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?
Sarah Oberloier
Creative & Customer Experience
I learned how to sew at a very young age on a toy sewing machine with a plastic needle. It barely punched through fabric, and it didn't take long before I upgraded. I worked as a seamstress while obtaining my BS in Photography. I was raised on a sailboat where I would spend several weeks at a time each summer and 80 acres of land the rest of the year. I grew up appreciating the simplicity of nature, both land and sea. I moved to the UP in 2016 and spend most of my free time reading, knitting, cross country skiing, hiking, camping, paddle-boarding, biking, sailing, and spending time with my husband, daughter, three cats, and one dog.
Jack Janke
Operations & Sales Manager
I grew up in Metro Detroit, but my summers were spent in Petoskey, where I always had an appreciation for the outdoors, and enjoyed all the activities that the water had to offer. The Upper Peninsula always felt like home to me, having visited it frequently throughout my life. So, when I was given the chance to move to the Keweenaw, I knew it would be the right choice. During the winter months, when I'm not working at the shop, I can often be found snowboarding at Mount Bohemia. In the summer, my time is spent camping, fishing and gardening.
Jordan Manninen
Shop Manager
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!
Maija Markkanen
Operations & Inventory Lead
I was born in Ishpeming and raised in Hancock. I have traveled to many countries but I can’t find a better place to be than the UP. I love the water, so I spend a significant amount of time in or near Lake Superior. When I’m not at work I’ll probably be in my backyard with my dog Gumdrop and husband Jared, or running around the woods looking for cool sticks and rocks.
Makaiah Munchbach
Maker
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!
Morgan Hallberg
Creative & Photography
I grew up in Lower Michigan but moved to the Upper Peninsula to explore nature and study Environmental Engineering at Michigan Tech. I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, sailing, and photography. Although studying engineering I have always enjoyed being creative through watercolor painting, pottery, and more. I'm excited to add sewing to my repertoire, honing my skills right here at the shop.