At Bark & Brass, it all starts with two things: a love for the outdoors… and dogs that run the show.
Meet Willie (the laid-back Golden Retriever) and Lola (the scrappy Australian Silky Terrier), along with their humans — Brian and Shelly. Brian spent 26 years crisscrossing the country as an over-the-road trucker, and Michelle is a massage therapist with a knack for healing hands and wrangling dogs on long walks. Both are lifelong animal lovers, gun enthusiasts, and part-time wildlife watchers.
These days, Brian is retired from the road due to disability, but don’t think that’s slowed him down too much — he still finds time to hit the gun range and cast a line at the lake when the sun’s shining just right. Shelly, when not working, is the designated adventure coordinator for Willie and Lola, chauffeuring them around town, through trails, and of course, to their favorite lakeside chill spots.
Bark & Brass is their collective way of staying connected to the outdoor world they love — sharing honest gear reviews, fishing tips, hunting stories, camping insights, and plenty of dog-friendly content, all with a side of humor and heart.
Stick around and join the pack — we promise stories, reviews, and maybe a few muddy paw prints.
Our Crew
Meet the humans (and hounds) behind Bark & Brass
We’re a crew built on grit, laughter, loyalty, and a deep love for the outdoors, gear that works, and dogs that steal the spotlight. Here’s the ragtag but rock-solid team behind Bark & Brass:
We’re not just a team. We’re a family—brought together by dogs, gear, freedom, and a shared refusal to take ourselves too seriously. At Bark & Brass, we live it, test it, and talk about it—with honesty, humor, and heart.
Brian
Founder, Range Rat, & Resident Storyteller, after 26 years of hauling freight across the country as a long-haul trucker, Brian now spends his time doing what he loves most—testing gear, cracking jokes, and telling the truth (whether you want it or not). Though retired due to disability, he still finds time to make it to the range and unwind at the lake with his loyal crew.
Shelly
Dog Mom, Massage Therapist & Outdoor Soul, when she’s not helping people feel human again, Shelly’s off walking Willie and Lola, taking long backroad drives, or spotting gear flaws Brian missed. She’s got the calm touch and tactical eye.
Willie
Mascot, Product Tester & Professional Napper, Willie the golden retriever is the heart of the site—laid back, water-loving, and always ready for an adventure.
Lola
Mascot, Product Tester & Professional Napper, Lola is our Australian Silky Terrier and the brains of the operation; fierce in her tactical vest and even fiercer when snacks are involved.
Robert
Army Veteran, Archer, Angler & All-Around Badass, with 10 years in the U.S. Army under his belt, Robert brings precision, discipline, and one heck of a cast. He’s your guy for bow advice, fishing tactics, and solid gear feedback.
Marc
Custom Bait Crafter & Resident Wiseass, Marc might skip the archery range, but he never misses when it comes to fishing—or punchlines. The mastermind behind ImFishingHereTackle.com, he hand-pours custom lures so good, fish practically throw themselves in the boat just to meet him. Equal parts tackle wizard and stand-up comic, Marc’s the guy who can make you laugh while out-fishing you at the same time.
Bill
Lifelong Friends & Outdoor Ride-or-Dies, Bill has been Brian’s best friend since high school—the kind of bond you can’t buy or fake. He and his wife Edwina are always down for camping trips, shooting sessions, and wild conversations around the fire. They became close with Joe and Laura during one of those unforgettable “we’re not going to let them take our rights” kind of years.
Edwina
Shoots First, Reads the Manual Later. Edwina is the kind of campfire company everyone wants — quick with a joke, solid with a shot, and always packing snacks (and maybe a little chaos). A gun enthusiast with a wild side, she might not know what half the switches on a scope do, but she’ll hit the target anyway… probably. She’s the kind of person who makes every range day, camping trip, or backwoods adventure more entertaining — and a little unpredictable. We wouldn’t have her any other way.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Bark & Brass has completely transformed how we explore the outdoors with our dog. Their tips and gear recommendations are a game-changer!
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