Sharing interests with your partner is important—and for Bobby and Angel Massie, one of those shared loves is for the outdoors. Back when Bobby was playing for the NFL, they’d use his limited time away to travel, and those trips had to include fishing. It was a big part of the beginning of their love story, doing guided fly fishing experiences on the Big Thompson River in Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting with the land and feeling relaxed and meditative.
Over the years, the pair went on a number of guided outdoor experiences and eventually realized that Bobby would not, in fact, be retiring once he stopped playing. Instead, his leaving the Broncos meant a new adventure for both of them: co-founding Wanderland Outdoors.
In reflecting on the very beginning of their company, Angel and Bobby talked about one guide in particular who’s been a fly fishing mentor for Bobby named Doc. Over multiple trips, he became a family friend as much as a trusted guide, and Doc eventually asked if the couple would like to take over his business. They weren’t in a position to do so at the time, but this planted a seed for the Massies that eventually became a repeated question: “Why not us?”
The Massies were already well known for their hospitality, throwing over-the-top parties for friends and family that always included fun surprises and thoughtful details. They’ve already brought this spirit to their company, starting with their Juneteenth launch event.
The pair invited guests to choose between two guided experiences. The first was a hike around Eleven Mile State Park that delved into the history of the Nuuchu people and invited the participants to meditate and reconnect with the land and their own heartbeats. The other group spent the morning fly fishing along the South Platte River, learning to cast and practice patience. Afterward, all the guests met underneath a big, white tent right by the water and had a violinist serenade them while they enjoyed Chef Bobby’s famous fried catfish.
There are certain things that are guaranteed to bring people together, and good food and good music are high on the list. But the Massies want to make their outdoor experiences even more meaningful for guests.
They start by tailoring the guided experiences for each individual. Every booking begins with a call to find out what’s going on in their life and whether they’re using the time to celebrate, decompress, or somewhere in between. Then, they use that information to create an adventure that’s catered to their experience level and will invite them back to the land, back to their breath, and away from all the noise of adulthood and responsibilities.
But that doesn’t mean the operation isn’t responsible. The Massies see themselves and everyone in their organization as stewards of the land, and all of their guides are Leave No Trace certified.
When describing their management process, Bobbie has the perfect inspiration from his years of playing football: “If your players are happy, the game goes well.”
If you’ll excuse the continued metaphor, Bobbie and Angel are the GMs of their company, setting up their guides to create magic with their guests. That means hiring the right people, treating them respectfully, making sure they’re paid equitably, and, of course, securing the right permits so they can go and explore beautiful places.
Their guides are their all-star recruits, especially their founding guides, Austin Campbell and Erica Nelson. The demographic makeup of their entire company is intentionally inclusive and, in many ways, different from that of the traditional guide service.
They bring together people from all walks of life. By doing so, the Massies aim to introduce people who would not otherwise run into each other and unite them over a shared love for the outdoors.
To learn more, visit wanderlandoutdoors.com