Meet our summer 2018 interns
This summer I was hired by Kammok along with 5 other amazing interns. We’ve done everything from traveling across the country, shooting over 1,600 photos, to doing one-day capstone projects. One thing that surprised me about our group was how well we meshed together despite our diverse personalities and backgrounds. Each person had their unique set of strengths that were magnified when we collaborated together. As our time together comes to a close, I'm grateful for the time I've spent adventuring with them. Never could I have imagined a summer that included a weekend trip to Mexico where I witnessed a fellow intern choke on a moth that went up his nose. Thanks for the memories and laughs, Kammok!
Without further ado, meet the Kammok 2018 summer interns!
Rebecca Chen
Customer Experience Intern
Austin, TX
Interesting childhood fact:
During my childhood, I was no blankie holder. Instead I was a spoon holder—nay, a great spoons collector. Spoons somehow always found their way into my hands, pockets, and bed mattress. They couldn’t resist me.
What do I do?
I create blogs.
And when I’m not doing that, I’ll do a splash of photography here and there, assist in product shoots, run social media accounts, and create/design product inserts and discount cards. Occasionally I’ll run around and do some odd jobs like warehouse crossfit (aka moving and counting inventory), but for the most part, I pitch and write blogs.
Future dreams and aspirations:
Ah, yes. I dream of day where my close friends and I will visit the land of Patagonia and frolic with the penguins while eating bread and drinking coconut water.
Career-wise? Still figuring that out. I love submerging myself in new experiences and asking questions. I also love documenting experiences and sharing them with people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience them. The perfect job would be one that mixes those passions together to create content for social justice or promote diversity.
What was something unexpected you learned while working at Kammok?
The core values of this company truly shine through in their actions. I’ve been blown away by the genuine community of Kammok ranging from little things like giving each other affirmations on during Friday team hustles, to larger things like hosting consistent events to bring the Austin community together.
Also, I learned how to ride a road bike.
Advice for future interns:
Get to know the team by asking them out on coffee/meal lunch dates! People are very open and receptive to questions, and I’ve learned the most through those meetings. Another tip is to always follow up on assignments. Since the team is small, full-time employees have a lot to juggle on their plate, so it’s helpful to have ownership and keep tabs on your given assignments! If Ryan is still there, ask about his bees.
Addie Ott
Content Creation Intern
Indianapolis, Indiana
Interesting childhood fact:
When I was younger my neighbors and I created a top secret spy club, called "SEA." We had a clubhouse in my backyard and would go on missions around our neighborhood with our bikes and nerf guns.
What do I do?
I create a range of content using photography, graphic design, videography, and motion graphics. Specifically, I lead shoots for product launches, organized and executed video shoots for how-tos, and launched Kammok’s presence on Instagram TV through creative direction. I designed graphics for our daily Instagram stories along with our event poster for our National Hammock Day campaign and captured moments on the road during our travels this summer.
Future dreams and aspirations:
(First, graduate college. Woooo!!!) A dream of mine is to have a studio space where I am able to create and let inspiration flow. From photography, graphics, or printmaking -- the possibilities are endless.
What was something unexpected you learned while working at Kammok?
I followed Kammok for several years before this summer, so I knew the basics. But what I found unexpected and the most admirable was how the Kammok team thrives as a community. From gratitude circles and team lunches, everyone is here to help you succeed. It truly changes your attitude, and mindset to know there is a team encouraging right behind you.
Advice for future interns:
I thought I knew what an internship was -making coffee, running errands, or anything that is simply busy work- but it is much more (and better) than anything I imagined. It is a different experience when you learn hands-on with a full, functioning company compared to inside a classroom. You realize how important communication, deadlines/timelines, creativity, collaboration, and community truly are. Everything I have been learning at school has been able to been put to use this summer, while also learning new skills and how the culture of a company functions. Bring everything that you have to the table, and be brave to try new things. I have acquired new skills by learning. You never know what you might learn.
Tanner Levesque
Field Operations Intern
Mount Pleasant, Texas
Interesting childhood fact:
There was period in my life where I really thought I was going to make it big. I was gifted a Fushigi ball from my beloved mother for my 7th grade birthday. I mastered dozens of tricks before recognizing that the Fushigi lifestyle was not going to develop into a professional career. Although heartbreaking, I moved on with confidence and grace.
What do I do?
As the field operations intern, I spent a majority of my time planning, organizing, and executing both gear shop and community wide events. This including contacting and working with sponsors, gathering needed materials, and running the event. I also ran the local Kammok Gear Shop Instagram (kammok_atx) and updated the feed and story consistently throughout the summer.
However, most of my time was spent having to listen to Emily talk about football and her love for South Carolina.
Future dreams and aspirations:
I would love to do creative marketing for an outdoor company. Working at Kammok has shown me that the outdoor industry is where I belong and I want to use my creativity to help outdoor companies shape their marketing strategies and campaigns.
What was something unexpected you learned while working at Kammok?
I learned that there is little to no ceiling on what this company can do. Kammok is changing the way we approach the outdoors and spend our time enjoying it. Through strong community, love, and adventure, Kammok is leaving an impact on every person that walks in our doors or finds us online. This company is different and I am so excited to see where it goes.
Advice for future interns:
Go above and beyond on all of your projects. Never settle but think creatively and keep trying to find more ways to make sure that your work puts Kammok in the absolute best position for success.
Emily Cameron
Development + Operations Intern
Houston, Texas
Interesting childhood fact:
Back in the day, I was a big cupstacker (aka speedstacking). I peaked in fifth grade, went to the world championship in Denver, and may attribute some of my eye-hand coordination to the sport. Also, fun fact: I was born in Quito, Ecuador.
What do I do?
An assortment of things--- from spearheading our National Hammock Day Campaign (local Austin + the other 49 states) to helping execute our summer event series in the gear shop and community, to making connections with local businesses, and seeking out convos to fulfill my curiosity for international supply chain.
More importantly, however, I keep Tanner in check.
Future dreams and aspirations:
I hope to remain intentional about finding ways to infuse adventure in the way I approach both the mundane and mountain-top experiences of life. I'm like a kid in a candy shop when I find cheap deals on flights, and my list of places I dream of seeing are far too long to share here, but beyond traveling to new and exciting places, cultures and languages excite me. As a Business and Spanish grad, I'd love to seek out opportunities that foster relational environments, value cross-cultural experiences, and business models that seek to empower others at the core.
Five-year aspirations: run a half marathon in a National Park
What was something unexpected you learned while working at Kammok?
Hammock camping is crucial for Texas summers (and no, that's not just a marketing pitch). However, on a more serious note I was pleasantly surprised/encouraged by how the Kammok team truly sees their products and gear as vehicles for community, adventure, and love. Yes, Kammok is passionate about creating premium products, but they are even more passionate about the way those products serve as a catalyst for life-change. That's exciting to me. This team walks the talk and practices Type II fun on the reg.
Advice for future interns:
Seize every opportunity to learn from the Kammok staff around you while adventuring--- whether it be coffee chats, trail runs, or a climb after work-- these are all experiences that bond you, and open up space apart from work to get to ask valuable questions. In spending time with team members , I was inspired and encouraged to be lean into my unique wiring and steward my strengths to the best of my ability while spurring others to press into their unique giftings. It helps avoid comparison and makes for a more productive, cohesive, and dynamic team.
Side note: Make every Taco Tri a priority. Just do it. It's worth it.
Owen Weitzel
Creative Design Intern
Roseville, California
Interesting childhood fact:
I was the third tallest boy in Ms. Kelly’s 2nd grade class but then Daniel Seele hit a growth spurt that summer and then I was knocked down to fourth tallest boy the following year, it was a really sad year for me to be honest.
What do I do?
Lots of Photoshop! I handle a lot of the digital assets Kammok creates, everything from retail signboards to product photos, but have also been working on apparel and design in regards to product. Look out for new hats launching this fall!
Future dreams and aspirations:
I want to continue working in the outdoor industry. A dream role would be making more apparel, but doing so in a sustainable manner. I want my product to create as little environmental impact as possible.
What was something unexpected you learned while working at Kammok?
A secret handshake, but I can’t tell you about it.
Advice for future interns:
You can only be an expert on so many things, surround yourself with people who fill in the gaps. Look to your team to lift you up, they’ll be your best mentors and role models.
Drew Walther
Product Design Intern
Austin, Texas
Interesting childhood fact:
I knocked out my two front teeth in a light-up frisbee accident, so a couple of my shiny chompers are porcelain. I still enjoy throwing a frisbee, but now keep my frisbee-related shenanigans to day-time only. Watch out for brick walls, kids.
What do I do?
I do design and engineering for Kammok’s product line. I sketch out ideas, construct prototypes, and test our gear to ensure it is innovative and top-notch. In this way, I get to bring our purpose to life through unique and inspiring products.
Future dreams and aspirations:
For a career, I want to create products that equip people to discover their passions and pursue their own adventures at every stage of life. I also want to have a fully built-out fabrication lab for making anything and everything. For fun, I want to climb Everest, see the northern lights, complete the PCT, make my own California Redwood dining table, and successfully do a kickflip on a skateboard. I also want to retire to travelling the country in my car with a grilling pit in tow, selling barbecue out of it along the way.
What was something unexpected you learned while working at Kammok?
I learned how to construct a 3D printer, and I also found out exactly how hard I am able to pray when it came time to see if it worked.
Advice for future interns:
Capitalize on the environment of the company to inspire you. Dive into it. Go camping every weekend and then some. Everyone in the company (and industry as a whole) loves outside, so utilize that energy and vibrance to embolden you. Also, embrace the inside of the industry by learning how your stuff is made. Look at the construction of your stuff and inquire why it is the way that it is. You’ll learn something new every time!
Want to work here? We’re hiring!
