Buell Recreation > About

Doug Buell

Doug has always had a passion for the outdoors and spent his early years living directly across from a child's wonderland, Amazon Park in Eugene, Oregon. It was the best park in the town, with much to offer for children and parents. As a child, Jeannie also took outings to play at Amazon Park; little did she know that her future husband was often times there playing or watching from just across the street. They finally met when they attended high school in Pleasant Hill.

When Doug returned from the Marine Corps, he married Jeannie when they were 20 and 21 years young and had a great foundation to start their journey together. After five years of marriage, Doug had experienced three different logging accidents while working in the woods. With two young children, he knew it was time for a change and committed the next few years to pursuing an education at the University of Oregon. After successful completion, the young family moved when employment opportunities took them to Sicily, Italy; New London, Connecticut; and Darrington, Washington, where Doug served as a Recreation Specialist for the Department of Defense at military bases. Doug's specific interest in park and playground products grew from helping to develop one of the largest U.S. military outdoor recreation areas outside of Seattle, Washington in the North Cascades. Now with grandchildren, his passion has become focused on working closely with park managers, planners, schools and others to create special outdoor places that will last for generations.

Contact Doug at doug@buellrecreation.com.

Rachel Gora - Vice President of Sales

Rachel, Vice President of Sales, has been with Buell Recreation since 2010. Her experience and company knowledge provide our clients with superior outcomes on all levels of sales and support. As a mother and former Kindergarten teacher, she brings both a creative and practical perspective to her work.

Rachel works closely with clients, product advisors and manufacturers to ensure exceptional quality products and services. "We view every single opportunity to serve others as having the potential to positively impact many children and families. We do our best to engage clients in a consultative approach, partnering with them and learning everything we can about their unique circumstances...then we recommend the best possible solutions," says Rachel.

Contact Rachel at rachel@buellrecreation.com.

Michael Yates - Outdoor Product Consultant

Prior to joining Buell Recreation, Michael worked with the US Navy's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department for 12 years, where he started as an intern while obtaining his Recreation Administration degree at San Diego State University. While working with the military, Michael managed numerous facilities, projects and special events ranging from Child and Youth Programs, Athletics Complexes, Outdoor Recreation Areas, and special events which attracted 5,000+ attendees. One of his largest takeaways from these positions has been learning to work with a wide variety of people from various backgrounds to accomplish a goal. Michael’s career took him overseas for 7 years while working in Youth Programs and managing Carney Park in Naples, Italy. He is very thankful for that opportunity to travel immensely, eat well, and visit many unique parks and open spaces throughout Europe and parts of Africa.

Michael arrived in Everett, WA to manage Jim Creek Recreation Area and has enjoyed the sites and opportunities found within that region. He has met some great people through his involvement with his community, overseeing the Bayside Neighborhood P-Patch and enjoys spending time with his wife and dog. Michael enjoys the ability to support a wide variety of projects that bring their own unique needs and resources the most about being the Outdoor Project Consultant for the Puget Sound Region. When working with schools, communities and organizations, some instances require a customer to be led through the process from start to finish. Other clients have a very specific goal in mind, and he views his role to be supportive and make suggestions in order to get them what they envision. Michael says the best part of being in the Playground industry, is that it forces you to also re-think things from a child's perspective.

Contact Michael at michael@buellrecreation.com.

Trent Connor - Operations Support Specialist

Growing up in central Illinois where he rode bikes and participated in sports and summer activities, Trent has enjoyed spending time outdoors his entire life. He has a degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University and completed his college internship outside of Seattle, Washington where he first met Doug Buell. Prior to getting married to his wife in 2011 and relocating to the Pacific Northwest, he spent 12 years working on operations at a luxury hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona. In his free time, he trained and ran in half marathons and hiked around the Phoenix area, with some of his favorite hikes being in Sedona, Arizona.

Upon relocating to the Pacific Northwest, Trent continued his love of hiking - one of his favorites being Tunnel Falls on Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge. He also has enjoyed snowshoeing and downhill skiing. As a father of a toddler, he currently spends much of his outdoor time at playgrounds, greenspaces, and toddler-friendly hiking trails keeping his adventurous son as "owie" free as possible.

Contact Trent at trent@buellrecreation.com.