Justin Essian
Owner/Director of Operations
Justin is Papa Bear’s Owner, Director of Operations, and Chief Pilot. He oversees the day to day operations as well as managing pilots and airplanes.
Justin grew up in Michigan and completed a four-year aviation degree at Western Michigan University. He ventured to Alaska in 2009 for an internship with Papa Bear Adventures and became hooked on the Alaskan way of life. After his internship, he worked as bush pilot until 2017, when he bought Papa Bear Adventures. Justin’s three favorite things in this world, besides God and family, are hunting, fishing and flying. What better place to be than in Alaska where he can combine all three!
Jennifer Essian Merchandiser/Book-keeper
Jennifer is Justin’s co-pilot in life and merchandising/book-keeping expert for Papa Bear. She oversees the inventory and ordering of products and needed supplies. She also helps with the on and off-season needs of the business that pop up and is support staff to Justin.
Jennifer is an Alaskan transplant, circa 2009. She maintains a degree in Occupational Therapy and also works for the local hospital. In her free time, she enjoys exploring uncharted territory, trying out new wild game recipes, and knitting the warmest natural fiber known to mankind… Qiviut!
Tanner Hetz Lead Pilot
Tanner moved to Alaska in 2012 and has accumulated over 6,000 hours of part 135 commercial flying since. He began his commercial flying with Hageland Aviation Services both flying and helping to manage the training department. In 2019, Tanner began flying with Papa Bear and transitioned to seasonal float flying. Additionally, he worked at Security Aviation during the off season as a Chief Pilot doing charter work to remote locations around the Alaska. Recently Tanner has started a business as a compliance consultant for Alaska based part 135 air carriers and air taxi’s and will continue to work seasonally with the Papa Bear family.
Jesse Helmuth
Line Pilot
Jesse, a rare breed of hardworking generation “Z,” has once again found his way to Bethel, Alaska to work for Papa Bear Adventures for his 4th summer. I think it’s safe to say that he has “drank the papa bear cool aid.”
Jesse is 24 years young and was born in Nappanee, Indian and grew up with his 2 brothers and sister in Oakland, Maryland. He currently calls Alaska “home” officially making the move winter of 2024.
His passions include Hunting, flying, and anything outdoors.
Jesse started working for Papa Bear in 2022 and we welcome him back with open arms for the 2025 season.
We think Jesse is in the right place!
Randy Cone Line Pilot
Randy is originally from Jay, Oklahoma where he began his aviation career in an aircraft paint shop. He went on to solo during his senior year of high school and then received his aviation degree from Oklahoma State University. He started his commercial flying career in Bethel in 2000, working for several small charter operations, and has been working with Papa Bear Adventures since 2011. Randy enjoys coming to Bethel with his family where they enjoy fishing, berry picking, hunting for buried treasure, and making sure Justin’s water rudders are up.
Ekoh Campbell
Lodge Handler
Raised between the vibrant energy of Venice Beach and the wide-open spaces of Oklahoma, Ekoh is 24 years old and currently based in Utah with her sights set on the sky. She is actively working toward flight school with the ultimate goal of becoming a life-flight pilot flying rotorcraft, combining her drive for a technical career with a deep-seated desire to help others. Outside of her professional ambitions, she is a dedicated artist, plant parent, and hiker who dreams of a world where wildlife and humanity coexist sustainably. Whether she’s navigating a mountain trail or planning her future travels to places like Alaska, she is fueled by a love for her family, her friends, and the pursuit of a meaningful, adventurous life.
Welcome to the team Ekoh!!
Julia Pringle
Lodge Handler/Dock Hand
Julia, hailing from the beautiful great planes state of Oklahoma. She was born in Sapulpa and raise in NW OKC. She is the youngest of 2 older siblings and has the charm to prove it.
Julia has a host of hobbies but her biggest ones are doing anything outdoors, painting and environmental activism. She also thoroughly enjoys cinema and theater ranging from SpongeBob to The Handmaid's Tale.
Her #1 goal in life is to spread kindness everywhere she goes. She wants to make a lasting, positive impact on the world, see this planet and appreciate everything it has to offer, hike the PCT, and ultimately live off grid, completely self-sustainable.
She has a bachelors in Social Work and will continue on with her education in a few years. She would like to be an LCSW and specialize in substance abuse therapy. Social work is a vast field with so many opportunities and options. She would be open to exploring working in prison systems, public policy, environmental sustainability, and with people experiencing homelessness.
Her favorite cuisine is Mediterranean and Italian.
We are super jazzed to have Julia back again for her 2nd season!
Note from the owner:
Jules helps bring the energy and the work ethic that is needed from a lodge handler as well as keeping the team moral high. She is exactly what we need in a lodge handler and dock hand and are ecstatic to have her back for a 2nd season!
Alexandria Krupinski Lodge Handler
Alexandria is 21 years old, and is the youngest of four. She was born and raised in a small town called Fairview, Michigan. She’s currently in college full time online, studying business administration. She loves everything to do with the outdoors and if she could have it her way, she would guide hunts and hikes for as long as her body would allow.
She has many hobbies, including hiking, traveling, horseback riding, hunting and fishing, cooking, reading, and the occasional taxidermy or quillwork project.
A life goal of hers is to visit all 63 US National Parks before She turns 30. She is at 26/63 currently!
The 3 most important things in the world are her faith in Jesus, family, and the great outdoors. She can't wait to come to Alaska not only for the adventures, but for the opportunity to meet incredible people!
Welcome to the Team Alexandria!!!
AJ Smith Lead Dock Hand
AJ Smith was born in Grand Rapids Michigan. He is 43, but still thinks he is in his twenties. AJ went into the Marine Corps Reserve after high school and did one deployment during his 6 years. He has since worked in concrete construction, obtained a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management and last year, he started his own company doing small construction projects and residential remodeling. This year will be AJ's 3 full season with Papa Bear. His love for Alaska started in 2013 when he spent the summer working with the Artic Ecology Program through Grand Valley State University. Ever since, he can not spend enough time in this wonderful state. AJ values a shared sense of community and a love for the natural world, that is why he is looking forward to another year with the Papa Bear Team.
Notes from the owner:
AJ is a valuable part of the Papa Bear team and we are more than pleased to have him back for another season. His work ethic and attention to detail are some of his strongest attributes. Welcome back AJ!!
Trevor Molnar Dock Hand
Trevor is a man of many talents and a deep-seated love for the outdoors. As the middle child of three, he grew up navigating the landscapes of the Midwest before serving his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. His background is a testament to his "jack-of-all-trades" spirit, possessing advanced training in everything from heavy equipment repair to the fine art of gunsmithing.
While he is currently focused on the adventure awaiting him at Papa Bear this summer, Trevor’s aspirations for the future are as bold as the Alaskan wilderness. He dreams of earning his pilot’s license and one day competing in the legendary Iditarod. In ten years, he hopes to trade the solo trail for a settled life with a wife and children. Whether he’s restoring a tractor, learning a new language, or rock climbing, Trevor approaches every task with the focus of a Marine and the heart of an explorer.
Welcome to the family Trevor!!!
Brennan Polley Dock Hand
Brennan, a life-long resident of the great state of Wyoming. He was born and raised in Cody with Yellowstone as his backyard. He is the youngest of 3 children with an older sister and brother.
Brennan enjoys hunting, fly fishing, shed hunting, hiking, pack trips, hanging out with family, and working out. Starting the winter of 2025 and 2026, Brennan has decided to pursue a career in Aviation. He is currently working on his private pilot’s license and would like to eventually work commercially in either Alaska or a place similar to Alaska.
True to his hobbies, Brennan’s perfect job would be helping others bag their trophies. He would like to either own his own guiding business or work for a reputable outfitter and guide. Preferably in either Wyoming or Alaska.
After a long day, Brennan’s favorite meal is Elk tenderloin. He enjoys listening to country music and his favorite movie is….surprise surprise, Jeremiah Johnson. “You skin griz pilgrim?” We think Brennan will have a lot of fun in Alaksa.
Note from the owner:
This is Brennans 2nd year at Papa Bear. He is an honest, hardworking young man, something that is hard to come by now-a-days. He is great to have around and we are very thankful to have him back this season!
Jax Tolzmann Dock Hand
Jax was born in Baraboo, Wisconsin and grew up between the flat lands of Wisconsin and the hill country of Tennessee. He is the oldest of 4 children having 3 younger sisters.
He likes to spend his free time fishing or barefoot water skiing and enjoys traveling and having different experiences as much as possible, both in work and leisure. Traveling and experiences are his goals/passions in life.
Jax likes country music and his favorite movie is Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
He is most looking forward to the vast wilderness that Alaska has to offer as well as fishing and getting to tag along on some flights.
We are jazzed to have you as a part of the Papa Bear team!!
