About the BOISE Off-Road & Outdoor Expo

Phil Rawlings

Phil’s first love of dirt came from riding his bicycle with grafted on BMX parts in the fields near his house in Idaho. His first motorized toy at the age of 14 was a Kawasaki KE100 he kept at his friend’s house so his parents wouldn’t find out. His second vehicle was a ’74 Jeep J10 truck. Phil loves vehicles which is what drove him to become a Mechanical Engineer putting himself through school as a mechanic.

Phil loves Off-Roading and the Off-Road community. We are outdoorsmen, tinkerers, entrepreneurs, gearheads and nature lovers. He has been involved with and designed parts for a number of companies over the years that have gone to shows like SEMA and the Pomona Off-Road Expo. It always bothered him that they had to go somewhere else to have an Off-Road Expo. One night talking with friends he asked why don’t we put on an Expo ourselves? Utah is the mecca for Off-Roading after all. They thought it was a good idea but dismissed it as “campfire talk”.

The idea of putting on an Off-Road Expo wouldn’t leave him alone. After thinking about how to do an Expo and the elements that would go into it he became more convinced that he didn’t want a big event company coming into Salt Lake and leaving without making it a better place. He wanted to be able to help the Off-Road community and came up with 3 pillars for the Expo; Promote the Off-Road businesses in Utah, Promote Utah, Promote Land Use Stewardship in part by uniting the Off-Road Community.

Scott Phillips

Scott was raised with Off-Roading in his blood. His Grandpa Phillips introduced the family to Jeeping with a military surplus Jeep Willys MB and the extended family has been using 4×4’s to access the outdoors ever since. Scott’s first ride in a 4×4 was in his father’s Toyota FJ40 on the way home from the hospital. His first “stuck” was 6 months later when his Dad took an impromptu “shortcut” on the way home and his Mom opened the front door to the sight of both Scott and his Father covered in mud. When Scott turned 16 it was a given that his first vehicle would be a Jeep. He built (and rebuilt) a 1984 CJ-7 over the course of 25 years with the only original remaining parts consisting of the Grill, Dash, Steering wheel and Tailgate. 

Scott and his wife Susie have two daughters, one of which was adopted from China when she was 11 months old. They love the outdoors and enjoy spending time together camping, horseback riding, riding ATV’s and they particularly enjoy driving the Jeep on the trails in Moab and exploring Utah’s west desert. Scott is passionate about Utah’s public lands and maintaining motorized access as a way for everyone to be able to access and enjoy the beauty and grandeur Utah has to offer. When Phil Rawlings approached him with the idea for the Salt Lake Off-Road & Outdoor Expo he was immediately excited about the potential that the Expo had for promoting local Utah businesses, tourism as well as utilizing the Expo as a tool to help educate and promote responsible land use stewardship and open access advocacy.

Neil Peterson

Playing outdoors has been a way of life for Neil from a very young age. He would explore as far as he could – first the backyard, then the neighborhood, soon the Salt Lake Valley, and finally the magnificent state of Utah. “I wonder where that trail goes,” has been the simple catalyst that has propelled Neil on to many memorable adventures. His first love was a 1968 Ford Highboy but he soon learned he shouldn’t rally his ride home so he began enjoying trailered toys including an early 90s wrangler, sport quads, dirt bikes, and a Subaru powered sand rail. Currently his favorite off-road activity is riding ATVs with his wife and daughters in the deserts and red rock areas of Utah.

Taylor Neilson

Taylor first became interested in Off-Roading in high school after moving to Utah from So. California. Like most, he has owned multiple 4 wheel drives over the last 25 years and loves wheeling with friends. He is a 3rd generation mechanic and loves any thing with an engine especially if it is a Jeep and a GM.

Taylor came to be a part of the Expo by default because Phil and Taylor have been friends since high school and friends help friends get into trouble!

Diana Ribera

I’ve been involved in the expo since the very beginning. Phil called me a few months before the first expo in desperate need of a logo. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I’m glad I did. I’ve really enjoyed expanding my skills with each new request Phil throws at me. If it weren’t for him, I’d never have designed socks or a social media geo filter! Watching the show grow and be more successful year after year has been especially rewarding as well. I’m looking forward to whatever the future of the expo might bring! See you at the expo booth!

Nicole Denson

Nicole grew up in Anacortes, WA with her parents and three brothers who were highly involved in scouting. From their influence she quickly learned to appreciate camping and hiking at a young age. She loves to travel and see nature throughout the world. In high school, she was an avid cross-country runner and now loves training for races when she can. In 2022 she participated in the Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back for the third time.

Nicole graduated from BYU-Idaho in 2018 with a degree in Organizational Communication. She’s worked in news journalism, the events industry, and the digital marketing space. When Nicole’s not working you’ll likely find her hiking in the mountains, on a run, bike ride, or hanging out with her adoring husband.

Alex Gertsch

Alex has been in the Off-Road world since he was a child. He has been building vehicles for himself and friends over the years. For several years Alex was with Four Wheeler Magazine Top Truck Challenge as recovery crew and member of the film crew.

Alex has been helping with SLOREX since the beginning. He believes there should be unity across all spectrums of this industry and wants to help bring awareness to that. He has had a lot fun meeting new people and exchanging ideas and information on making things better for everyone.

Kristina Schmid

Kristina Schmid and her husband moved to Boise from the flat and humid Motor City, Detroit, when their youngest graduated high school. As they adventured through trail riding, camping, backpacking, hiking, skiing, and most anything else outdoors, Kristina was disappointed in the lack of respect for the land and lack of confidence in adventuring outdoors in the women she was meeting. She started Team KJ Adventures with a focus on outdoor education for women. She is a Leave No Trace Trainer and Wilderness First Aid Certified. They teach co-ed and women only backpacking workshops, women exploring the outdoors series and gourmet backcountry classes. Through Team KJ Adventures, Kristina met Alexandria and became VP of Mountain West Recreation Alliance.

William Schuster

I grew up loving the outdoors from a very young age. My family always spent time camping, fishing, and hunting in the mountains of Idaho. Some of my earliest memories are waking up to the smell of a campfire and playing in the dirt around camp. My father loved the outdoors and passed that onto me, and I am hopefully passing that onto my son. I spent a number of years experiencing the backcountry in a way that not many people have; catching the views from a tower on a remote mountaintop. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to transform my love of the Idaho mountains into fighting to protect public lands recreation access through my day job at the BlueRibbon Coalition. No matter how people choose to recreate in these spectacular locations, we all need to unite together to preserve the next generation’s ability to do the same.

Larry Richard

Larry is a dog dad who loves fly fishing, rock crawling, whisky and his Texas Longhorns. He acquired his first off-road vehicle at 15, the mighty Ford Ranger!! Currently he wheels in a 04 Lexus GX470 which he loves to take virtually everywhere that is as remote as possible. Larry is also involved with the Snake RIver Offroaders, where he assists leadership with community outreach and land use efforts.

Riley Roland

Born and raised in the small town of Saint Francisville, Louisiana fostered his love for the outdoors since childhood. Hunting, fishing, and ATV riding were an every day part of his small town upbringing. At the age of 16 he purchased an FJ Cruiser and unlocked a passion for off-roading. However, the limited off-road trails in Louisiana left him looking for more. After graduating from high school, he decided to take a different path from his friends and relocated to Utah. He traded the FJ for a jeep and embarked on this new adventure.

He is an eager student both in the classroom and on the trail. Currently a sophomore at Utah State University in Logan, studying Outdoor Product Design & Development, he has spent his after class time embracing the beauty of Utah. Countless trips to Moab have tested both Jeep and driver on trails like Hells Revenge and Fins & Things. While acknowledging there is still much to learn, off-roading remains his favorite hobby. The Teton Overland Show in Twin Falls, Idaho, marked his first off-road event and he is thrilled to be a part of the core team for the Boise Off Road & Outdoor Expo.

Curtis Funnell

Curtis grew up in central Michigan, where public land was scarce but his love for the outdoors ran deep. Before moving west, he and his wife spent their time hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail and backpacking the 50-mile route through Pictured Rocks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

In 2017, they made the move to Idaho, bought a Jeep, and quickly fell in love with off-roading. The following summer, they joined Snake River Offroaders and found not just a club, but a community. As the club grew from a handful of members to nearly 100 strong, Curtis became an active leader, eventually stepping into the role of Land Use Committee Chair.

With a deep appreciation for Idaho’s vast public lands, Curtis is passionate about protecting recreation access for future generations. Whether he’s on the trail, working with land managers, or advocating for responsible off-roading, he’s dedicated to keeping Idaho’s wild places open and accessible.

Danielle Newman

My life goals are to continually discover and inspire! Off-roading has been that pivot point in my life. It has taken me beyond just physical locations. I’ve gained incredible self-confidence, courage, joy, determination, and healing. Off-roading has helped me find my power and a community where I belong. 

One of these days I’ll find Bigfoot in my exploring, but until then, I’ll take my cues from him and leave no trace. 

I’m a certified yoga instructor, yet I don’t teach traditionally in a studio. I don’t care for walls or feeling boxed in. I prefer to teach by inspiring others to get outside and reconnect with themselves in nature.

I bought an RV and a Jeep after my husband passed away a few years ago, and I set out to travel full time for 2 years so that I could explore, off-road and practice yoga in the wild. I lived primarily on public lands and dragged my youngest son along for the adventure of our lives! I completed off-road recovery courses before hitting the road to make sure I was prepared, and I can’t tell you how many times I used those skills to rescue men!!

I’m excited to bring these skills and experiences to the Salt Lake Off-Road and Outdoor Expo to show everyone why Utah truly is the place to be.

Oh ya, I’m a grandma x2, and a mom x4.

Brailee Tyler

My name is Brailee. I am from Star Valley, Wyoming and love off-roading and sharing my love for it on my Instagram page @brailee4x4. I love traveling to St. George and Moab to wheel but also love to hit my local trails. There is nothing in the world that is as confidence building and empowering as building and off-roading a one of a kind rock crawler. I own a stretched 1995 Jeep YJ Rio Grande “Cairo” that is currently in the shop getting ready to wheel full time but until then, this 1989 YJ “Leo” is my main squeeze.
This 1989 YJ “Leo” is running the TBI 350 Motor, 700 R4 Transmission, NP231 Doubler, Dana 300 Transfer Case with Twin Sticks, Lokar Transmission Shifter, Chevy King Pin Dana 60 Front Axle, Chevy 14-Bolt Rear End, Lock-Rite Lockers, 1 Ton Steering, Hydro-assist, Alcan Springs, 42” Milestar Patagonia Tires, 20” Raceline Beadlocks, Poison Spyder Front and Rear Fender Armor, Poison Spyder Rock Sliders, Dif-Cover Armor, Mastercraft Seats, a Max-Bilt Center Console, and a 12,000 pound Warn Winch.
Check out my Instagram page @brailee4x4 to see it in action!

Josh Miller

Josh’s love for the outdoors and off-roading started at a young age. Along with his dad they spent endless hours exploring backcountry roads for hunting, fishing, and solitary camping spots. He still enjoys dirt road wandering and overlanding.  I have been “rock crawling” since 1999. I feel like I’m in my zen state when focused on the technical challenge and the proper line.

Josh has said “As a brand ambassador I believe in all aspects of SLOREX from providing a platform for enthusiasts to mingle with the off-road industry to education and good stewards of public lands.”

Matt Johnson

Matt was raised in Duchesne going off-roading in anything he could find. He found his passion in a K5 Blazer and still rocks a full size Chevrolet pickup named Hick-up! After approaching the Salt Lake Off-Road & Outdoor Expo to enter his truck in the vehicle display he was invited to participate in the planning meetings and has been on the SLOREX Core Team ever since.  Matt is the Volunteer Coordinator where his work, along with the volunteers, contributes significantly to the success of the event.

He spends his free time with his wife and two girls venturing off to the great outdoors and also operates a non-profit animal rescue.

Marissa Wilkinson

Marissa grew up wandering the outdoors in Utah and southern Arizona. She found her off-roading passion in a K5 Chevrolet Blazer and continues her adventures still in a full size Chevy truck. Marissa first participated in the Salt Lake Off-Road Expo by entering her green Chevy in the vehicle display but has since spent several years volunteering on the SLOREX Core Team. Marissa fulfills a crucial role for the expo helping to check in vendors and answering their questions during the event. When not volunteering for SLOREX she spends her time with her family and children who also support her as she operates a non-profit animal rescue that specializes in finding homes for dogs.

Nick Stenquist

I was raised to love the outdoors. Some of my first memories are of my parents pilling me and my sisters on a 4-Wheeler and going on long rides to find fossils. Being outdoors in the mountains has always been my happy place. I spend a lot of my time hiking along the Wasatch front. I got involved in the expo the very first year when I asked Phil if he needed any help. I showed up they put me in an orange shirt and the rest is history.

Jonny Van Wagoner

Life has always been an adventure for Jonny who grew up exploring Utah from rural fields to high mountains. He started with riding his bicycle anywhere it would go, chasing powder at local ski hills, and hiking remote red deserts.

Motorized transportation facilitated going further and tackling harder challenges. Jonny has been an expert trail guide for 10 years, has worked directly with Rams, Jeeps and helped launch the new Bronco.

Jonny also believes in promoting responsible outdoor recreation with an emphasis on Tread Lightly and motorized outdoor access for all.

Cherise Workman

Outdoors adventures have always been a part of my life. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I spent every chance I could hiking, biking, camping, and exploring new trails. That love for the outdoors only grew when I met my husband, Brian. Since then, off-roading has become a constant in our lives, taking us on countless adventures with family and friends. Now, as parents of four, we’re passing down the tradition and two of our kids already have Jeeps!

Over the past couple of years, we have participated in numerous off-road events and adventures as a family, including Trail Hero and several Jeep Badge of Honor Trails. With each event, our small group of off-roading friends and family seems to grow, and we are now up to nine rigs in our crew.  It has become such an amazing way to come together and make memories, from helping each other build and repair our rigs, to planning and executing the next trip. This year, Brian and I are looking forward to completing our latest Jeep build, then crossing Moab and the Rubicon Trail off our bucket list!  

While living in Idaho for the past ten years, I have fallen in love with everything our beautiful state has to offer. When I discovered the opportunity to work with BOREX, I knew I had found something special, a like-minded community dedicated to protecting off-road access and keeping public lands accessible. I’m excited to have found an outlet that allows me to give back and connect with fellow off-roaders, all while helping ensure motorized access remains available for future generations.

Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson is a seasoned professional with a deep-rooted connection to the trucking industry. Born in Joplin, Missouri, his life has been intertwined with the open road. After relocating to Manti, Utah, he graduated from Manti High School and served in the U.S. Navy for nearly four years.

Currently, Chris is a dedicated driver for Coca-Cola, combining his love for the road with his professional pursuits. He and his wife, Lexii Johnson, are proud parents to four children. Additionally, he cherishes a bond with his four other children from a previous marriage who reside in Washington.

Outside of work, Chris is an avid outdoorsman, often found exploring nature’s wonders. He has a particular passion for off-roading and embraces the thrill of unpaved adventures. He loves serving his community and others around him in any way he can which makes him a valuable asset to the SLOREX core team.

Lexi Johnson

Alexis Johnson is a devoted mother of four beautiful daughters and a loving wife to her husband, Chris. With roots in both California and Pennsylvania, she has cultivated a profound appreciation for the outdoors. Alexis loves camping and spending time in nature, reveling in the natural beauty that life provides. She treasures family adventures, creating lasting memories with her loved ones.

Forrest Pruett

Forrest Pruett has been enjoying the outdoors with his family for over 40+ years. His dad took him out since he was 4 for off-roading, camping, hunting and every mountain top for 200 miles. He has been building or wrenching for just as long. From working on his fixer upper home, 97 TJ or his home built off-road camper, he is always working on something. Forrest also likes to be way above the earth as well and was flying small planes from his teenage years, and big ones for the Army. He is also The Unofficial Easter Jeep Safari Meteorologist. Forrest is father along with his wife Sandy to 2 daughters. Forrest has a Mechanical engineering degree and one in Atmospheric Sciences.

Forrest has been involved in the Salt Lake Off-Road & Outdoor Expo since the very beginning starting out as a Pit Crew Volunteer, babysitter and eventually worked his way into managing the front end and Will Call booth.