Secret Creek
Meet Our Team
The people behind every handcrafted yurt, tipi, and tent — proudly made in Montrose, Colorado since 1976.
Create Positivity in the World
Our skilled team members are motivated by their daily opportunities to create positivity in the world. And a big part of that is helping people to realize their dreams to own beautiful, meaningful, functional, and safe shelters.
Leadership
John & Kelly Gibson
CEO / Owner
John Gibson had a career spanning over 30 years of leadership in the Lawn & Tree Care Industry when his life journey intersected with an opportunity to purchase Colorado Yurt Company in 2020. Inspiring outdoor connections through quality craftsmanship performed on the Western Slope of Colorado has brought together his passion for the outdoors and leadership skills to steward a world-class team creating outdoor structures that captivate.
Joe Winkelmann
Director of Operations
Joe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He has a wealth of experience spanning the apparel and fashion industry, consumer services, low and high-volume manufacturing, and highly technical engineering fields. Joe's standout quality is his ability to think innovatively and find creative solutions to complex challenges.
Megan Mann
Sales & Marketing Manager
Megan, a Colorado State University graduate in Business and Marketing (2014), joined Secret Creek's sales team in August 2021 and moved to Montrose later that fall. Her role includes managing our team of Sales Guides and coordinating all company marketing efforts. An avid outdoorswoman, Megan enjoys big-game hunting, golfing, hiking, camping, and spending time with loved ones. She's passionate about exploring the mountains and cherishes providing outdoor experiences to people worldwide.
Meet Your Sales Guides
Our Sales Guides are here to help you find the perfect yurt, tipi, or tent for your needs — from your first question to the moment your structure is raised.
Amy Alexander
Sales Guide
Amy's welcoming nature and friendly personality make her a great asset to our Sales team. Her experience in the hospitality industry shines through in her dedication to exceptional customer service. She has managed restaurants, lodges, luxury resorts and has owned her own event catering company. Amy thrives on living peacefully, harmoniously and in balance with the world around her. She maintains a deep respect for nature and all of its life forms. She enjoys the gifts of aroma, tranquility, beauty and adventure the outdoors provides. On her days off, she'll be hiking, skiing, biking or just being.
Megan Mann
Sales Guide
Megan, a Colorado State University graduate in Business and Marketing (2014), joined Secret Creek's sales team in August 2021 and moved to Montrose later that fall. Her role includes managing our team of Sales Guides and coordinating all company marketing efforts. An avid outdoorswoman, Megan enjoys big-game hunting, golfing, hiking, camping, and spending time with loved ones.
Cliff Connaughton
Customer Support Champion
Cliff is excited to be back with Secret Creek, bringing 22 years of experience and leadership in the yurt, tipi, and tent industry. Having lived in Colorado for 40 years, his longtime connection to the West and passion for the outdoors make him a natural fit for helping customers bring their vision to life. He enjoys helping customers explore their options, find the right structure for their needs, and making the process easy and enjoyable from start to finish. Outside of work, Cliff enjoys skiing, fishing, traveling, gardening, and spending time with his two amazing kids.
Our Departments
Every structure we ship is the result of collaboration across passionate teams — from the first sketch to the final stitch.
Design & Engineering
Our dynamic product development team is expanding beyond what we used to think was possible — learning from other industries to create the next generation of yurts, tipis, and tents.
Skilled Craftspeople
We're growing and adding more skilled craftspeople — a team of dedicated, reliable people who work safely together because they genuinely respect each other. Every product is handcrafted in Montrose, Colorado.
Sales & Consultation
Our consultants guide you from your very first question to the moment your structure is raised. We're known industry-wide for highly personable service and deep product knowledge.
Customer Support
From setup guidance and video tutorials to maintenance tips and replacement parts, our support team is just a phone call away — for the lifetime of your structure.