Meet Emily Mertz | Guide at Uncharted Outdoorswomen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Mertz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve had to make was choosing to leave my corporate job. After 10 years, I found myself struggling personally and made the decision to leave. I had built a career around real estate and worked tirelessly to work towards being successful. I became the first female asset manager at my company and impacted policies and procedures that are still in effect today. Leaving the security of my corporate job was a very tough choice, but I knew I needed to put myself and my health first. I am now pursuing my love for the outdoors by working with Uncharted Outdoorswomen. Through Uncharted, I get to host events and teach women new skills.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has largely been in the real estate investment industry and spanned over the last 15 years. I quite literally started from the ground and worked my way up in my field. With the help of great mentors and a supportive family, I was able to continue to push through. A lot of long hours and perseverance were required to achieve success. I faced a predominantly male dominated industry and rose to the top. I became the first female asset manager at my company. While achieving professional goals and financial security is important, I began to realize that personal health is more important. I left my corporate position to focus on my health. Now I am focusing on achieving improved health and creating classes for Uncharted Outdoorswomen. Uncharted Outdoorswomen allows me to create and teach classes geared towards getting more women outside and teaching skills that incorporate nature. This industry specifically lacks women teaching other women these skills; fly fishing, hunting, and more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver is a great city to visit! If a friend was to visit, I’d be sure to check out Tennyson Street. On Tennyson, we could grab coffee at Huckleberry Roasters and lunch at Post Oak BBQ. There are several boutique shops to check on out the street as well. We’d stop to grab facials at Alchemy Face Bar. Dinner at Hops and Pie. Another day could include Denver Biscuit Co for breakfast, Okinawa Sushi for lunch and Parisi for dinner. Denver also has great sites to see including the botanical gardens, the Denver zoo, and Union Station. Attending a show at Red Rocks is a must see along with a show at Mission Ball Room. Ironton Distillery in RiNo is a great place to check out for food at drinks!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Through my career I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors, including Andy Miller and Ron Skelton. They continued to push me through my career and teach me how to navigate the corporate waters of our company. Erin Crider is the founder of Uncharted Outdoorswomen and I can’t thank her enough for giving me an opportunity to be part of a great women-led group. Through all my ups and downs and changes, my parents and my partner have also been right by my side and supporting me every step of the way.

Website: https://www.unchartedoutdoorswomen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_grows_wild

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilymertz

Image Credits
Kate Wolf