Where it all began
For years Michelle would wonder out loud to friends and family about the idea of traveling for the purpose of exploring spirits. She was fascinated by the idea of using the spirit to guide the destination and then rounding out the experience with all the great things she loves to do - golf, boat, hike, eat, dance, laugh, and more.
Michelle has always suffered from wanderlust, the pursuit of the perfect cocktail, and high touch curated travel. In 2019, while on an African safari with her framily, (friend family) the out loud wondering and passion for on the rocks travel TM surfaced yet again. After a few minutes of listening to the now familiar passionate idea her framily said, "Get on with it Wolter. Just go for it." And so, there on the poolside ledge looking over the Indian Ocean, on the rocks travel was born. The rest is becoming spirited history!
Meet the Founding Rockers
Meet Michelle:
The original Rocker. By day, Michelle is an IT executive. But her superpower is travel and creating travel experiences for others. Michelle is a wanderlust traveler, who frequently travels for both work and adventure. Her passion for the best spirits, creative mixology, meeting people, and exploring new cities and countries led her to the concept of on the rocks travel (otrt). Through her adventures, Michelle has become a collector and connector of interesting people, a maven of high caliber spirits and cocktails, and an evangelist to bring these gifts to others.
Not one to suffer lines or settle for "what's on the menu," Michelle is driven to create exclusive, one-of-a-kind incredible memories that are disruption free and seamless for her family, friends, and of course – her "Rockers."
You will often find Michelle outside hiking, boating, golfing, running, or having a cigar by the bonfire. When those things aren't available, she is found in the gym at 5am, watching movies – anytime/anywhere, teaching in the MBA program at the University of St. Thomas, mixing up a new cocktail creation, and exercising her faith in every way she can.
Michelle, in a word: flavorful, faithful, boundless energy, disruptor, always says yes (at least once), dedicated and curious.
Meet Betsy:
Betsy grew up the child of an Army officer and traveled the world with her family. The travel bug never left, though she has lived in Minnesota her adult life. If there's not a trip on her calendar, Betsy feels stressed, so she's always in planning mode for her next adventure.
Betsy is a marketing executive and enjoys the passion and creativity her role brings. As part of her position, she designs live events for prospects and current customers that foster best-practice sharing and new ideas.
In her free time, Betsy loves being outside, whether it's playing golf, walking or enjoying the lake.
Betsy, in a word: optimistic, goal-oriented, driver, happy, ready to help and open to new experiences
