People who make us Jeep Jamboree USA.

Mark A. Smith
Founder

In 1953 Mark A. Smith and a small group of Rotarians and friends figured out a way to boost the economy of Georgetown, California: stage an annual Jeep® vehicle trek across the Sierra Nevada Mountains by way of the old Rubicon Trail. The first Jeep Jamboree saw 155 people take on the Rubicon Trail. And in 1954, Willys Motors – then manufacturer of Jeep vehicles – became involved with the adventure.

A member of the Off-Road Hall of Fame and the Explorers Club of New York, Mark A. Smith led the 1978-79 Expedicion de las Americas – a 20,000-mile, 120-day odyssey from the bottom of South America to the top of North America, crossing the infamous Darien Gap – and headed the 1987 Camel Trophy in Madagascar. Since founding Jeep Jamboree USA (JJUSA) in 1982, he’s become a Jeep brand consultant and conducts intensive training for U.S. Army Special Forces and other agencies.

Jill Smith
President & CEO

Adventure runs in the Smith family. No doubt inspired by her father’s history making expeditions and by her own youthful trips on the legendary Rubicon Trail, it was perhaps inevitable that Jill Smith would develop her own spirit of adventure. A visitor to six of the seven continents, Jill regularly continues her travels to the planet’s most remote regions, most often performing volunteer and service work for humanitarian and animal conservation organizations. As President & CEO of JJUSA, Jill ensures that each Jamboree trip embodies the same sense of adventure and camaraderie she finds in her explorations of exotic lands and cultures.

Pearse Umlauf
Vice President and General Manager

Pearse Umlauf grew up in the small town of Williamstown, Massachusetts, an academic enclave in the Berkshire Mountains which offered boundless opportunities for intellectual growth and wilderness awareness. His first exposure to four wheeling and the Jeep Jamboree USA experience came as an assistant to prominent adventure and off-road photographer Sue Mead. As Special Events Coordinator for JJUSA, Pearse headed up the company's involvement in Camp Jeep as the design and construction of a number of off-road test tracks including the U.S. Government’s (SORT) Severe Off-Road Track at the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia, and initiated new programs such as the Mark A. Smith Rubicon Trail Adventure Series and Advanced Off-Road Training Program. In his new role as Vice President and General Manager of JJUSA, Pearse is focused on expanding and refining the offerings of the world’s largest Jeep adventure company

Joelle Miller
Event Manager/ Bookkeeper

For over 16 years, Joelle Miller has kept the “i”s dotted and the “t”s crossed as JJUSA’s hardworking bookkeeper and is also the Event Manager for the Canyon de Chelly Jeep Jamboree. Beginning the 2008 season she’ll work fulltime in the registration department. Her interests include walking, calligraphy, scrap booking, many types of music, wine tasting with family and friends, and she always enjoys the opportunity to travel to several Jamborees each year. Of the trips she has attended so far, her favorites are Canyon de Chelly for its Native American history; Ouray because of the variety of trails and spectacular scenery; and the Rubicon, since it’s right in her backyard. Joelle is married, and shares a busy house with 4 cats and 2 black labs.

Glenda Gau
Event Manager

Glenda Gau is one of three Event Managers for Jeep Jamboree USA. She finds the highlight of our Jamborees to be the hours of laughter and good natured fun that takes place at the events. She is convinced that until you’ve been on a Jeep Jamboree, there’s no way to understand the camaraderie and lasting friendships that take place between Jeep owners. Outside of the office she enjoys sharing a fantastic bottle of wine with friends, refinishing antiques, haunting flea markets and antique stores for treasures, creating textile art, dancing, music, and, when time and money permit, traveling.

Erin Lara
Event Manager

Erin Lara recently joined the Jeep Jamboree USA family to assist with managing Jamboree’s from California to Pennsylvania as well as many states in between. Whether she speaks to you on the phone, via email or if you meet her in person at an event, you can be assured that you will always be greeted and taken care of pleasantly and professionally. This comes as a result of 20 years of customer service experience. Erin has great enthusiasm and energy and a personal goal to make sure that your Jamboree experience is extraordinary.

Personally, Erin has been busy raising two Labrador puppies that are her constant source of joy and entertainment. She is married with two adult daughters. Whenever she has spare time, she enjoys church activities, gardening, baking, quilting and reading.

Ron Stewart
Rubicon Trail Events

Ron Stewart is a Southern California native who after 20 years of surfing, fishing and hiking moved to the northern end of the state to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. Ron is instrumental in our Rubicon Trail events where his expertise in carpentry and friendly bartending skills are only a few of the things that make Ron a valued member of the JJUSA staff. He has a wealth of information ranging from South American travels to the more technical aspects of helicopter operations and safety. Ron and his wife Melanie raise their four children in beautiful Garden Valley. Ron’s passion is big game fishing. He and his family enjoy camping, hiking, off-roading and exploring remote places. Given the opportunity, take some time to visit with Ron next time you see him on the trail.

JJ (Jeep Junior)

JJ (Jeep Junior) is a full-bred Syberian Husky who is faithfully beside Mark wherever he is - in his 2nd-story JJUSA office, in the Jeep, at home and most of his travels. JJ is the proud papa of four Husky-wolves. The squeaky steak toy and rawhide bone are his favorite toys. JJ dines on only the finest grilled steaks and sometimes shares his leftovers with the JJUSA staff.

Kenya

Kenya shares her office with Pearse. When she’s not napping in front of her space heater, you’ll find her re-organizing papers on Pearse’s desk, chasing the orange feather or supervising the office from the top of her cat condo.

Bosnia

Bosnia guards the JJUSA store, providing 24/7 security. She is the only staff member with a flat-screen LCD TV with satellite service (Oprah is her favorite show). If you want to be her friend, be sure to give her a good dose of petting with the special rubber petting glove – be careful though – she drools!