Create Positivity in the World

Our skilled team members are motivated by their daily opportunities to create positivity in the world. And a big part of that is helping people to realize their dreams to own beautiful, meaningful, functional, and safe shelters.

Our Team

John & Kelly Gibson – CEO/Owner

John Gibson had a career spanning over 30 years of leadership in the Lawn & Tree Care Industry when his life journey intersected with an opportunity to purchase Colorado Yurt Company in 2020. The Colorado Yurt Company was started in 1976 by Dan & Emma Kigar, where they manufacture yurts, tipis, and tents for individual consumers as ADU’s, parks, camp and campgrounds, ski resorts, schools, festivals, and outfitters, among many others. Inspiring outdoor connections through quality craftsmanship performed on the Western Slope of Colorado has brought together his passion for the outdoors and leadership skills to steward a world-class team creating outdoor structures that captivate. In June of 2022, the company was rebranded Secret Creek, makers of Colorado Yurts, Earthworks Tipis, Destination Tents.

Joe Winkelmann – Director of Operations

Joe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He has a wealth of experience spanning the apparel and fashion industry, consumer services, low and high-volume manufacturing, and highly technical engineering fields. His skill set includes business management, team building, safety, human resources, cost efficiency, engineering, strategic planning, business development, and business process improvement. Joe’s standout quality is his ability to think innovatively and find creative solutions to complex challenges.

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” – Henry Ford

 

Megan Mann – Sales & Marketing Manager

Megan, a Colorado State University graduate in Business and Marketing (2014), joined Secret Creek’s sales team in August 2021 and moved to Montrose later that fall. Her role includes managing our team of Sales Guides and coordinating all company marketing efforts. An avid outdoorswoman, Megan enjoys big-game hunting, golfing, hiking, camping, and spending time with loved ones. She’s passionate about exploring the mountains and cherishes providing outdoor experiences to people worldwide.

Theresa Bright – Sales Guide

With a background in construction and the travel industry, Theresa is unifying career with her passion, the outdoors. As an avid kid at heart, you can find her outside doing all the Colorado things such as snowboarding, mountain biking, wake surfing, paddle boarding, and dabbling in river surfing. You just can’t beat life in Colorado. Taking pride in providing a strategic and informative approach, you can be confident that Theresa will work with you to find the right and scalable solution for your business or personal needs.

James DeYoung – Sales Guide 

With years of experience in the construction industry, James specialized in both remodeling and new construction. Over the past decade, James has honed his skills in various sales roles, offering a comprehensive start-to-finish sales approach that ensures customer satisfaction and project success. Originally from southwest Michigan, James relocated to the beautiful western slope, where every weekend feels like a vacation. James’s hobbies include snowboarding, hiking, riding enduro bikes, and remodeling homes. James looks forward to guiding you on your journey to your Secret Creek!

 

Amy Alexander – Sales Guide

Amy’s welcoming nature and friendly personality make her a great asset to our Sales team. Her experience in the hospitality industry shines through in her dedication to exceptional customer service. She has managed restaurants, lodges, luxury resorts and has owned her own event catering company. Amy thrives on living peacefully, harmoniously and in balance with the world around her. She maintains a deep respect for nature and all of its life forms. She enjoys the gifts of aroma, tranquility, beauty and adventure the outdoors provides.  On her days off, she’ll be hiking, skiing, biking or just being.

Cliff Connaughton – Customer Support Champion

Cliff is excited to be back with Secret Creek, bringing 22 years of experience and leadership in the yurt, tipi, and tent industry. Having lived in Colorado for 40 years, his longtime connection to the West and passion for the outdoors make him a natural fit for helping customers bring their vision to life. He enjoys helping customers explore their options, find the right structure for their needs, and making the process easy and enjoyable from start to finish. Outside of work, Cliff enjoys skiing, fishing, traveling, gardening, and spending time with his two amazing kids.