The People
We are currently seeking applicant for Kennel Attendant and Assistant Trainer positions. See our Jobs Listing to apply.
Chad Hines
Owner/Trainer – Minnesota & Texas
Chad has been training hunting dogs since he was a child. He started out reading any literature he could find and watching every dog training video available. Willow Creek started when Chad was 11, with his first Beagle named Willow Creek’s Running Wrinkles. Over the next few decades Chad has continued to research and develop training methods, seeking a more positive approach to training dogs.
Although there are certain techniques that Willow Creek uses for training, we also recognizes that many different approaches work to get the same result. We are constantly experimenting and looking for easier and more effective ways to achieve the same goal. Over the years Willow Creek has trained and handled more than 60 AKC Master Hunters under Chad’s direction.
Integrity, honesty and ethics are core principles at Willow Creek. As a breeder of German Shorthaired Pointers, Chad has diligently research bloodlines and hunting ability through many generations and he strives to produce dogs that are right for today’s hunters and pet owners.
Blake Wolf
General Manager/Trainer/Guide – Minnesota
Phone: 320-360-5550
Blake joined Willow Creek fall of 2012. Born and raised in NW Kansas, the heart of pheasant country, Blake was hunting since he was a child and training dogs in his teenage years. While managing several construction crews, Blake started up his own kennel in Kansas, and further cultivated his passion for the GSP breed. His desire to succeed and his pursuit of a great hunting companion led him to visit Willow Creek in the fall of 2012. Chad and Tracy were impressed with his knowledge and passion, which led to further discussions and the development of a new partnership. Ready and willing to start a new adventure, Blake and his family decided to move to Minnesota to further his knowledge and passion for dogs. Blake’s wife, Brianna, and his son, Hunter, are excited for their opportunity to experience the Minnesota outdoors.
Brianna Wolf
Puppy Coordinator/Office Manager – Minnesota
Phone: 320-360-3603
Brianna Wolf joined Willow Creek at the start of 2013. As the breeding program grew, so did the need for a full time person to dedicate their time to each litter of puppies. Brianna is the contact person for anything puppy related. Additionally, Brianna works as the Office Manager and handles everything accounting related. She’s one of those people that actually like accounting! ;-)
Brianna graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Education emphasizing in Early Childhood Education. After growing up in NW Kansas and living there her whole life, Brianna jumped at the chance to move to Minnesota for a new opportunity. She is crazy about puppies and crazy about her son, Hunter. Even greater is Hunter’s love for puppies! Brianna and Hunter ensure that each litter get the most love they can possibly handle before they end up in their home.
Jeff Thielen
Trainer/Guide/Conservation Expert – Minnesota
Jeff joined Willow Creek’s staff to keep “busy” in his retirement. He was a licensed Peace Officer for 30 years and a Minnesota Conservation Officer for 26 of them. He served as a field officer, area supervisor, regional supervisor, hunter education coordinator and operations support manager for DNR Enforcement. He has worked extensively with hunters and outdoor stakeholder groups around the state and is knowledgeable on hunting and outdoor issues. He also spent 30 years in the Minnesota National Guard. Jeff has always had a passion for dogs and bird hunting and has trained his own dogs since he was 14 years old. Jeff understands a hunters desire to hunt with a “good dog” and will work to make your dog the best it can be. Jeff states, “I have seen a lot of dogs and trainers around the state, but I was very impressed with the overall operation Chad has developed at Willow Creek and wanted to be a part of it.” Willow Creek is excited to have such a knowledgable addition to the team.
Tracy Hines
Business Operations, Marketing and Puppies
Originally from Ottertail, MN, Tracy has been an integral part of Willow Creek’s business operations and marketing. She does all of this in her spare time, as she is also the Director of Process Improvement at Lakewood Health System. Tracy has been able to integrate many Lean manufacturing principles into the kennel to improve its operations. With Lean, the focus is on providing the best value for the customer and eliminating waste (anything that doesn’t provide value).
Tracy also takes the lead on caring for our dams and studs, which typically stay with the Hines family at their house. One of the best parts of Tracy’s job is socializing all of the new puppies. Chad has said on numerous occasions that he hasn’t seen anyone love puppies as much as Tracy!
