Jake Petrasch, fully named Jake John Garrit Petrasch Jr., owns Valley Anglers in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. This establishment offers guided fly fishing trips and an assortment of fishing gear, including rods, wading gear, and reels. His professional career spans over two decades, encompassing roles in education, property management, site coordination, and fly fishing. His interests include surfing, skateboarding, cycling, hunting, and fly fishing in various environments, underscoring his deep connection with nature and outdoor activities. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in fine arts from St. Lawrence University in 2001 and later obtained a master's degree in Education from Johnson State College in 2007. His educational background is further enriched by a semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School, for which he earned college credits from the University of Utah. Professionally, he has been versatile, working as a teacher, property manager, site coordinator, and guide. In 2005, his passion for teaching and fly fishing led him to establish Valley Anglers LLC. There, he combines his love for the sport with his dedication to education, teaching clients of all ages and skill levels the finer points of fly fishing. His career in education began in 2010 at Counseling Services of Addison County, where he served as a Head Teacher/Behavior Specialist, designing educational experiences for high school-aged students outside the traditional school system. He continued his academic pursuits at Harwood Union High School and later at Montpelier High School, where he engaged in various programmatic and coordinative roles. In 2018, he joined Integrated Property Services LLC as a Head Landscaper/Property Manager, taking care of properties in the Mad River Valley. His responsibilities include in-house diagnostics and maintenance, showcasing his broad skill set in property management. His life story is deeply personal and inspiring. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, and adopted as an infant, he spent many childhood summers in Nantucket. It was there that he cultivated lifelong hobbies such as surfing and hunting, and he later met his wife while pursuing his undergraduate studies. The couple married in 2005 and eventually settled in Williston, Vermont, for their children's education and athletic opportunities. Fly fishing remains a pivotal aspect of his life, a passion he turned professional, especially after starting his journey of sobriety in 1999. His commitment to sobriety is a significant theme in his life, one he openly shares with others aiming for similar transformations. Beyond his professional and personal achievements, his life is a testament to the enduring power of resilience and passion. Jake Petrasch's narrative is a compelling portrayal of a life well-lived, marked by professional diversity, deep personal commitments, and a profound connection to the natural world.