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?

Monica Gulvas
Creative & Customer Experience

Hiya! I’m a troll born and raised in Standish, Michigan. In 2016, I moved to Houghton with my now-husband to attend Michigan Tech, where I earned a B.S. in Forestry. I've lived in Utah, Idaho, and Wisconsin, but nowhere ever felt quite like home the way the Keweenaw did, so we found our way back in 2021. I’ve been hand embroidering for several years and love creating things one stitch at a time. When I’m not at work, you can usually find me hiking, cross-country skiing, reading a good spooky book, listening to true crime podcasts, or spending time with my husband and our cat, Pimento.

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 & Head Sewist

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!

Dylan Gore
Sewist

I was born and raised in Illinois but after visiting the UP, I ended up deciding that the UP was where I wanted to be. Being in the UP helped me decide that I wanted to go to MTU for my graduate degree, after getting my Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology. Especially because I figured that I shouldn’t limit myself to just saltwater fish. I got my love for the outdoors by playing outside with my siblings. I especially enjoy swimming, hiking, and freediving. I also just recently got my scuba diving certification and I’m excited to use it.