PILI hunters

Growing up in Barrow, AK, North America’s northernmost point, Jason worked on arctic construction projects, and hunted in the tundra and fished the open seas with Native Alaskans. Then Jason set out to explore more of the world’s beautiful landscapes and its myriad cultures. He traveled extensively, from the frigid tip of Alaska to the warm beaches of Hawaii; from the desolate mountains of Patagonia to the most vibrant European cities; and from the dry Moroccan deserts to lush Southeast Asian jungles. During his explorations, Jason held several unique professional roles, including serving as a high-altitude mountain guide; an archaeologist’s assistant; a glaciology field hand; a commercial fisherman; a kite surfing instructor; and a rock climbing bum.

On his kite surfing travels - he fell in love with the Philippines and with that - its buttery, nutritious and sustainable pili nut.

With 15 pounds of deep-fried pili nuts and a dream, Jason returned to the U.S. He spent the next few months driving from beach to beach in his swiftly aging pickup truck, surfing and passing out pili nut samples at west coast natural foods stores.