Michael Gephart

Michael Gephart  is originally from Seattle, Washington. He is passionate about the outdoors to include backpacking, mountain climbing, biking, and backcountry skiing. Michael was a Boy Scout, and from this experience he gained his passion for the wild places, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Michael enlisted in the Army in 1987, joining the 75th Ranger Regiment upon completion of initial entry training and the Ranger Indoctrination Program. In December 1989 instead of going home for Christmas, Michael went to Panama as part of Operation Just Cause. Shortly after, he exited the service to return home and pursue a college degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Over the next twenty years Michael would serve in many locations across the globe in both training and combat operations. Michael is most proud of his time spent in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 1st Special Forces Regiment. He has worked in numerous positions throughout his career from front line leader to policy implementation and development.  Michael is a military spouse as well, he and Michele have three active and energetic boys: Connor, Teagan and Brenen.

Upon departure from the US Army in 2014, Michael has been looking for adventure and ways to share his love of the outdoors with his three sons and today’s youth. He is an Assistant Scoutmaster in Connor’s Boy Scout troop. He works closely with the den leaders of Teagan and Brenen’s Cub Scout Pack. Michael completed courses to become a Leave No Trace Trainer, with a desire to become a Leave No Trace Master Educator. He is also a Level 1 International Mountain Biking Association Ride Guide, next summer he plans to complete the Level 2 course.

As a Dog Tag Bakery fellow Michael feels incredibly honored to be a part of this program. He is excited to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in the outdoor recreation industry. After several years of working outdoors for the US Army he would like to continue to explore and share the wild, natural spaces.