Justin Essian
Owner/Director of Operations
Justin is Papa Bear’s Owner, Director of Operations, and Chief Pilot. He oversees the day to day operations as well as managing pilots and airplanes.
Justin grew up in Michigan and completed a four-year aviation degree at Western Michigan University. He ventured to Alaska in 2009 for an internship with Papa Bear Adventures and became hooked on the Alaskan way of life. After his internship, he worked as bush pilot until 2017, when he bought Papa Bear Adventures. Justin’s three favorite things in this world, besides God and family, are hunting, fishing and flying. What better place to be than in Alaska where he can combine all three!
Jennifer Essian Merchandiser/Book-keeper
Jennifer is Justin’s co-pilot in life and merchandising/book-keeping expert for Papa Bear. She oversees the inventory and ordering of products and needed supplies. She also helps with the on and off-season needs of the business that pop up and is support staff to Justin.
Jennifer is an Alaskan transplant, circa 2009. She maintains a degree in Occupational Therapy and also works for the local hospital. In her free time, she enjoys exploring uncharted territory, trying out new wild game recipes, and knitting the warmest natural fiber known to mankind… Qiviut!
Tanner Hetz Lead Pilot
Tanner moved to Alaska in 2012 and has accumulated over 6,000 hours of part 135 commercial flying since. He began his commercial flying with Hageland Aviation Services both flying and helping to manage the training department. In 2019, Tanner began flying with Papa Bear and transitioned to seasonal float flying. Additionally, he worked at Security Aviation during the off season as a Chief Pilot doing charter work to remote locations around the Alaska. Recently Tanner has started a business as a compliance consultant for Alaska based part 135 air carriers and air taxi’s and will continue to work seasonally with the Papa Bear family.
Jesse Helmuth
Line Pilot
Jesse, a rare breed of hardworking generation “Z,” has once again found his way to Bethel, Alaska to work for Papa Bear Adventures for his 4th summer. I think it’s safe to say that he has “drank the papa bear cool aid.”
Jesse is 24 years young and was born in Nappanee, Indian and grew up with his 2 brothers and sister in Oakland, Maryland. He currently calls Alaska “home” officially making the move winter of 2024.
His passions include Hunting, flying, and anything outdoors.
Jesse started working for Papa Bear in 2022 and we welcome him back with open arms for the 2026 season.
We think Jesse is in the right place!
Randy Cone Line Pilot
Randy is originally from Jay, Oklahoma where he began his aviation career in an aircraft paint shop. He went on to solo during his senior year of high school and then received his aviation degree from Oklahoma State University. He started his commercial flying career in Bethel in 2000, working for several small charter operations, and has been working with Papa Bear Adventures since 2011. Randy enjoys coming to Bethel with his family where they enjoy fishing, berry picking, hunting for buried treasure, and making sure Justin’s water rudders are up.
James Schmaltz Line Pilot
James is an old North Dakota native, where he was born and raised with his three older siblings. Open prairie along side North Dakota sunsets is what shaped his love for the outdoors and fueled his flame for curiosity.
In high school, with the influence of his peers including Justin, James decided to pursue a career in aviation and got a bachelor degree in aeronautical science at the university of North Dakota with a specialization in safety. James has been flying commercially for 7 years and has no set-in-stone “plans” for his future in aviation, just ideas. He loves flying for flying alone and is excited to see new faces.
Now days James spends his free time playing guitar and banjo, going to live music, and spending time on rivers both fishing in addition to floating where he gained the river name “cricket.” He enjoys reading anything by David James Duncan along with anything related to water and soil conservation and someday would like to explore those avenues more.
A standout moment in James’ career was when he moved to Alaska in 2021 to work for papa bear as a dock hand before pursuing other outlets and gaining life experience. He has since found his way back to papa bear and is exited to bring his upbeat attitude, meet new people, and make chow for the crew!
Note from the Owner:
Since the purchase of Papa Bear back in 2018, one of my goals was to help foster an environment that people would gravitate towards. Not necessarily because of the job, but because of the people around them. James is a product of that goal along with several other Papa Bear employees. I am very grateful for them all. If you can’t tell, we are super jazzed to have James back, especially in the pilot’s seat. Welcome home Jimmy Bear!!
Ekoh Campbell
Lodge Handler
Raised between the vibrant energy of Venice Beach and the wide-open spaces of Oklahoma and currently based in Utah with her sights set on the sky. She is actively working toward flight school with the ultimate goal of becoming a life-flight pilot flying rotorcraft, combining her drive for a technical career with a deep-seated desire to help others. Outside of her professional ambitions, she is a dedicated artist, plant parent, and hiker who dreams of a world where wildlife and humanity coexist sustainably. Whether she’s navigating a mountain trail or planning her future travels to places like Alaska, she is fueled by a love for her family, her friends, and the pursuit of a meaningful, adventurous life.
Welcome to the team Ekoh!!
Julia Pringle
Lodge Handler/Dock Hand
Julia, born and raised in tornado alley Oklahoma. She is the youngest of 2 older siblings and has the charm to prove it. Julia has a host of hobbies, but her biggest ones are doing anything outdoors and traveling. She also thoroughly enjoys a chill night in watching TV or reading.
Her #1 goal in life is to spread kindness everywhere she goes. She wants to make a lasting, positive impact on the world, see this planet and appreciate everything it has to offer, hike the PCT, and ultimately live off grid.
She has a bachelor's in social work and will continue on with her education in a few years (or when her travel bug dissipates.) She would like to become n LCSW and specialize in substance abuse therapy but move into work within the prison system later on. her favorite cuisine is Mediterranean.
We are super jazzed to have Julia back again for her 2nd season!
Note from the owner:
Jules helps bring the energy and the work ethic that is needed from a lodge handler as well as keeping the team moral high. She is exactly what we need in a lodge handler and dock hand and are ecstatic to have her back for a 2nd season!
Brittany Spencer Lodge Handler
Brittnay is from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she was also raised. She holds an associate degree in Business from Tulsa Community College, and much of her education has also come through field-based work as a naturalist and guide. She is a creative and adventurous person who enjoys painting, writing, yoga, and hiking, with watercolor painting being her favorite form of expression. She cherishes her family and the strong community she has built through seasonal work, especially while living life on the road. Brittnay dreams of becoming a yoga instructor, hosting retreats, and one day creating a small farm or homestead where she can welcome travelers, grow food, and help others reconnect with nature. After first coming to Alaska while visiting her 50th state, she fell in love with its wilderness and is now spending her fourth summer season there. In ten years, she sees herself living fully off-grid, surrounded by nature, art, and a loving community.
Note from the owner: We are more than excited to welcome Brittnay to our team and family!! Yeehaw!!
AJ Smith Lead Dock Hand
AJ Smith was born in Grand Rapids Michigan. He is 43, but still thinks he is in his twenties. AJ went into the Marine Corps Reserve after high school and did one deployment during his 6 years. He has since worked in concrete construction, obtained a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management and last year, he started his own company doing small construction projects and residential remodeling. This year will be AJ's 3rd full season with Papa Bear. His love for Alaska started in 2013 when he spent the summer working with the Artic Ecology Program through Grand Valley State University. Ever since, he can not spend enough time in this wonderful state. AJ values a shared sense of community and a love for the natural world, that is why he is looking forward to another year with the Papa Bear Team.
Notes from the owner:
AJ is a valuable part of the Papa Bear team and we are more than pleased to have him back for another season. His work ethic and attention to detail are some of his strongest attributes. Welcome back AJ!!
Trevor Molnar Dock Hand
Trevor is a man of many talents and a deep-seated love for the outdoors. As the middle child of three, he grew up navigating the landscapes of the Midwest before serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. His background is a testament to his "jack-of-all-trades" spirit, possessing advanced training in everything from heavy equipment repair to the fine art of gunsmithing.
While he is currently focused on the adventure awaiting him at Papa Bear this summer, Trevor’s aspirations for the future are as bold as the Alaskan wilderness. He dreams of earning his pilot’s license and one day competing in the legendary Iditarod. In ten years, he hopes to trade the solo trail for a settled life with a wife and children. Whether he’s restoring a tractor, learning a new language, or rock climbing, Trevor approaches every task with the focus of a Marine and the heart of an explorer.
Welcome to the family Trevor!!!
Brennan Polley Dock Hand
Brennan, a life-long resident of the great state of Wyoming. He was born and raised in Cody with Yellowstone as his backyard. He is the youngest of 3 children with an older sister and brother.
Brennan enjoys hunting, fly fishing, shed hunting, hiking, pack trips, hanging out with family, and working out. Starting the winter of 2025 and 2026, Brennan has decided to pursue a career in Aviation. He is currently working on his private pilot’s license and would like to eventually work commercially in either Alaska or a place similar to Alaska.
True to his hobbies, Brennan’s perfect job would be helping others bag their trophies. He would like to either own his own guiding business or work for a reputable outfitter and guide. Preferably in either Wyoming or Alaska.
After a long day, Brennan’s favorite meal is Elk tenderloin. He enjoys listening to country music and his favorite movie is….surprise surprise, Jeremiah Johnson. “You skin griz pilgrim?” We think Brennan will have a lot of fun in Alaksa.
Note from the owner:
This is Brennans 2nd year at Papa Bear. He is an honest, hardworking young man, something that is hard to come by now-a-days. He is great to have around and we are very thankful to have him back this season!
Sterling Fuqua Dock Hand
Originally from Orem, Utah, Sterling brings a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship to the Papa Bear team. Growing up in the heart of Utah Valley, he developed an early appreciation for nature, spending his winters snowboarding and his summers camping and mountain biking.
Sterling’s background includes studies in Psychology at Utah Valley University, which informs his people-centric approach to work. He is driven by a desire to help others enjoy the wilderness responsibly, advocating for sustainability and a shared respect for the planet. Inspired by the isolated serenity and diverse wildlife of the North, Sterling is coming to Alaska to immerse himself in its natural beauty. Outside of work, he is a dedicated music and film enthusiast—with a particular affinity for The Beatles—and treasures time spent with his girlfriend, Ekoh, his family, and his friends.
Welcome to the team Sterling!!
