Thermopolis Trout Unlimited Volunteer Leadership Team

Role: President

Name: Gene Pruett Email: ThermopTU@gmail.com

Professional Background: Served 15 years as the Executive Director of Trinity Rescue Mission in Jacksonville FL. 1992-2006. trinityrescue.org For 15 years I was able to follow my passion to “train and empower people to live victorious Christian lives thus allowing them to have permanent freedom from drugs alcohol and other crippling issues.” These deeply satisfying years allowed me to gain invaluable skillsets. These include: strategic planning, fundraising, case management, project management. Most importantly, working with staff and volunteers to build highly motivated and exceptional teams.

Current Job Title: Owner On Target Renovations and Wyoming Property Solutions. Working as General Contractors & Real Estate Investors from 2006 to present.

Favorite Hobbies? All things Fishing, Hiking, & Camping.

Most Important Life Achievement? My wife and I have been married 38 years to date and have raised six children into unique and amazing adults!

What’s your superpower? Fixing Problems. Also, knowing where the fish are.

Why are you excited to be on this board? I love the Mission to Protect, Preserve, Restore our watersheds for our children and future generations.

What unique perspective or skill do you bring to the table? Unique life experiences and persistence. “Never surrender, never give up!”

What is one thing you hope to accomplish during your time on the board? Building a strong chapter leadership team.

Role: Vice President

Name: Don Hartman Email: dhartman@wyoming.com

Preferred Title: Grandpa

Professional Background:

Current Job Title: Regional Business Development Manager, Garratt-Callahan, Water treatment and industrial process chemistry for boilers, cooling, waste water, sugar plants, dairies, food and beverage and rendering plants.

Favorite Hobbies? I love being in the outdoors. I like fishing, training bird dogs, hunting, hiking and getting my grand girls out,

Most Important Life Achievement? Having a great son and daughter and a couple of cool grandgirls.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? The ability to heal my aching bones so I can do more. 

Why are you excited to be on this board? I have done this before. TU is a great organization.  We will make a difference in the quality of water, fishing and life in this area.  We will inspire our community to join us. 

What unique perspective or skill do you bring to the table? I have experience being involved with a very successful TU organization, I’m a pretty good water chemist and I am passionate about our mission.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish during your time on the board? To help get our local organization off the ground and set up for the future and to meet some people who want to do the same. 

Role: Treasurer

Name: Matt Mueller Email: m2f2customrods@gmail.com

Professional Background: Farmers Insurance Producer, M2F2 Custom Flies & Rods Owner, Part-Time Guide, and Director of a Youth Fishing Club

Current Job Title: Farmers Insurance Producer

Favorite Hobbies? I enjoy time with my family camping, fishing, and being outside.  I'm addicted to all things fly fishing, and I'm a huge sports fan (mainly wrestling).

Most Important Life Achievement? Becoming a dad of 2 wild children and watching them grow up!

If you could have a super power what would it be, and why? I would like to be in multiple places at the same time, so I'm not stretched too thin.

Why are you excited to be on this board? I'm excited to be able to protect this amazing resource we have in our area for future generations!  Getting the youth apart outdoors and to grow a passion for fishing.

What unique perspective or skill do you bring to the table? I bring a different outlook to the table.  I was a teacher for 12 years and want to ensure youth members are involved!

What is one thing you hope to accomplish during your time on the board? I would really like to grow awareness and membership in the Worland area. Worland isn't a great location for cold-water species, but we are surrounded by pristine cold-water fisheries that we must protect.

Role: Secretary

Name: Suzzy Pruett Email: Suzzy@Thermopolis-TU.org

Professional Background: Bookkeeper - Construction and Real Estate Investment Companies, Donor Database - Non Profit Charity Organizations, Grant Writing

Current Job Title: Owner Administrator at On Target Renovations and WYO Property Solutions. Buying, Renovating, Selling, and Renting Properties in Thermopolis WY.

Favorite Hobbies? Cooking 

Most Important Life Achievement? Birthing and Raising 6 Wonderful Children into Amazing Adults

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? Teleportation. I have a large and fabulous family spread around the country and wish I could just visit them on a whim when they needed me most.

Why are you excited to be on this board? Water is a very important part of this community and our world, both now and future generations. It doesn’t stay healthy by magic. I am excited to be a part of a group who recognize this and care.

What unique perspective or skill do you bring to the table? Personal interactions and communication editing.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish during your time on the board? To communicate effectively and develop committed involvement with our neighbors in Thermopolis and surrounding communities.

Role: Membership Coordinator

Name: Tom Ream Email: tomream77@gmail.com

Professional Background: 

With a diverse career that spans multiple industries and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, I have built a solid foundation of skills and experiences in both the trades and small business management. I began my career as a rig welder, working throughout Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, where I honed my technical skills and developed a strong work ethic. Afterward, I transitioned to owning and operating a small roustabout company in Douglas, Wyoming, gaining valuable experience in business management and operations.

Upon relocating to Thermopolis, Wyoming, I pivoted toward real estate, flipping several houses and managing a portfolio of rental properties and vacation homes. This experience allowed me to expand my expertise in property management, renovation, and real estate investment.

Most recently, my wife and I have launched the Double R Store, a unique fly shop in Thermopolis that also serves sandwiches, where I serve as the “Mr. Barista”. In addition to running the store, I have worked as a fly fishing guide for the past couple of years, sharing my passion for the sport with others while providing exceptional customer service. Through these ventures, I have cultivated a strong understanding of retail, hospitality, and customer relations.

With a well-rounded skill set in trades, real estate, and business operations, I thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy building meaningful connections with customers and clients. My diverse background reflects a commitment to hard work, adaptability, and a deep connection to the Wyoming community.

Current Job Title: Owner of Ream Rentals and Double R Store

What’s your Favorite Hobby (outside of work): In my free time, I enjoy a variety of hobbies that allow me to unwind and connect with my passions. Fishing is a particular favorite, whether it’s casting a line in the local rivers or exploring new spots on weekend trips. I also have a strong interest in automobiles, from working on classic cars to attending local car shows, which fuels my love for mechanical work and engineering. Traveling is another passion of mine, as it gives me the chance to explore new places, learn about different cultures, and expand my horizons. Above all, I cherish spending time with my family, whether we’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or embarking on an adventure together. These hobbies help me maintain a healthy balance in life and keep me grounded in what truly matters.

What’s your Most Important Achievement (not work-related): One of my greatest achievements is being happily married for 22 years to my incredible wife, a partnership that has been built on mutual respect, love, and a shared commitment to growing together. Over the years, we've faced challenges and celebrated triumphs, always supporting one another through it all. Another achievement I take great pride in is raising two hardworking and capable young men. Seeing them grow into responsible, driven individuals who are ready to take on the world is a testament to the values we've instilled in them—values of perseverance, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Watching them succeed in their own paths is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to heal and rejuvenate my body at will. This power would not only help me recover quickly from physical injuries or exhaustion, but it would also allow me to maintain a high level of energy and vitality as I get older. The idea of being able to restore my body to its optimal state at any time would allow me to live life to the fullest, without the limitations that come with age or physical setbacks. Beyond personal benefits, I could use this ability to help others, providing quick healing in times of need and offering a sense of hope and recovery to those who are struggling with illness or injury. The power of regeneration would be a true gift, both for my own well-being and for the good it could bring to others.

Why are you excited to be on this board? I am eager to join the Thermopolis Trout Unlimited Board because I’m passionate about contributing to initiatives that improve both the environment and our community. I believe in the importance of preserving and enhancing our local natural resources, and I see being on the board as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in these areas. Additionally, I am excited about the possibility of helping educate young people about the outdoors, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature, conservation, and responsible stewardship. I bring a fresh perspective and a knack for thinking outside the box, which I believe will help the board explore new ideas and approaches to achieving its mission. Overall, I want to be part of a forward-thinking team that works to benefit both our town and the environment for generations to come.

What unique perspective or skill do you bring to the table? I bring a unique perspective and a diverse skill set to the table, drawn from my extensive experience in the oil field, where I gained hands-on knowledge of equipment, earth moving, and working with infrastructure like dams. This background has given me a deep understanding of the technical and operational challenges involved in large-scale environmental projects. Additionally, I take pride in treating everyone with respect, regardless of their role or background, fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere. I’m a natural problem-solver with a knack for coming up with creative ideas and practical solutions. More importantly, I am a "doer" — when I see something that needs to be done, I take action and follow through to ensure results. This combination of technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a strong work ethic makes me a valuable asset to any team focused on tangible progress.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish during your time on the board? One of my primary goals on the board is to help launch and build a strong foundation for this new chapter of Trout Unlimited in our community. Beyond that, I am deeply committed to passing on my love for fishing and the outdoors to local residents, especially young people. I believe that fostering a connection to nature not only helps preserve our environment but also enriches lives by offering a sense of peace, enjoyment, and appreciation for the world around us. Whether it's through educational programs, fishing events, or community outreach, I want to be a part of creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience the outdoors in a meaningful way. By sharing my passion, I hope to inspire others to take an active role in conservation and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty we have today.