Kai Brennan
Salt Lake City,UT
Summary
University student (on gap semester) with hands-on experience in specialty retail, climbing instruction, route setting, and outdoor volunteer work. Strong background in customer service, gear knowledge, trail stewardship, and community involvement. Dependable, adaptable, and motivated to contribute to mission-driven organizations in the outdoor and recreation industry.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Wildland Firefighter
Miller Timber Services
Philomath, Oregon
04.2026 - 09.2026
- Achieved FFT2 certification as a wildland firefighter to enhance firefighting skills.
- Performed safety inspections on gear and equipment before deployment.
- Worked on an engine for the 2026 fire season
Automotive Detailer
Bernhardt Detailing
Bend, OR
01.2025 - 06.2026
- Provided professional detailing and ceramic coating services
- Managed scheduling and daily business operations independently
Routesetter / Coach
Bend Endurance Academy
Bend, OR
01.2025 - 06.2026
- Set routes and boulder problems for youth competition teams
- Maintained climbing holds and facility equipment
- Coached athletes in technique and competition preparation
- Helped create a safe and inclusive training environment
- (Setting since 2023)
Sales Specialist / Used Gear Department
REI
Bend, OR
07.2021 - 09.2024
- Delivered expert customer service in outdoor gear and technical equipment
- Specialized in evaluating, pricing, and merchandising used gear inventory
- Assisted customers with climbing, hiking, and ski equipment selection
- Operated POS systems and maintained strong product knowledge
- Supported sustainability initiatives through recommerce operations
Restaurant Team Member
Life & Time
Bend, OR
07.2021 - 07.2023
- Performed various roles including cashier, line cook, and dishwashing in a busy restaurant environment.
- Maintained high customer service standards in fast-paced environment
Founder
Online Shoe Resale Business
08.2020 - 01.2022
- Built and managed profitable resale business through social media marketing
- Handled customer service, shipping logistics, and pricing analysis
- Remote
Education
University of Utah
Summit High School
Skills
- 10 years competitive climber; National Qualifier
- Competition team routesetter
- Extensive outdoor gear knowledge (climbing, skiing, hiking)
- Strong customer service and retail sales experience
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Hands-on mechanical skills: woodworking, welding, electrical
- Automotive mechanical knowledge (European & Japanese performance vehicles)
OUTDOOR & INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
- Central Oregon, Trail Restoration Volunteer, 2019-06, Present, Participated in trail maintenance and erosion control projects, Supported sustainable trail design and preservation efforts
- Oregon State University Cascades, Research & Field Work Assistant (Volunteer), Bend, OR, 2018-05, Present, Assisted with landscaping and alpine field research, Supported advanced American Pika and Spotted Bat habitat research and data collection
Timeline
Wildland Firefighter
Miller Timber Services
04.2026 - 09.2026
Automotive Detailer
Bernhardt Detailing
01.2025 - 06.2026
Routesetter / Coach
Bend Endurance Academy
01.2025 - 06.2026
Sales Specialist / Used Gear Department
REI
07.2021 - 09.2024
Restaurant Team Member
Life & Time
07.2021 - 07.2023
Founder
Online Shoe Resale Business
08.2020 - 01.2022
University of Utah
Summit High School