Russell Kelley

Dynamic professional with extensive experience as a Raft Pilot at Guest Services, Inc., excelling in safety and customer engagement. Proven ability in time management and problem-solving, successfully maintaining rafting equipment during Covid. Strong communicator and team builder, fostering relationships that enhance operational success in high-pressure environments.

I have received multiple customer service awards during my time with Forever Resorts and many 5 star reviews with Guest Services from guests that were on my rafting trips.

Now, let's address my awesome time with OARS. I realize it has been a few years, but it seems like yesterday that I was living in Coloma in the Cabin provided by OARS. I started working for Gold Country River Runners, at the time I was personal friends with Dennis Hamiliton the owner, I wanted to spend some time in Coloma as a friend advised me "I would love it" and I did. I learned the South Fork by following the commercial trips in my rubber ducky and skin diving the entire 21 miles to the take out. Soon I was asked to take the Manager down in the oarframe to show him I could handle doing a solo trip. Well, that was the beginning. When I came back for the next season I met Regina from OARS and she offered me a few days a week as I was only rafting with GCRR on weekends, so I felt I hit the lottery, as everyone knew that OARS was and still is the Gold Standard for the ultimate rafting experience. My next season was exclusive for OARS, I not only was rafting 4 days/week but I obtained my Class 2 CDL as well as my health card and did boat repair and maintenance. In my subsequent year after great a season that included a multi-day on the Merced where I was the sweep raft in a oarframe and a private trip on the New Stanislaus river, I was asked by George Wendt if I was interested in doing some marketing during the winter, and of course I jumped at it. Unfortunately, I had a family member that became very ill and I had to leave, no regrets as it was the experience of a life time.

In summary, please know that I offer a wealth of experience in several categories and I am totally into the hospitality experience. I am a leader by nature, however, I respect the evolution of working into the fray and earning trust from those that precede me.

I am interested in attending guide school, I will acquire a food handlers card for CA, and I maintain a CDL and will change it over to CA. My wife has a daughter that works for FEMA in the Forest Management Dept. and lives in Placerville, our plans are to bring up our 5th wheel rv and put our current home on the market. So, I am open to discussion as to where you feel I would be best suited for the team.

I look forward to hearing from you, Thank you.

Also, I have attached pics from my rafting days as well as reviews from the present. Thanks again! Russ