Our Staff


  • rus

    Capt. Rus Schwausch

    Owner / Guide

    Rus has been fishing, adventuring and guiding in Alaska since 1995. Little did he know that his first trip to Alaska back then, on a 100 mile unguided float trip with his buddies, would send his life in a completely new direction. He describes himself as “a former engineer, turned fishing guide, turned outfitter.” Read more about his Alaska fishing guide story here.


  • carrie

    Carrie Schwausch

    Co-Owner

    (Yes, we finally tied the knot.) Carrie is a full-time fire fighter and EMT for the Austin Fire Department, but supports the camp from Texas during the season and usually spends a couple of weeks at camp each season. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her dirt bikes, hiking, birding, camping and playing with the dog and her new cat.


  • Patrick McCullough

    Patrick McCullough

    Chef

    Originally from CA, Patrick is an aspiring chef from the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta. He has experience cooking in upscale restaurants and is no stranger to austere environments - he served several years in the Army National Guard (with overseas deployment). So he’ll be a strong edition to the team in our remote Alaska Peninsula setting. Patrick spends his free time enjoying the outdoors, traveling, or sharing a meal with friends or family.


  • ted

    Ted Mendrek

    Head Guide

    Please congratulate him, 2012 marks Ted’s 10th season at Alaska Wilderness SAFARI (he first guided here in ’98). Ted certainly knows his way around the Alaska Peninsula now and is well known for his incomparable work ethic, patience, fly fishing knowledge and customer service. You will not find a better guide… anywhere. Ted formerly worked at Sportsman’s Finest, and in the off season keeps the store owner’s ranch property in good working order.


  • brandon

    Brandon Burrough

    Guide

    Before working for us in 2010, Brandon spent time both leading and participating in crews on various backcountry restoration projects throughout Arizona. Originally from Indiana, now he has combined his fishing and outdoor skills together for the best of both worlds. To pass the time between summer seasons, Brandon works at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the gun department, and hits the water when he finds the time.


  • Matt Benson

    Matt Benson

    Guide

    Matt’s back for the 2012 season. He grew up on the rivers and lakes around Missoula, Montana, and knows his way around casting size 22 emergers for wary trout to swinging leeches for the steelhead of the Northwest. He currently lives in California and works in the bar/restaurant industry, so he knows a thing or two about working long hours and customer service. In his down time, he is either fishing, backpacking, skiing or mountain biking.


  • Camp Helper

    This Could Be You

    Want to learn the Alaska fishing guide ropes while helping out with camp chores? Please contact us for more information.


Employment Opportunities

If you think you have what it takes to work in a rugged, remote and unforgiving environment that will challenge you both physically and mentally, please contact us about potential staff openings.

Everybody thinks they want to work in Alaska, but the work is NOT for everybody. Our work is perpetual and strenuous and is anything but your “great Alaskan vacation.” We need professional, hard working, serious, team oriented (no ego-maniacs), non-alcoholic and drug free people with a passion for fishing, the outdoors and hospitality.

Email all inquiries and resumes to info@epicanglingadventure.com.