The Born 2 Be Wild Team

Bruce W. Martin is a sought after international keynote speaker and a leading expert on how to find greater meaning and purpose in life. He’s the award-winning author of Desperate For Hope which reached the Amazon Top 100 in Christian books. A Professional Member of the National Speakers Association, he speaks extensively on how to live fearlessly, invest your life in what matters most, and find incredible meaning and purpose in your life. He founded Invest Your Life, a successful coaching and counseling practice with over 300 clients worldwide, helping companies and individuals fulfill their purpose in the world. He’s the founder of Born 2 Be Wild, outdoor adventure company that takes people on 2 to 7 day spiritual transformation backpacking trips where people find God, community, and purpose in the backcountry. As far back as he can remember, he’s always loved the outdoors. From hiking and fishing trips as a 4 year-old in the Colorado Rockies, to an epic 460 mile, 6 week backpacking trip in the High Sierras in 2017, I love all things wild. And one of his greatest loves is taking folks like you outdoors and hoping a love affair begins!

Hi! I’m Mark Booth. And I’ve lived in the Smoky Mountains for over 20 years now, about 1/2 mile from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. My wife and I are avid hikers and armchair naturalists who love the diversity of plant and animal life found in these mountains. Both of us can be found regularly on the many trails around the Smoky’s enjoying the beauty of its many plants, flowers and wildlife. I’ve hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, most of the local trails in my neck of the woods, and I enjoy overnight and multi-day trips. Bruce and I have been best friends for 36+ years and have hiked about 4,000 miles together from the Pacific coast, Oregon, the High Sierras, Appalachian Trail, and many places in between. I also serve as a guide with Smoky Mountain Guides here in Tennessee.

Hi, I’m Ashli Jennings and I’m one of our guides! I was born and raised in Clay, Alabama, just outside of Birmingham. I now live in Madison with my husband and two girls. I’m an ER nurse and when I’m not hiking and backpacking, I love to paddle board, snow ski, and spend time with my family. I fell in love with the Appalachian Trail and hope someday to hike from Georgia to Maine. Last year my family took a trip to Glacier National Park and it was amazing!