Our Team

Applied Adventure Consulting (AAC) is comprised of a highly skilled National Services Team plus outstanding Site Management Teams located throughout the United States. Combined, AAC employs more than 200 outdoor adventure professionals. We proudly create pathways for people to not only enjoy working in outdoor and adventure-centric businesses, but to also build careers in the growing and thriving outdoor/recreation industries.

Get to know our team and the locations we proudly operate and work with! Together, we’re powering the business of adventure.

National Services Team

Dylan Burt

Partner, CEO

Dylan Burt is an owner and is CEO of Applied Adventure. With nearly 20 years of experience designing, constructing, developing and operating businesses in the adventure tourism and recreation industries, Dylan is an industry leader and proven operating and business strategy consultant.

Under Dylan’s leadership, Applied Adventure has grown to include clients from coast to coast. Dylan leads the team at Applied Adventure in delivering the highest level of service to clients, meeting and exceeding expectations.

Abby Burt

Partner, CMO

Abby Burt is an owner and leads Marketing efforts for Applied Adventure and each business it operates or consults with. Since 2007, Abby has served in senior marketing management roles for businesses within the travel and tourism, adventure, and recreation industries.

As part of her CMO responsibilities, Abby leads the Tourism and Outdoor Recreation client division for Applied Adventure’s partner agency, Ravenel New Media Consulting, a full-service digital advertising agency located in Charlotte, NC.

Mapsy Powers

Operations Director

As Operations Director, Mapsy Powers daily supports and mentors On-Site Operations Managers as they lead and grow their local teams.

Mapsy’s more than 15 years of experience working with start-up organizations and businesses within the education, recreation and attractions industries and beyond, make her a dynamic leader who brings a depth of knowledge and a relentless drive to each and every day

Laurie Tyre

Compliance Director

As Compliance Director, Laurie Tyre ensures Applied Adventure, and each of its associated businesses, operates at the highest level of compliance with regard to HR, IT services, and Insurance policies. The organization and oversight that Laurie brings to the companies achieves efficiencies across locations, aids in reducing expenses, and protects locations from threats, both anticipated and unanticipated. Laurie’s unmatched support to our On-Site Teams, using her 20+ years of business management experience, benefits each and every Applied Adventure company and employee.

Karen Temple

Controller

Karen Temple brings 40+ years of Hospitality and Tourism Management to the Applied Adventure Team. Her extensive skills cover a broad range of expertise, but for Applied Adventure Consulting and our clients, it is Karen’s expert financial management and forecasting that we benefit from each and every day. 

Prior to joining AAC, Karen managed finances for one of the nation’s most successful zipline tour companies for many years. Her deep knowledge of the unique challenges faced by businesses in the aerial and outdoor recreation industries is an incredible asset to AAC and our clients.

Joel Hunt

Course Services & Training Director

As Course Services and Training Director, Joel Hunt implements and creates new trainings and also supports sites in course maintenance and upkeep. You’ll find Joel traveling the country to visit and work with our many sites, especially as we bring new employees on board each year!

Joel started in the industry in 2007 and has filled many roles ranging from guiding and training to building and managing. Joel’s experience and drive make him a great team player committed to helping businesses succeed.

Sarah Dabbs

Retail Services Manager

Sarah Dabbs brings her creative eye and keen attention to detail to the development and sourcing of retail products offered at each Applied Adventure-managed business. From Hawaii to North Carolina and locales in between, Sarah has held customer-facing roles in the outdoor and adventure industries for more than 8 years. Her experience provides valuable insight into the types of products consumers want (and need!) when visiting attractions, leading to increases in retail sales profits each year.

Our Clients

Total Park Management

Select Management Services