The Core Team

Expert Adventurers At Your Service

Meet our Adventure Guides


Tim Pflieger

Tim Pflieger

Founder/President

Professional Adventure Guide

Tim created the Team Leadership Center DBA Door County Adventure Center over 30 yrs ago! He is a Level 2 Ropes Course Instructor, Level 4 ACA Coastal Sea Kayaking Instructor, Certified Zip Line Instructor-Guide, Nationally Registered EMT, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Adjunct Faculty Instructor, and Keynote Speaker. Tim earned his Master of Science in Education.

Years on Team: 30

Fun Fact: “He is a mountaineer” Last summit Mt Kilimanjaro

Jacob Pflieger

Jacob Pflieger

Operations Manager

Jacob Pflieger graduated from UW-Stevens Point majoring in Wildlife Ecology. He is related to the one and only Tim Pflieger, and is the Operations Manager at Door County Adventure Center. He is a Door County native, and he loves the ability to spend time outside while doing something he thoroughly enjoys.

Years on Team: 3

Fun fact: “I went camping in Kenya for a study abroad trip as an undergrad at UWSP and it was amazing!”

Seasonal Team Members


Cadence Dugre

Cadence Dugre

Marketing Intern

Cadence is a student at UW-Madison majoring in Journalism and Strategic Communication. When she’s not studying, you will find her exploring new spots in Wisconsin, kayaking along Lake Michigan, or reading at a coffee shop.

Years on Team: 1

Fun fact: “I sing in a competitive A Cappella group at UW-Madison!”

Sammi Hanlon

Sammi Hanlon

Marketing Intern

Sammi recently graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a degree in Professional Communication. She enjoys analyzing media like books and movies and being outside to swim, hammock, kayak, and play sand volleyball.

Years on Team: 1

Fun fact: “I learned how to juggle on my high school volleyball team!”

Matt Ganz

Matt Ganz

Marketing Intern

As a St. Norbert College graduate with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing, Matt brings a unique blend of business experience and passion for the outdoors. Originally from Illinois, he was drawn to Door County Adventure Center because of his love for outdoor activities like rock climbing, snowboarding, and kayaking. His goal is to help others connect with these experiences and discover the benefits they offer.

Years on Team: 1

Fun fact: “I’ve had the amazing experience of snowboarding in Montana twice, and I’m excited to share similar adventures with others in Door County.”

Austin Baker

Austin Baker

Adventure Guide

Austin recently graduated from Juniata College in rural Pennsylvania with a degree in Environmental Science. He loves all things plant-related and feels most at home deep in the forest. He is drawn to Door County because it’s a good place to have an adventure.

Years on Team: 1

Fun Fact: “In my spare time, I write original songs on my acoustic guitar

Nicolas Toral

Nicolas Toral

Adventure Guide

All the way from Quito, Ecuador. Nicolas is a student from USFQ majoring in Business Administration with a deep passion for history. A twice former Outward Bound student, Nicolas is there for anything outside or on the water. In his free time you’ll find him reading on a hammock or fiddling with his guitar. Aside from the outdoors his second biggest passion is grilling. Nicolas was drawn to Door County Adventure Center because being outside or on the water will beat working in a cubicle any day. 

Years on Team: 1

Fun fact: “I can speak Spanish, French and German.”

Tanner Williams

Tanner Williams

Adventure Guide

A former Team Lead and Department Director for a Solar Energy startup, Tanner has since dedicated his professional life to empowering others to get out and experience nature. This will be his third year working as an adventure guide experiencing the outdoors. He was drawn to DCAC for the opportunity to learn and grow while enjoying the Door County Peninsula!

Years on Team: 1

Fun fact: “I don’t mess around on karaoke night!”

Christopher Hamilton

Christopher Hamilton

Kayak Guide

Chris is an ACA Level 3 Trip Leader and has previously guided in Alaska, Yellowstone National Park, Maine, and Florida. As a former news producer, Chris has a passion for photography and storytelling. He thinks summer is the best season and can’t wait to share it with you. Happy Paddling!

Years on Team: 1

Fun fact: “I have either paddled or rafted on all seven continents.”