MEET THE COFOUNDERS

MAIN DIRTBAGS

Nathan Ackerman

I'm originally from downstate, outside of Saginaw, but frequently came to the Keweenaw during the summers and holidays to visit family and grew up loving the area. I eventually went to school at MTU, and graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree. When I'm not in the shop I like to be outside fishing, running, and camping. Some of my favorite places to get outside are Yosemite Valley, Grand Island, and High Rock Bay.  

Austin Gongos

I came to the UP for University like many others, but stayed for the natural beauty and recreation. I graduated in 2018 with a Mechanical Engineering degree and went on to found CTUG with Nathan shortly after. I spend my free time trail running and skiing in the UP. I love racing in local ultra marathons and skiing at Mt. Bohemia, the best powder skiing in all the midwest. PCT 2018 - shoutout to the Fox Fam!

CTUG TEAM

WHO IS MAKING YOUR GEAR?

Sascha Chesler

Hi, I'm Sascha! I come from an art and design degree from University of Oregon and printmaking in Chicago. Im an avid camper, hiker, dog lover, vintage shopaholic and traveler. Investigative podcast enthusiast. I have lived in Hancock for 3 years now and I love calling the Keweenaw my home. If I’m not at the shop, you can find me running local trails or mountain biking with Juno!

Evan Lanese

Originally from Cleveland, I came to the UP to complete a Masters in Geology which I finished in August 2020. I served in the US Peace Corps in Ghana as an agriculture volunteer for 3 years alongside my research. Currently, I live on a farm, developing skills in permaculture, lucid dreaming, and constructing a house from sustainable materials. I'm also involved in a community gardening and a local buddhist group. 

Jordan Manninen

I was born in Wisconsin but have lived in Hancock since I was an infant. I have a lot of great friends and family that live here so I’ve never felt the need to move away. Like all of my ”yooper” friends, I grew up loving the outdoors. I enjoy playing hockey and being at the ice rink all winter. In the summer, I’ll be at the beach!

Nala Irwin

I was born and raised in the UP and grew up always outdoors. As I grew older my love for nature also grew larger! Over the past few years I have taken interest in fashion design as well. As a way to combine my two passions I hope to find ways to make fashion more sustainable for the environment. If I’m not at the shop you can find me on hiking trails, baking cookies, or making some fun lattes!

Makaiah Munchbach

I am currently studying Biomedical Engineering and Spanish at Michigan Tech. I came to CTUG as a self-taught seamstress, and have since learned so many new techniques with the guidance of the team. I love nature, and tending to my plants is one of my favorite ways to express my appreciation for it. If I'm not at the shop, you will likely find me with my hands in the soil, or lifting at the gym!

Sean Smith

Originally from Metro Detroit, I moved to Chicago to acquire a degree in Digital Marketing / Music Business. After 5 years of city living, I moved to Hancock September of 2022 in pursuit of good people and stunning nature! I love snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and playing fetch with whoevers’ dog I can get my hands on. When I’m not at the shop, you can find me taking downhill laps at Copper Harbor, or riding powder at Mt. Bohemia!

Juno

Full time CTUG shop greeter and ball fetcher. You can find me swimming in Lake Superior in the summer and rolling in the snow in the winter. I will slobber on all of your clothes, however, I still will become your favorite CTUG member.