Unleash Your Inner Adventurer with Nomad Inc.

Imagine waiting with a group of your closest friends or family as snow begins to fall and a crew fires up an aircraft to guide you on a skiing/riding experience you will never forget!

The adventure starts with a scenic 40-minute flight from Aspen to Telluride and continues with six runs of guided heli-skiing! With lunch, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and even an avalanche airbag pack provided, so you can completely immerse yourself in the experience knowing every detail has been taken care of beforehand. All this and more is possible with custom, group travel experiences from Aspen-based Nomad Inc.

I sat down with Frank Scotti, founder, to learn more about his adventurous philosophy, Nomad Inc’s founding, and how the company is moving forward following the 2020 pandemic.

Aryonna Richard: First off, I love the name Nomad Inc. I’m always curious about the meaning behind a company’s name. What sparked the idea for yours?

Frank Scotti: “I always liked the word nomad. In my younger years, pre-kids and wife, I had several people call me a nomad, almost with a negative connotation. This resulted from a life based on chasing snow, swell, flow state euphoria, beautiful places, risk, etc…, which I loved. I did not buy into the “normal” existence most people follow, which looked really boring and uncomfortable. I came up with Nomad Inc because I thought it was kinda funny. It’s a play on words. Like a group of Nomads would never be incorporated.”

Aryonna: I’ve been reading about your team at Nomad Inc. It appears all of you have a life-long passion for adventure and travel. When did this passion start to manifest as a business idea?

Frank: “During a NOLS trip in Patagonia at the age of 21, I learned about a Wilderness Leadership program at Prescott College. Not soon after, I was enrolled and on my way. The problem was, I couldn’t make enough money working as a seasonal guide for the lifestyle I wanted. I went back into construction, worked my way into supervisor roles, bought a house, worked WAY too many hours, and found myself unhappy and burnt out. It was time for a change. I quit my job at a design-build firm here in Aspen, drove back to Long Island, NY to spend some time with my folks, and take the time to build the first website Nomad Inc had. I also met my wife during this period while sleeping in the back of my truck, bumming around Montauk, NY. Truly one of the happiest times of my life. Less is more, and I’m so glad I had this time with my dad before his passing.”

Aryonna: What were the early stages of Nomad Inc like? Do you remember any defining moment or event that lead to the creation of your company?

Frank: “The start of Nomad was a labor of love and continues to be. This has been an entirely self-funded venture, and I am constantly learning and revising the plan. Our first client was a gentleman from Denver that spent a week with me. We snowmobiled, split boarded, got him an Avy 1 certification, and went heli-skiing. I had a moment while in the helicopter. It was late in the afternoon; the sun was low, the light was magical. My wife Kelly was pregnant with our first daughter, and I was getting paid to show people a great time. A life I had dreamed of for many years that was now real.”

Aryonna: Do you have any tips or advice for fellow entrepreneurs regarding how to turn a passion into a tangible business idea?

Frank: “My point is, life is short. Don’t waste time. Don’t wait till you’re ready. Don’t make decisions based on what you think others will think or say about you. That stuff is complete bullshit. Don’t set yourself up to one day look back on your life with regrets about all the things you were too scared to try. Don’t worry about gaps in your resume, more bullshit. Don’t wake up one day with the realization you wasted your prime years grinding away chasing someone else’s dream for you. You never fail; you only succeed or learn. It’s a constant ongoing learning process. Build your own dream, or someone will do their best to pay you as little as possible to build theirs.”

Aryonna: What would you say makes Nomad Inc. different from other adventure/travel companies?

Frank: “We have a different approach to Adventure Travel. Most of our “competition” sells set packages that the client can choose from when booking service. This doesn’t work. Why? Because everyone is different. We get to know our clients a bit, discuss activities, ideas, locations, get a feel of WHO they are, and then build an authentic experience specifically for them. Some clients want us to put the trip together; others want us to accompany them along the way. We offer this white-glove service worldwide.”

Aryonna: What are some of the main reasons clients choose Nomad?

Frank: “Word of mouth from friends/family. They know we prioritize client experience above all. They don’t have the time or want to organize the experience themselves. They realize that having an expert is better than winging it themselves. They recognize that they can’t match our expertise and our constant search for the best, unique experiences and locations.”

Aryonna: The 2020 pandemic hit companies in the travel industry particularly hard; what tactics did Nomad Inc use to survive during this period?

Frank: “When the pandemic hit, we were heli-skiing in the San Juans of Colorado. The next day the governor shut everything down, and I thought that was the end of Nomad. At least for a while. A few months later, we had our busiest summer ever. International travel was dead, but our local business was at an all-time high. We had families who moved to Aspen due to the pandemic and wanted to see the best of what Colorado had to offer. We had one family for a month, and every day included adventure.”

Aryonna: How has your company changed since the 2020 pandemic? What safety procedures do you have in place?

Frank: “We have focused our efforts more on domestic experiences, specifically here in Colorado. That being said, we can’t wait to get back to international travel. Looking forward to borders opening and people being more comfortable getting back on international flights. We are hoping to get to Japan this January with our Japow group.”

Aryonna: Do you offer packages and custom travel experiences?

Frank: “Most of our experiences are entirely custom. We offer 4-6 group/retreat style trips each year, including a surf & wellness trip in El Salvador, a snowboarding trip in Japan, a wellness week in Croatia, and a moto experience in Costa Rica, to name a few!”

Aryonna: What is Nomad Inc. looking forward to the most now that travel has, for the most part, resumed and customers are looking for new experiences again?

Frank: “We can’t wait to see all our repeat clients, catch up, and share what we love with new friends.”

Aryonna: What is the easiest way for an interested customer to reach you?

Frank: “Best to reach out by email. Please hit me up at fscotti@nomadinc.com”

Are you more of a warm-weather adventurer, or maybe you’re looking for an unforgettable international excursion? As mentioned in the interview Nomad Inc can create inspired travel plans almost anywhere for almost any group. From custom domestic to international experiences, group trips, shuttle services, and more let Nomad Inc take your vision to the next level by creating memories you only thought possible before traveling with them.

Stay connecting to Nomad Inc by following them on Instagram, Facebook, or visiting their website. Click Here to learn more or email Frank personally at fscotti@nomadinc.com

Ryan Mahrer Symmetry EP Release + Interview

You may know him as the co-founder and member of the Denver based production duo, Tortuga (@tortugabeats), Ryan Mahrer recently dropped the EP titled “Symmetry” and is gearing up to take his self-titled solo-project on the road this summer. First stop, Electric Forest, June 27-30th in Rothbury, Michigan. Our founder, Aryonna Richard, caught up with the producer and musician to get the scoop on his new project.

Aryonna: Ryan, clearly you have a true passion for music since you are not only a member of Tortuga but an emerging solo artist, can you tell our readers about one of your first memories that involves live music?

Ryan: Absolutely! Some of my first memories involving live music actually come from my years as a classically trained musician. As many musicians have experienced, I was forced to play in piano recitals a few times a year.  I think ever since that point I’ve really enjoyed being on stage. When you can get the butterflies to go away – which simply happens with time – performing live can be one of the best feelings I’ve felt! 

Aryonna: For the past four years, you have been a member of Tortuga, can you tell our readers why you decided to create a solo project in addition to your collaborative ventures?

Ryan: Tortuga is still an active group. Tyler and I are making music together and have been working on future Tortuga releases. However, he and I are the type of producers who are constantly creating and a lot of the time, the sound doesn’t “vibe” with the normal Tortuga brand. So, we decided to both create side projects to give us an avenue to release more music and drive traffic to all of our music – both solo and Tortuga’s. If you haven’t check out the other half of Tortuga side project – VVIERD listening will give you some insight into the elements that each of us brings to the table for Tortuga.

Aryonna: When did you begin working on the tracks for “Symmetry”?

Ryan: Over a year ago!

Aryonna: Can you describe the musical influences you had when created the EP?

Ryan: I think that all of my influences are vested in a very bluesy format. I like to anchor my tracks with a bluesy undertone if you haven’t noticed. Stevie Ray Vaughn was one of my idols growing up and I learned to think about music through his influence. Of course, I love modern forms of music also, but I would say I am most influenced – all around – by the musical genre known as blues.

Aryonna: Who did you collaborate with on the EP?

Ryan: I had the opportunity of working with six amazing artists from across the United States for this release. ProbCause, Lily Fangz, Mr. Lif, Dylan Montayne, Kish on the Sax and NYM. Each individual lives in a different state then the next, so building these tracks took a ton of back and forth but all was also met with excitement to be a part of the project. I honestly can’t say anything but positive things about all the artists I’ve worked with on this. All were so professional and amazing to work with! 

Aryonna: How would you describe the EP in less than five words?

Ryan: Music for the summer!

Aryonna: What was it like working with the team at StereoFox?

Ryan: Ivo and Mike have been running point on this release for StereoFox. They have been nothing short of amazing to work with! For any up and coming or national touring musicians, I would suggest reaching out to them to facilitate a release. They were able to get cross promotions on a number of amazing labels and blogs – Earmilk, Gravitas, Westword, Hype M, etc. It’s made a HUGE difference in how the release has been received. I can say with total certainty that this release would not have been as successful as it has been without ALL of their efforts. Thanks guys!

Aryonna: Your EP was covered by All Good Records the first week of release and is currently on Griz’s Reddit Page. How does it feel to have your solo release picked up by such a huge name in electronic music?

Ryan:  Honestly, incredible. My girlfriend saw it first, snapped a picture and sent it to me. I was honestly blown away. I see those guys as pioneers to this style of music. I wouldn’t be creating the music you’re hearing if I didn’t have a heavy influence from all the artists who have been on that label. This is also a huge reason why working with ProbCause was such a great experience. I’ve loved this style of music for as long as I’ve been listening to electronic music. Definitely felt like it came full circle.

Aryonna: What can our readers expect from your set at Electric Forest this year?

Ryan: You always ask this question and I always say the same thing 🙂 I guess you’ll just have to show up and check it out for yourself! No tea spilled on this end!

Aryonna: What time and what stage will you be performing?

Ryan: I am confirmed for a Silent Disco set on Saturday from 1 am to 2 am! A prime spot for this stage.

Aryonna: Do you have plans to release a follow-up EP soon?

Ryan: I am currently working on a TON of new music. Some of it sounds like stuff you’ve heard me produce and some of it doesn’t. I like to challenge myself to create different genres of music, even if they tank and no one ever hears them. But to make a long answer longer – I don’t have an answer for you in regards to a specific release or EP.  For now, just know that I am in the kitchen and soon, dinner will be served!

I want to give a huge shout out to all the amazing artists on this EP as well as StereoFox for being apart of the entire release. Thanks to you also Aryonna for all the prolonged support throughout this journey! Onwards and upwards!

Ryan Mahrer

As you can read in this interview, Ryan has a life-long passion for music that now exudes through multiple channels. Don’t wait! Listen to the EP – “Symmetry” for yourself below. Stay connected to Ryan Mahrer on Facebook and Instagram. He is an innovative Denver-based artist with local and national ventures ahead. Congrats on the solo-release we couldn’t be more honored to have followed your journey for many years now!