- Deep passion for connecting people to landscapes
- Extensive study of biology, geology, hydrology, and anthropology as it relates to Zion National Park in the surrounding areas
- Storytelling
- Leadership and self development
- Sales
- The outdoors and outdoor outdoor activities in southern Utah
Grant Chaffin
Hurricane,United States
Summary
Dynamic communications professional and small-business leader with a decade of experience guiding visitors in Zion National Park and building deep trust within the local Southern Utah community. Known for running a successful service-based business in a small town through credibility, visibility, and strong relationship-building. Ten years as a hiking and interpretive guide have given me a firsthand understanding of Zion Forever Project’s target audience—national park visitors seeking meaningful connection, education, and stewardship opportunities. Skilled at translating complex information into compelling stories, engaging diverse audiences, and inspiring people to support conservation initiatives. Passionate about protecting Zion through strategic communication, community partnerships, and mission-aligned storytelling.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Insurance Agent
GlobeLife Insurance
08.2023 - Current
- built reputation from the ground up by developing credibility and visibility in the southern Utah community.
- leveraged network marketing and public speaking to connect with new clients.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize claims processing and improve client experience outcomes.
- Led team initiatives focused on enhancing client engagement strategies and service delivery excellence.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and inform strategic planning decisions.
- Developed and maintained client relationships to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
- Assessed client needs to provide tailored insurance solutions and coverage options.
- Conducted thorough policy reviews to ensure compliance with regulations and company standards.
- Trained junior agents on effective sales techniques and product knowledge.
- Cultivated client relationships through personalized insurance solutions and exceptional service.
- Analyzed policy needs to provide tailored coverage options for diverse clientele.
Lead/Trainer Guide
Zion Guide Hub
04.2016 - Current
- I work to meet and anticipate my clients needs. This position can require a multitude of skills that I must implement with exceptional care and timing. I am constantly finding opportunities to sell clients additional trips and the products and gear they need before and after their trips. Communicating large scale ideas is a daily part of my job. I am always aiming to make sure expectation and reality align for my clients in the pivotal moments of their vacation. It is my goal to exceed expectations whenever possible. I also train and onboard new guides. I use The Flybook software daily, and got to see first hand how it improved the company.
- Developed comprehensive training programs to enhance team skills and operational efficiency.
- Facilitated workshops focusing on leadership development and best practices in customer engagement.
Lead Guide
Trek Travel
05.2015 - 10.2018
- I was a lead guide for Trek Travel full time for 4 years. This job included coordinating between hotels, restaurants, activity providers and our clients to create world class vacation experiences. We also facilitated long complicated bicycle rides including stops at points of interest and support stops. These trips toured through entire regions and often involved transfers between up to 4 hotels with groups of up to 20 people. My responsibilities also included public speaking as it related to the safety, logistics, geology, history, and culture of the areas that we traveled through. We would also sit down to dinners, and social hours with clients which involved lots of face-time and communication with clients. I recognized opportunities to sell additional trips to clients as well.
Store Manager
James Brothers Bicycle
11.2006 - 05.2015
- My responsibilities in this role were diverse. I was on the ground floor of this company. I constantly brainstormed with ownership to drive forward in new and creative ways. I oversaw daily operations of the business such as training of staff, sales interactions, and inventory management. I also played a large role in the growth and development of the local cycling community by planning, coordinating, and hosting events, and by starting various social clubs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Auburn University
Auburn05.2012
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Southern Union State Community College
Opelika05.2008
Skills
- B2B direct sales
- Business to Business Relationship Development
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Customer relationship management
- Strong relationship-building abilities
- Team leadership
- Intrinsic motivation
- Skilled in resolving conflicts
- Collaborative teamwork
- Strategic decision making
- Prioritization and scheduling
- Innovative thinking
- Proficient in managing tight deadlines
- Adaptability
- Customer follow-up
- Client relations
- Client needs analysis
- Client retention
- Account management
- New client acquisition
- Policy writing
- Upselling
- Negotiation
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 8 - 20 staff members.
- Customer Relations - Earned highest marks for customer satisfaction, company-wide.
- Customer Follow-up - Ensured that customers were satisfied with company products and services by doing purchase follow-up calls.
- Passionate about building meaning for clients through education, observation, and communication
- Extensive experience and leadership and teambuilding
- Experience with fundraising
Affiliations
- Current Zion Forever Project contributor
- On the board of the Hurricane Valley Chamber of Commerce
- President of BNI Chapter
Certification
- Wilderness First Responder, Adventure Medicine November 2019 – Present
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, International Open Academy May 2020 – Present
- Level 1 Certification, PSIA/AASI January 2020 – Present
Interests
Timeline
Insurance Agent
GlobeLife Insurance
08.2023 - Current
Lead/Trainer Guide
Zion Guide Hub
04.2016 - Current
Lead Guide
Trek Travel
05.2015 - 10.2018
Store Manager
James Brothers Bicycle
11.2006 - 05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Auburn University
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Southern Union State Community College