Bonsai's Expertise designing Zip Lines Canopy Tours and Ropes Courses
Zip Lines | Canopy Tours | Adventure Challenge Courses
With industry-leading experience, Bonsai Design Inc. provides critical consulting throughout the process. Our detailed craftsmanship ensures safe, long-lasting, enjoyable structures. Anybody can hang a cable in a tree. What differentiates Bonsai Design Inc. is our attention to detail, experience, and commitment to environmentally sensitive design and construction. Bonsai Design is a member of the Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) designing, building, and inspecting to their standards.
Experience, Service, and World-Class Craftsmanship.
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John Walker President and C.E.O. 
970.255.7393
The founder and president of Bonsai Design, Inc., John developed his love for the outdoors at a young age, exploring the rural areas in and around the Great Lakes. John’s sense of adventure soon led him to Colorado, where he quickly took up climbing mountains and paddling rivers. Between his experiences at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and at the California College of Arts in San Francisco, John has a diverse education in topics ranging from Geography to Engineering to Fine Arts. Through each of his innovative, unique and often ambitious projects, John has devoted ample time to slowly and surely developing his place in the Adventure Challenge Industry. With more than 16 years of experience in challenge course design and program development, John has developed a reputation for undertaking ambitious design projects that blend natural appeal with sound educational philosophies. Frequently accompanied by his dog Fern, John looks forward to bringing his passion for the environment and love of the creative process to many more projects.
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Reid Burland Lead Builder/Inspector 
970.255.7393
Born and raised at a variety of summer camps, Reid has worked nearly every role, from maintenance staff to program director. Reid was home-schooled until college, where he acquired a formal education in Exercise Science and Business Administration. Drawing upon a lifetime of adventure experience, Reid is a first-class builder and lead inspector. When he is not completely kicking butt on the job site, he enjoys pursuing his interests in mushing, martial arts, interpersonal psychology, outdoor skills and exploring personal limits.
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Mark Craven Builder 
970.255.7393
Mark has been a key player at Bonsai from the very beginning, having grown up down the street from John. Mark brings years of building experience, as well as his synergistic creativity to the Bonsai process. When he’s not working for Bonsai, Mark spends his time holding up the crumbling pillars of the City of Detroit while hatching plans to take over the rock and roll world.
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Brandon Skupski Builder 
970.255.7393
Coming from the facilitation end of the industry, Brandon has worked in multiple high and low ropes course setting, and has lead extended back-country trips for teens. With a background in the trades as a journey plumber, transition in to construction with Bonsai was an early goal. Brandon enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and many more outdoor experiences.
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Tyler Anderson Builder 
970.255.7393
For nearly 20 years now, Tyler has been climbing and exploring wild areas the world over. Experienced in many aspects of climbing, his wanderings have taken him to such varied venues as the big walls of Yosemite and Zion, the limestone of France and China and the snowy heights of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Tyler has been with Bonsai since 2005, when his excitement for adventure led him to Alaska, where he quickly adapted his expert climbing and communication skills to Canopy Tour installations and training. Tyler speaks fluent Spanish and holds a BA in Anthropology.
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Sarah Shrader Business Manager and C.O.O. 
970.255.7393
A triathlete, long distance runner, and mama to three boys, Sarah brings energy and dedication to Bonsai. After receiving her B.S. in Environmental Education, Sarah went to work at an Outdoor Education Center and ended up in the classroom. She then pursued an M.Ed, focusing entirely on Alternative Education. After taking some time off teaching to stay at home with her boys, Sarah began running Bonsai Design, Inc from the Grand Junction Office. Being John Walker’s sister, her efforts have helped Bonsai grow significantly over the past few years and have helped the company prepare for continued growth. When not working, Sarah enjoys hiking and biking with her family, practicing yoga, and running on trails.
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Katherine Sams Office Manager 
970.255.7393
Katherine joined our company in 2008 to manage our office in Grand Junction. A rock climber, outdoor enthusiast, and yogini, Katherine comes to Bonsai with tenacity, cheer, and persistence. Katherine has attended Prescott College, received Parelli training in natural horsemanship, and has traveled extensively. She not only manages the Central Office, but also visits the job sites regularly, serving as a liaison between the field and the office. We are lucky to have her aboard.
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Sam Walker Director of Special Projects 
970.255.7393
A graduate of Duke University and Northwestern University, Sam joined Bonsai Design, Inc as a seasoned businessman. He spent his civil engineering and real estate development careers owning and managing small businesses. Currently, Sam is “retired”, and working for Bonsai on an as-needed basis. As a registered Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor, he is passionate about nurturing small companies and helping them grow and flourish. As John’s father, Sam is in awe at the unique and cutting-edge designs that John creates for Bonsai. In his spare time, Sam loves to play tennis, travel, and spend time with his five grandchildren.
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