Jon was born and raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm, where his love for outdoor adventure began. Growing up immersed in activities like hunting, fishing, and canoeing, he easily transitioned to pursuits like skiing, rafting, and kayaking. At the University of Idaho, Jon discovered a vibrant outdoor program that provided affordable access to a variety of outdoor activities. This revelation led him to shift his career focus from forestry or parks and recreation to pursuing a major in outdoor recreation.
Despite his extensive experience in outdoor activities, Jon's introduction to sailing came later, after he completed his undergraduate studies. Moving to Coeur d'Alene for a job at North Idaho College (NIC), he discovered sailing through NIC's Outdoor Pursuits program on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Jon quickly immersed himself in sailing, spending three to four days a week on the water while also advancing within the department. Once more, he benefited from a robust and affordable outdoor recreation program that made sailing accessible to all.
After 12 years at NIC, Jon sought a change, opting to teach at a sailing school in Grenada. His globe-trotting adventures led him to spend eight months annually sailing in Grenada with summers spent guiding white water rafting back in Idaho. In many ways he was living the dream.Yet, beneath the surface, his life had become a mess. After five years of constant travel, Jon confronted his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, checking himself into rehab.
Constant travel can be isolating, especially when your job involves leading tours for weeks on end. Jon's routine included brief 24-hour returns home before embarking on another tour. His work also meant being constantly surrounded by vacationers, often indulging in heavy drinking and even drug use. While most clients returned to their regular lives after a week of letting loose, Jon found himself in a cycle where one group of revelers left only to be replaced by another.
“It takes a lot of discipline to not go into party mode with your clients. Discipline that at the time I did not have,” reflected Jon.
Growing up in a rural drinking culture for over 15 years, followed by more than a decade on a college campus, only exacerbated Jon's challenges.
Despite sailing being linked to his addiction, it also became his lifeline. The same person who introduced him to sailing played a pivotal role in Jon's recovery by locking him in his basement to detox and later checking him into rehab. After achieving sobriety, Jon faced the question: What now?
Jon returned to Grenada to retrieve his boat, intending to sell it to cover the cost of rehab. But as they sailed back to the United States, the pandemic struck. Jon and his friend found themselves locked down in the Virgin Islands. During this time, Jon's friend posed a question: What would you do if you could do anything you wanted?
“I’d give it away. I wish this thing that I get to do every day was available to all,” replied Jon.
The idea for Dogsmile began to form, and Jon embarked on a journey spanning over 25,000 miles to bring his boat to Idaho during the pandemic lockdowns. Utilizing various modes of transportation, including land, air, and sea, he navigated the challenges of relocation. With the pandemic also enabling him to access his retirement funds penalty-free, Jon used this opportunity to launch Dogsmile and settle debts. By spring 2021, Dogsmile obtained 501c3 status, and its inaugural program commenced in June of the same year.
Now, with three boats and years of experience, Dogsmile continues to offer therapeutic sailing to diverse groups, making this typically costly hobby accessible to all.
“People tend to have breakthroughs while sailing. There is something about it.”
Through Dogsmile Adventures, Jon runs programs for various groups, including youth, veterans, individuals with special needs, and those facing diverse challenges. Clients who can afford it also sponsor others when booking trips with Jon. Two sailing options are available: purchasing a day sail or joining a community program. You can also gift a sailing trip to anyone in need, whether it's a single mom, a foster child, an abuse victim, or anyone expressing a desire to go.
And the name? Dogsmile honors Jon’s childhood dog, Pepper, known for her toothy grin. Jon adopted the smile himself as a kid, making "dogsmile" part of the family's vernacular.
Despite the playful name, Dogsmile has charted its course into becoming a symbol of resilience and community. Dogsmile Adventures offers solace to diverse groups, from youth to veterans, and invites all to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where each voyage leads to growth and transformation.