MEET THE TEAM: ALLY PALMER
Q: You have a passion for the outdoors. Where did that start?
Honestly, I can’t pinpoint an exact moment because my passion for the outdoors feels like it’s been part of me forever. It is something deeply ingrained in who I am. Growing up in Wyoming, a place I can’t stop talking about (seriously, ask anyone!), meant being surrounded by amazing scenery and endless opportunities for exploration. My childhood was spent in the mountains and on lakes, riding horses, fishing, hiking and going hunting with my dad and brother- you name it. I feel so fortunate to have had a childhood where every free moment was spent outside, even when “outside” meant helping with work. Those experiences didn’t just foster my love for the outdoors; they shaped my values and who I am today.
Q: How did you get involved with TREAD?
I was in the middle of earning my master’s degree at Montana State University when, out of the blue, Beth Brennan, the president of TREAD, reached out to the director of my program. TREAD was looking for someone to help with part-time data work, particularly around automation and integration, and thought an MSU student might be a good fit. Ara, my program director, suggested they meet with me to see if I’d be the right person for the role.
I’ll never forget my first Zoom meeting with Beth, Dan and Kelly. It was short, maybe 20 minutes, but by the end of it, I had my first contracting gig. That role ended up being a pivotal moment for me as I finished my degree and started thinking about life after graduation.
After a few months of contracting, balancing my schoolwork and trying to decide if I wanted to stay in Montana, my work with TREAD started to pick up steam. The team was gearing up for their first Traction Series event, and the timing couldn’t have been better for both of us. Suddenly, I was working 30-plus hours a week and hauling wall tents up a mountain for the Backcountry Summit.
Fast forward almost two years, and I’m now a full-time employee with two different roles under my belt since officially joining the team. Every opportunity I’ve had with TREAD has been an incredible learning experience, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be part of this amazing team. A huge shoutout to Beth, Dan and Kelly for taking a chance on a determined college student back then. It’s been an absolute privilege to work with you all and grow alongside TREAD.
Q: What is the coolest thing you have done since working with TREAD?
Ooo, this is such a tough question! Honestly, it’s one of those questions you probably shouldn’t ask someone who’s always up for an adventure unless you’ve got plenty of time to spare.
If I had to choose, SEMA definitely stands out. It was new, exciting and packed with energy. Plus, I got the unforgettable chance to ride with a professional drift car driver. Even now, over a year later, I still talk about it. (Anna, can we make that happen again if you’re reading this?)
But then there was the Traction Series River Summit in Ennis, Montana, which completely blew me away. Spending a full day on the Madison River for work felt like pure magic. You know what they say, “A bad day on the river is better than…” Well, you get the idea. For me, a day on the Madison is almost impossible to top. Everything about the River Summit, the people, the location and the activations, was incredible. If we could do that every other month, I’d be the first to sign up!
Q: Where is TREAD headed next?
TREAD is heading toward some really exciting opportunities. Over the past two years, we’ve been fortunate to build a team of talented, hardworking people, and it’s been rewarding to see that hard work starting to gain some well-deserved recognition.
This feels like just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next. It’s exciting to do work I genuinely enjoy in an industry I’ve loved for so long. I’m grateful to be part of this journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds for TREAD.
Q: As an outdoor enthusiast, what are you looking forward to in 2025, or what made your memory list in 2024?
In 2025, I am most excited to explore more Wyoming and Montana rivers and mountains. I hope to check the Wyoming Cutt-Slam off my bucket list and make my way back to Montana to fish in the fly-fishing mecca!