Why I’ll Always Put Heart Before Profit at Wild Bunch Desert Guides
Not long ago, I had a choice that would have put extra cash in the bank. A meeting planner called and requested a hike for a group of 90 for 3 different days in September.
After multiple attempts to explain to her that my temperature cut off for hiking is 102 degrees and begging her to have the group go in the morning she assured me that all 90 people both days would be just fine in the 110-113 degree range the forecast was showing at the time she was requesting which was 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.—the hottest part of the day.
When I made a hard decision to lose the group and giving people Sonoran Desert adventures I was then a bad business owner for not taking the money and she said so. As a matter of fact, she was not thankful nor grateful –even when our transportation partner backed me and did not charge them anything either she was pissed to the high heavens and told me she would find someone who wanted to make money.
True Story.
That moment sums up who we are. Wild Bunch Desert Guides isn’t built on cutting corners or chasing every dollar. We’re built on heart. We put safety, integrity, and authentic experiences before profit—every single time.
When you hike or mountain bike with us, you’ll notice the difference. We don’t cram guests into oversized groups just to maximize margins. We keep ratios small so every guest feels seen, heard, and safe.
If someone’s struggling, we slow the pace. If a group is mixed in ability, we bring extra guides so no one is left behind. That means higher costs on our end, but it’s the right way to do it.
Profit-first companies upcharge for every little thing. We’d rather surprise you with the extras—backpacks to borrow, cold water, snacks, and guides who care about YOU, not just your booking. We know that what you’ll remember isn’t the price you paid, but how you felt on the trail—supported, safe, and connected.
I also fight hard for fairness. For years, I’ve lost business by doing things the right way—securing permits, paying fees, and following rules—while others cut corners.
The biggest that bothers me deeply is taking people on Sunset hikes in the summer when it is 112 degrees and not caring and saying “they sign a waiver”
Does it sting? Sure. But I can sleep at night knowing Wild Bunch doesn’t compromise. Heart over profit, every time.
Yes, this is a business. Bills need to be paid, guides deserve fair wages, and the lights have to stay on. But I measure success differently. It’s not just dollars in the bank—it’s the smiles at the trailhead, the friendships formed, the reviews that say “This was the highlight of our trip.”
That’s what drives me.
