Jake Petrasch

Property Manager

 

Jake Petrasch, officially named Jake John Garrit Petrasch Jr., is the proprietor of Valley Anglers, nestled in the serene Mad River Valley of Vermont. This fly fishing guide service specializes in offering guided trips and a comprehensive selection of fishing equipment, including rods, wading gear, reels, packs, and bags. Derived from the verb "angle," which means "to fish with a hook," the term "angler" aptly describes the core activity of his business.


He is not only an owner but also an automotive enthusiast, site coordinator, and devoted educator. He boasts over two decades of professional experience in Education, property management, site coordination, and fly fishing. His hobbies are diverse, ranging from surfing and skateboarding to biking, hunting, and both salt and freshwater fly fishing. He prioritizes quality time with his family.

Education

In 2001, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. His educational journey continued at Johnson State College in Johnson, VT, where he pursued a Master's in Education in middle-level Education, completing his studies in 2007. He also attended the National Outdoor Leadership School for a semester, earning college credits from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT, from September to December 1996.

Career Spotlights

Throughout his varied career, he has undertaken roles such as teacher, site coordinator, property manager, guide, and logistic coordinator, enhancing his versatility in professional environments.

Valley Anglers LLC, Warren, VT

His passion for teaching and fly fishing drove him to establish Valley Anglers LLC in 2005. This venture combines his dedication to Education with his love for the sport. As an owner and guide, he educates people of all ages and abilities about the art of fly fishing, focusing on improving their casting techniques, entomology, and knot tying.

Counseling Services of Addison County

His teaching career formally began in 2010 at the Counseling Services as an Alternative Program Head Teacher/Behavior Specialist. He dedicated himself to teaching high school-aged students who had been expelled or removed from traditional school settings, developing lesson plans that provided hands-on learning experiences across various subjects.

Harwood Union High School, Duxbury, VT

In 2012, he joined Harwood Union High School as a paraeducator, providing academic and emotional support, primarily in the Learning Resource Center. He later initiated an academic support program named Call Back, demonstrating his innovative approach to Education.

Montpelier High School, Montpelier, VT

By May 2014, he became a site coordinator at Montpelier High School, managing the school's Outing Club and co-teaching a CrossFit program, further showcasing his commitment to enhancing student life through diverse educational experiences.

Integrated Property Services LLC, Warren, VT

Since April 2018, he has been working as a Head Landscaper/Property Manager at Integrated Property Services LLC, where he manages the maintenance of numerous properties in the Mad River Valley, providing in-house diagnostics and maintaining the grounds of around 50 properties.

Personal Life

Born on July 20, 1977, in Fort Worth, Texas, and adopted ten days later, he spent many summers of his childhood in Nantucket, absorbing the local maritime culture. His early work experience at the iconic Juice Bar and summers spent sailing and playing tennis at the Nantucket Yacht Club shaped his youthful years. It was during his undergraduate studies that he met his future wife. The couple married in Stowe, Vermont, in 2005.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing has been a central theme in his life, especially significant in his journey toward Sobriety, which began in the winter of 1999. He has also been involved in conservation efforts, enjoying both freshwater and saltwater fly fishing across various locations.

Additional Interests

Beyond fly fishing, his interests include surfing, motorcycling, and hunting. These activities not only offer him a therapeutic outlet but also deepen his connection with nature.

Jake Petrasch's Sobriety

Sobriety is a crucial aspect of his life, marking over two decades of a journey filled with personal growth and professional achievements. He openly shares this experience, offering support to others striving for Sobriety. Through steadfast dedication to his values and continuous development, Jake Petrasch exemplifies resilience and commitment in both his personal and professional life, always ready to "Hold Fast" to the principles that guide him.