Adios, Amanda!

We are so proud to announce the Branch’s Finance Manager, Amanda Ferguson, is “branching out!”

Amanda began her journey with Branching Out in 2009 as the company’s very first intern! Over the past 7 years, she has continued to be part of each area of the business- from managing clients and creating beautiful handwork, to ultimately being trusted to manage the company’s finances. She was, and always will be Debby’s original “Right Hand Woman!”

In January, she officially announced the exciting news that she and her husband, Chip, purchased a business of their own, The Alaska Rainbow Lodge. This exclusive fishing lodge, located in Southwestern Alaska off the scenic Kvichak River, provides an adventure of a lifetime while discovering the true wilderness of North America. The purchase was a natural progression for her husband, who has been working at the Lodge for over 9 years, starting as a camp hand and ultimately becoming a bush pilot.

When asked to reflect about Amanda’s time at Branching Out, Debby remembers all the laughter and positivity Amanda brought to the business: “I remember her time as a Branch team member so vividly, from the first interview when I worked from my home to the crazy fun event installs. The ultimate highlight for me was being able to create floral and décor for Amanda and Chip’s wedding at their ranch property! The Branching Out Team and I brought her Southwestern Style wedding to life, had a quick outfit change and danced under the stars all night long! That’s a memory I’ll never forget!”

We couldn’t be more proud to send Amanda off into the great wide open for, what is sure to be, an adventure of a lifetime! Please visit the Alaska Rainbow Lodge website for more info on how you can visit the Lodge!

What is the Alaska Rainbow Lodge?
The Alaska Rainbow Lodge is a remote wilderness lodge located 230 miles southwest of Anchorage and is only accessible by float plane. Our specialty –  fishing! With a limited amount of guests per trip, we love to create a personal and private experience for everyone making us able to accommodate groups, individuals and of course, families. Your only job as a guest – enjoy the finest fishing in the world!

What are the plans for your summer life up there?
I will be running the inside of the lodge. Everything from managing the hospitality side of the business, to any and all client services and financials. Chip, my husband, will be managing the outside portion of the business from maintenance on the boats and planes, to actually being one of the three pilots.

How does your adorable toddler fit into all of this?
Jammed in! He will LOVE all the time he gets to spend outside. Of course, our nanny, makes all of this possible. I love that he will get to grow up with such a large outdoors influence with so many amazing opportunities for him to learn and grow in a beautiful part of the world.

(I mean, come on, he’s adorable)

How has working for The Branch influenced or prepared you for this next chapter?
I am really so grateful for all the opportunities and experience I’ve gained while being a branch team member. All of my finance and human relations knowledge is self-taught, not only because I wanted to do it for The Branch, but for Debby. Also, working close with a variety of venues helped give me a glance into the hospitality industry, which will definitely help me in the future. I’ve learned so much over the years and I couldn’t be more grateful!