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

Garrett Walker – Director of Sales & Marketing

Garrett is a Colorado native and an avid outdoorsman. He and his family love being a part of the Montrose community and part of Secret Creek. He leads the Sales and Marketing teams as the company continues its journey for growth and expansion with Colorado Yurts, Earthworks Tipis, and Destination Tents.  Walker has extensive sales and management experience. Most recently, Garrett was CEO of a Denver, CO-based manufacturing company. Previously, he held a variety of Sales and Marketing positions at Otter Products in Fort Collins, CO, including Accounts Director and Manager for Outdoor products.

“What drives me every day at Secret Creek, is the opportunity and privilege to work with and lead, an amazing team of people that provide a great experience for our customers around the globe.”

Joe Winkelmann – Director of Operations

Experienced Operations Manager with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Experience in the apparel and fashion industry, consumer services, low and high-volume manufacturing as well as highly technical engineering fields. Skilled in business management, team building, safety, human resources, cost efficiency, engineering, strategic planning, business development, and business process improvement. My biggest strength is my unmatched diverse work experience as well as my proven ability to think outside of the box!

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

Rebecca Slyder – Marketing Manager

Rebecca is a western slope Colorado native with family roots in Montrose going back 3 generations! She started working with Secret Creek in the summer of 2022 as the Marketing Manager. Her career focus has been on creative marketing solutions for outdoor products and services. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Web Design and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Design and Marketing. In her free time, you’ll find her hiking in the mountains with her dog Adele, caring for her honeybees, or rock climbing.

“I love the creative challenges and wonderful team environment at Secret Creek! It’s an outstanding opportunity and privilege to work with inspiring leadership.”

Cliff Connaughton – Sales Guide

With 18 years of experience in all aspects of our business, Cliff is our senior Sales Guide. After growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, and graduating from Miami University in Ohio, he headed for the mountains of Vail, Colorado. With 20+ years of hospitality-industry experience under his belt, Cliff finally found his way to Montrose, Colorado in the late 90’s where he continues to enjoy golfing, fishing, gardening, homebrewing, and spending time with his two children.

“I meet the most amazing people, and I really enjoy cultivating their yurt, tipi, and tent dreams.”

Megan Bretti – Sales Guide

Megan is a Colorado native with a degree in Business and Marketing from Colorado State University (2014). After joining the Secret Creek sales team in August of 2021, Megan made the official move to Montrose later that fall. Megan has thoroughly enjoyed growing into her multiple responsibilities, including generating new sales opportunities, providing customer service, and assisting in the company’s marketing efforts. In her free time she enjoys big-game hunting, golfing, hiking, camping, and spending time with family and friends. She loves exploring new areas of the mountains and is excited to take advantage of all the outdoor experiences Colorado’s Western Slope has to offer!

“I genuinely love talking to people from all around the world. Being able to support their desire to create an outdoor experience is a privilege.”

Jessica Sauter – Sales Guide

Jessica is a California native with a degree in Animal Science from New Mexico State University. After becoming a Sales Guide in November of 2021, she has grown in her responsibilities, including generating new sales opportunities, providing customer service and guiding customers through their individual projects. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her horses, competing in the equestrian sport of Team Sorting, hiking, camping and going on adventures with her family.

“It’s an exciting time to join Secret Creek’s family! I’m looking forward to growing with this company and to get to know as many of y’all out there in the world as possible.”