 boys! Kyle has been an intrical part to our team and we are thankful for his ability to mix the perfect amount of adventure with safety. You’ll enjoy you tour with Kyle because he will always be there to make sure your experience is safe and memorable.

Q & A with Kyle:
What do you like about working at Branson Zipline? Being outside, working with people and all the different weather conditions. No day is the same.
Best time to zipline? Anytime is a good time to zip but there are definitely best times. I would have to say right before summer and right after summer. Temp wise it is kind of cooling off or just starting to warm up. Also, the kids are in school!
Best advice for a new ziplier? Enjoy it and have fun, Don’t touch your gear or the cable.
What do you hope to be doing in five years? I’d like to be somewhere in the outdoor industry. Teaching people to climb, kayak, or to simply enjoy being outdoors as much as I do. I could see myself working for a company that builds ziplines/ropes courses/challenge courses. Basically, something that keeps me outdoors and active.
Any last words? If you come on my tour you may be able to see some of my famous magic tricks!

If you are from Wisconsin or are a Green Bay Packer fan you will love ED! You see, he is our NFL quarterback, Aaron Rogers look alike!  Newly engaged Ed has been a part of BZL since spring 2011. He likes to describe himself as exuberant, exciting and excellent; I think he is our all around Mr. Congeniality! Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan his father moved the family to Rogersville, Mo and that is where he spent most of his childhood. Somehow between the mix of states, Ed became a Michigan Wolverines fan and he will never fail to let you know.

Ed plays a huge role here at Branson Zipline. You never know where you’ll find him – cheerfully greeting guests as they check in at Wolfe Creek Station, driving you up the mountain in our Pinzgauer, or as a guide on your tour!  In his off time Ed enjoys watching football, spending time with his Fiance, Erica, and taking trips. He loves all kinds of people and insures that each person he meets at Branson Zipline will have the experience of their lives!

Q & A with Ed!  
What do you like about working at Branson Zipline? The People are excellent and its fun!
What is the best vacation you’ve ever had? California with my fiance Erica this past year. But, we are going to Vegas in February and that may outdo California!
Do you play a musical instrument? Which ones? No I’m boring… I clap.
What is your favorite season and why? Spring because it is not cold and not hot!
So when is the perfect time to zipline? Anytime!
Best advice for a new zipliner? Just own it and go for it!

If you have any questions that you would like Ed to answer, feel free to ask away!