our team
Mike Ferrell - MMO Founder, President
Mike has been a professional angler for over a decade. He loves to spend time in the field and the woods as well, hunting deer and birds.
Mike's main passion is sharing time in the boat with men and women of service.
"There is something special about the smiles, and the change of lives that most men and women experience after a special trip like ours."
Mike has been involved and assisting several veteran based non profit organizations over the last 10 years. With his fishing experience and his event knowledge, he wanted to create the best quality hands down perfect experience for Military and first responders.
Ryan Street - MMO Vice President
Ryan is a Minnesota native who grew up in White Bear Lake, he served in the United States Marine Corps until he retired in 2015, he is a combat Veteran in both the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters. He was a key member of the Marine Corps longest amphibious landing in history. Ryan is a Realtor and an entrepreneur who has or is involved in a wide array of ventures including Farming, Real Estate, Corporate Finance, Alcohol, Prepaid calling cards, medical device development and sales and Prepaid Debit Cards. Ryan's infatuation with the outdoors started when he went fishing for the first time at 4 yrs old. Ryan has traveled the world and for the most part "seen it all" by the age of 36. Ryan currently lives in San Diego, CA with his wife Beth and their 3 girls. Ryan & Beth plan on moving back to Minnesota permanently in 2025 or sooner likely in the North Branch, Stacy area.
Alie Witthans - MMO Co-Founder, Secretary
Alie is from North Branch. Her passions include hunting, fishing and cooking. Ice fishing is number 1, because of the first walleye she brought topside the ice which was 29 1/2". Comingling her love of catching and spending time with hero's has been easy through different organizations. Luckily Mike wanted to create his own and Alie jumped on board. She wants to make sure all around her enjoy their fishing experience. As well as make sure the attendees eat well. You will see her in a boat fishing and behind the scenes cooking meals for those who attend.
Paul Hershfield - MMO Treasurer
Paul lives in Osceola, WI. Paul has two sons. He enjoys spending time outdoors whether it is camping, fishing open water or ice fishing. Paul also likes hiking as well. Paul is especially known for throwing something on the grill or smoker. He especially enjoys spending time outdoors with his sons and looks forward to sharing his love of the outdoors with others.
Jay Helin - MMO Board Member
Jay lives in North Branch with his wife, Kindra, and their two children, Maddie and Tanner. They are also the proud owners of a chocolate lab named Tucker. Jay has been in the law enforcement field since 1998 and currently serves as a deputy for Chisago County. He has been with the county for over 22 years.
Jay has always enjoyed hunting and fishing, which he attributes to his grandfathers, father, uncles, and cousins. His interest in this hobby was further encouraged by his relationship with Mike and Mike's fiancé, Alie. Jay's wife and Alie are sisters.
Jay started volunteering with a similar organization and is excited to be part of the MMO experience, which provides support to veterans and first responders.
Jeff Arndt - MMO Board Member
Jeff grew up in Norwood Young America. Jeff and his wife Kassie live in Cologne MN with their two daughters. Jeff has worked in the road construction industry since graduating high school. Since Jeff was young he has had a passion for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing are an important part of his life. Jeff is also very passionate about giving back and thanking those who have served. Jeff is excited to be a part of MMO and looks forward to providing amazing experiences with veterans and first responders.
Capt. Jason Benson - MMO Board Member
Jason grew up in Wanamingo, MN where he currently runs his metal fabrication shop and is a volunteer fire fighter/EMT on the Wanamingo Fire and Rescue Department.
Jason served 4 1/2 years in the Army Infantry from 2003-2007 spending a significant amount of time deployed.
After the service he worked as a commercial diver in the Gulf of Mexico oil fields, across the western US, and at AUTEC on Andros Island Bahamas.
He rekindled his love of fishing the Midwest and Canada after moving home 10 years ago and has been helping several organizations getting his fellow veteran, fire, and EMS family out on the water. He is extremely excited to continue this work with the amazing crew at Memories Made Outdoors!
Damia Siebenahler - Director of Media
Damia hales from Worthington, MN. She has a passion for all aspects of the beauty and wonder of the outdoors and loves capturing those beautiful moments with her camera.
She also admires and enjoys hearing the stories from our veterans and first responders and with her amazing skillset helps MMO capture and share the stories of these heroes with others.
Damia is ecstatic to be a part of the MMO team as our photographer, social media manager and design team member.
Kevin Harteloo - MMO Ambassador
Kevin Harteloo, a Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant and combat veteran who originally hails from the Columbia River Gorge area of SW Washington State. Growing up there fueled Kevin’s passion for hunting, fishing and the mountains and woods in general. Kevin currently resides in Perris, California with his wife, Stacy and daughter Lillian. Upon retiring from the Marines in 2016 after 20 years of service and multiple combat deployments, Kevin went to work in the construction industry and is also part owner of a garlic farming operation located near Harris, MN.
Reid Erickson - MMO Volunteer Guide
Reid Is from the South Metro in the Twin Cities. He is an avid angler of all species. When it comes to fishing Reid loves setting the hook of the famous Minnesota Walleye. Married to his wife Caitlyn, she also loves to fish and is very supportive of Reid. Reid has volunteered taking veteran's fishing. Reid has been very supportive of MMO and it's vision. Reid looks forward to getting on the water with veterans and first responders.