Today we’d like to introduce you to Dale Stewart.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the practice, why don’t you give our readers a few quick bullet points about you and your story.
1970 I started working part time for Vic Renzoni; he just started the business called “Arizona Hiking Shack”.
a. prospecting for Az. Gold – Primary business at the time.
b. also sold Maps, books, footwear, backpacks, tents,
1972 I graduated high school, went to college for a couple of years looking at my options. Continued working retail sporting goods stores.
1979 It came time to get a bit more sincere about how I made a living so I decided to join the Carpenters union
a. continued to climb, ski and enjoy all the adventures Arizona had to offer.
1983 Married my wife Irene
a. Jack 1995 son
b. Jamie 1998 daughter
1988 Hired by Phoenix Fire to train Technical Rescue team and continue to contract for training today.
1992 My wife and I bought out Az. Hiking Shack from Vic and began working full time self-employed.
1994 I quite working construction and focused full time on Az. Hiking Shack
a, Joined the Sheriff’s office Mt. Rescue “CAMRA”
b. Began contracting with Fire departments
1998 Began AHS Rescue due to so much national interest in rescue.
a. Began Az. Hiking Shack web site
2001 2001 9/11 we were in the right place at the right time.
2006 I continued my technical pursuit for continued education for rope work. I began working for companies that need technical rope skills for accessing difficult areas. Below are a few jobs I have provided rope work.
a. Desert Botanical Garden – Plant collections in the Grand Canyon Temples. Isis, Zoroaster, Buddha, Shiva
b. Supervised rope access Grand Canyon – Closing of the Orphan Mine
c. Water sample collection in the Grand Canyon – slot canyons below the Orphan mine
d. Rigging for the underside of the glass Sky Walk at the Grand Canyon for the window washers.
e. World Trade Center Bahrain supervisor work being done
2012 Invented and successfully patented an emergency escape system for the Oil industry (Oxy Oil & Gas) for escaping from oil Derek’s that catch fire or back blow out where escape is a must happen now. I continue to contract, consult, train as well do rope access work for bridge, dam, inspections.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I acquired a company that had already been in business for over 20 years. I also had the advantage of having worked in retail for years. Other than working 2 sometimes 3 jobs early on it has been pretty smooth to date.
Please tell us about Arizona Hiking Shack / AHS Rescue.
Irene and I manage AZ Hiking Shack for its day to day operations. We continue to Train Technical Rope Rescue to Fire, Police, SWAT, and Military I continue to work Rope Access jobs for a few companies and travel the country.
We are best known for being the “Best” in the business for technical advice and rope rescue training and rope access work. One of the best complements any company could hope for is that others promote your business. When customers call and hear tell me they need to get in touch with us to help them with their programs has got to be the highlight for knowing we are doing the right things to gain trust.
Trust, Integrity is a way we live.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
NOT A THING – Really, from the late 60’s I spent my time climbing, skiing, and kayaking. Played on the face of El Cap Yosemite, Rafted the Grand Canyon, and adventured into some of the most technical slot canyons in the US.
My wife Irene of 32 years has been my best friend and mentor since 1983. My two kids Jack and Jamie are productive citizens. They both have a good since of who they are and where they are going. (They are so much more mature at 21 and 23 than I was at 30). Much to be proud of. Irene has done an awesome job.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ahsrescue.com www.hikingshack.com
- Phone: 800.964.1673 or 602.944.7723
- Facebook: facebook.com/arizonahikingshack facebook.com/ahsrescue
- Twitter: twitter.com/ahsrescue twitter.com/hikingshack
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
