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Get Outside and Live-Idaho

About Us

Our Story

Get Outside And Live was an idea born in response to a real safety concern. Jim McCulloch lived outside of Soda Springs, Idaho and at certain times of the year when he drove to work there were sections of the road where he was completely blinded by the sun. These roads were and still are a popular path for walking, and Jim was always worried that he might run into someone's pet or child or somebody. He thought how much safer it would be to have a hike and bike path to the side of the road and that idea took root to become a larger vision of connecting the county between the cities of Soda Springs, Grace and Bancroft with these hike and bike paths along the highway, followed by additional paths in various locations to promote a safer outdoor experience. Jim and his son, Tallan, decided to combine this drive to create a safer way of getting outside with their deep love for so many other outdoor activities and Get Outside And Live was created as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2024.

Mission and Vision

The primary mission of Get Outside And Live (GOAL) is to promote health and wellness through meaningful programs including, but not limited to, engaging in educational outdoor activities that foster a deeper connection with nature as well as positive, social connection.

GOAL's vision includes organizing and executing year-round activities to provide opportunities to get outside, enjoy physical activity, and give people the opportunity to connect and build a greater sense of belonging within the Caribou County community and beyond.

Board and Leadership

The board is currently made up of:

Jim McCulloch

Jim McCulloch - President

Jim envisioned Get Outside And Live as a way to get people out of their homes and routines where they are encouraged to try new things as well as connect with others. The statistics around loneliness and isolation are alarming, and Jim's hope is to combat that with safe, fun opportunities that help everyone experience the joy and beauty of the outdoors.

Jim graduated from Soda Springs High School and later from Colorado School of Mines with a degree in Chemical Engineering and has worked at Bayer in Soda Springs since 2003.

In his spare time, Jim loves strengthening his marriage, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and making popcorn for others.

He lives in Bancroft with his wife, Charlene, and they are blessed to be surrounded by their four children and families, including 8 grandchildren.

Tallan McCulloch

Tallan McCulloch - Vice President

Backpacking and skiing were early introductions to a world most kids only dreamed about. With family reunions in the Tetons spent playing in creeks and climbing waterfalls, it was clear that being outside was integrated into Tallan's life at an early age.

Since then more outdoor sports have made their way into Tallan's life including rock climbing, river rafting, disc golf, mountain biking, and many others.

Tallan and his wife Jessica have 4 beautiful children who's love of the outdoors comes naturally. They spend their days together visiting national parks, skiing, rock climbing, and backpacking.

Chris Gonzales

Chris Gonzales - Board Member

Chris Gonzalez is a member of the GOAL board of directors and a dedicated advocate for outdoor recreation. Driven by a desire to enhance local infrastructure, Chris founded a non-profit organization specifically to develop the Soda Springs bike park. Under his leadership, the project successfully transformed a modest budget into a high-value community asset that now serves as a hub for local riders.

A fixture in the regional mountain community, Chris has served as a member of the Pine Creek Ski Patrol for 10 years. His commitment to the outdoors extends into his personal life, where he is an avid hiker, mountain biker, and traveler.

Chris lives in Soda Springs, and has been married to his wife, Mitzi, for nearly 20 years. They are the proud parents of two children, Ethan and Elise.

Brett Smith

Brett Smith, P.A. - Board Member

Brett Smith, P.A. is a dedicated Physician Assistant hailing from Grace, Idaho. Married to Angie Mason, they are proud parents of six children. Brett's roots trace back to South Jordan, Utah, where he grew up amidst open country, often riding horses and bird hunting with his dog and rifle. His passion for the outdoors continues as he raises several hundred pheasants and various farm animals.

A respected hunter and guide, Brett has worked with numerous high-profile clients. His adventurous spirit is highlighted by his past success as a Utah state wrestling champion and a legendary encounter where he fought a bear with a Bic pen and won.

In his spare time, he teaches Mandarin and Wingsuit Flying. Brett graduated with a P.A. degree from University of South Alabama and takes pride in serving as the fittest board member of GOAL, contributing his expertise and enthusiasm to the organization.

Todd Paxman

Todd Paxman - Board Member

Todd is a Southern California transplant who is learning to appreciate the quieter pace and sense of community of living in southeast Idaho. He is excited to support G.O.A.L. and participate in its mission to provide outdoor and community opportunities to the Caribou County community.

Todd graduated in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University (Provo) and spent nearly 25 years as an environmental engineering consultant based in the Los Angeles area before relocating to Idaho to work for the Bayer phosphorus plant in Soda Springs.

Todd enjoys fishing, reading, and sometimes playing the piano and organ (not very well). He spends a little of time and even more money fixing up his imported Japanese SUV—someday it will be worth at least half of what he has put into it.

He lives in Bailey Creek. He has four kids that are grown, and two grandkids that are not.

Sally Jensen

Sally Jensen - Board Member

Sally Jensen is an exercise and outdoor enthusiast who joined the GOAL board in 2026. She grew up doing all the sports, and then was introduced to the great world of outdoor sports when she met her husband in 2011. They have five children now and they are doing their best to instill a love of the outdoors in their kids.

They love mountain biking, hiking, trail running, cycling, rock climbing, and camping together as a family as much as possible.

Sally also is a certified personal trainer and track and field coach, has a Master's degree in biochemistry, and loves jigsaw puzzles. She is honored to be a part of the GOAL mission and to help create opportunities for everyone to get outside and enjoy all the benefits that come from being active.

Misti Newby

Misti Newby - Board Member

Misti Newby is an elementary STEM and junior high science teacher in Grace, Idaho. She and her family moved to Grace nine years ago and have embraced everything Southeast Idaho offers - from strong community spirit to outdoor recreation and, of course, cool rocks.

Misti enjoys rock hounding, whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, hiking, soaking in hot springs, and rock climbing. She grew up on a sheep ranch in Wyoming that has been in her family for 115 years and remains the only homestead in the county still occupied by the original family. Life on the ranch meant spending countless hours outdoors, but her adventures expanded even further after meeting her husband, James, in Alaska.

Together, they have built a life centered around the outdoors - climbing Devils Tower on their honeymoon, guiding whitewater trips, exploring wild places, and training their Drahthaar hunting dogs. Misti is passionate about helping others experience the confidence, connection, and joy that come from getting outside and living fully.

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