Meet The AU CREW at the Ocoee
In 1993, Adventures Unlimited was started by Carlo and Julie Smith. Their passion for the Ocoee River and outdoors drove this ambitious couple to plant roots on a patch of land and grow their business. Over the years, Adventures Unlimited has developed into a well-known and respected operation that strives to provide a memorable adventure for each guest.
The AU Crew goes above and beyond to share their love of the outdoors with others. The office staff is the heart of the company by exemplifying exceptional customer service in a pleasant and helpful manner. They provide detailed information about the resort, check-in services, and merchandise handling. The certified guides are committed to your safety and enjoyment. The AU Crew guides complete an extensive training program that includes certification in First Aid and CPR. Also, many guides and all Trip Leaders have advanced accreditations such as the Wilderness First Responder Certification or a licensed Paramedic.
At Adventures Unlimited, the goal is to offer an array of adventures that will please the first-timer, adrenaline junkie, or a mix between the two. We place emphasis on facilitating fun and emphasizing safety for recreational outdoor activities and unlimited adventures!
Julie Thornton Johnson
She's our Steward of Sunshine and a genuine enthusiast for all things Ocoee. Her love for the Ocoee began with her first splash as a guide in 1998. She's traveled to England, Costa Rica, the West Coast, and Mexico while rafting many rivers in between. No matter where the waters have taken her, she calls Ocoee home. She is a dog mom, married, a college basketball hall of famer, and was once addicted to the hokey pokey, but she turned herself around.
Jimmy Johnson
With a degree in Electromechanics and a bag full of bad jokes, Jimmy works as our Operations Manager. He's our resident foosball champion, one of our trip leaders, and can be found in his downtime by a campfire strumming his guitar. Jimmy is married to our Steward of Sunshine, Julie, and is a dog dad to a cute pack of critters. His two favorite past times run a tight race of rafting in the great outdoors and eating tacos.
Leon Pritchett
Leon is also known as “the guy with the horns” here at AU. You can always find him on the water as he is one of our trip leaders and is celebrating his 22nd year on the Ocoee. Dad to Izzy and Seth along with his partner Becky, Leon loves his family and spending time with them. When Leon isn’t floating down the river, he builds prosthetic devices to help give those who are physically challenged some additional support.
Josh Lemon
Josh has been a professional guide and trip leader for over 20 years. He has worked several rivers, but the Ocoee is home. He loves the Ocoee because it is a playground. It has rapids big enough to challenge experienced crews, easier routes for the less adventurous, plenty of surfing, and a unique history he loves to share. Josh enjoys teaching guides and guests and believes there is something new to learn every time you get on the water. Off the water he works as an industrial maintenance technician specializing in automation and robotics. You can occasionally find Josh immersed a good sci-fi book or maybe working on his mastery of the Spanish language.
Daniel Smith
Daniel started out at AU as the head trash man and firewood salesman. He has now worked his way up the ladder to Ocoee River Trip Leader. Daniel has been on the Ocoee River for most of his life and now splits his time between working on his business degree at the University of Tennessee and boating creeks and rivers around the area. In his spare time, Daniel loves playing his tuba, most recently for the pep band for the UT Men’s Basketball Team.
Benjamin Smith
Benjamin is also a longtime member of The AU Crew. He started as a photographer and has now splashed into the river guide department. As a trip leader, he loves spending time on the water almost as much as he loves playing with his dog, Mac. A huge sports aficionado, you can always find him checking the scores on ESPN or making changes to his Fantasy teams all while working on his PhD in Data Science and Engineering at the University of Tennessee.
Interested In joining our crew?
Adventures Unlimited is an outdoor recreation company based on the Ocoee River in Southeast Tennessee. The majority of our staffing needs are seasonal; positions are open from March through October. We are looking for motivated, energetic, and self-disciplined individuals with positive attitudes who can interact well with our guests.
- Ocoee River Guides
- Office/Retail Specialists
- Bus Drivers
- Housekeeping
- Food Service
- Yard Staff
- Photographers
The AU Crew is always looking for outgoing individuals to join our team. If you are interested in applying for a position with us, please send a resume to getwet@adventuresunlimited.net.
Join the Au Crew
