We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jordan Sanford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jordan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?
In October 2021, I became General Manager of Kantishna Roadhouse, a beloved destination 90 miles into Denali National Park. For almost 15 years, I had been part of the Doyon Family of Companies, but this new challenge felt like the next big step in my journey. When I first accepted the position, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation and a cloud of uncertainty. The Denali Park Road had been closed in August 2021 due to a landslide – a situation still very much up in the air at the time.
At first, I wasn’t overly concerned about the closure. After all, the park road has always been a significant element of the region’s infrastructure, and it seemed like an issue that would soon be resolved. But shortly after officially taking on the role, I learned that the situation was far worse than anticipated: the road would remain closed for several years. The road required substantial work. This news hit me like a wave. The Denali Park Road was the lifeblood of Kantishna Roadhouse. Without that critical access point, everything from employee transportation to guest transportation and supplies would be severely disrupted.
The gravity of the situation settled in. We had a beautiful lodge in the heart of Denali National Park, with no road access. What were we going to do?
The next few weeks were a blur of uncertain and difficult conversations, strategic planning, and countless logistical challenges. We had to rethink the entire business model fairly fast. The road wasn’t just a route for visitors; it was the primary means of bringing supplies, staff, and fuel. Without it, we had a serious gap in our operations, not to mention a huge financial challenge.
I quickly realized that I had to get creative. The first step was focusing on communication. Transparency became a key element in how we would move forward. We worked to identify alternative transportation methods, including helicopter and airplane services, to ensure that we could still meet the needs of our guests and maintain the property.
But it wasn’t just about logistics – it was about morale, too. Employees, especially long-time bus drivers, felt uncertain. There were many questions, most importantly, what would this would mean for our long-term success. As a leader, I had to stay calm and collected, even though I was just as uncertain about the future.
Then came the unexpected twist. While we were focusing on the immediate logistical hurdles, we discovered something that would completely shift our perspective. We had underestimated the growing demand for remote, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Visitors were beginning to seek out destinations that were less reliant on traditional infrastructure, and the closure of the Denali Park Road was, in a strange way, positioning us as a more exclusive, hard-to-reach gem.
I took a step back and reimagined the situation. Instead of seeing the road closure as a setback, I started viewing it as an opportunity to create something unique. I worked with our marketing team to pivot our strategy, promoting our business’s remote, adventurous nature. We emphasized the area’s raw beauty and tranquility, the chance to visit Denali without the crowds, and the journey itself as part of the experience. And, an experience that wouldn’t last “forever.”
In time, that shift began to pay off. With the right messaging and a continued focus on excellent customer service, we attracted a new wave of guests eager to embrace the challenge of reaching Kantishna Roadhouse. The logistical difficulties didn’t disappear overnight, but we learned to manage them with a newfound sense of resilience. We were no longer just a destination – we had become a symbol of overcoming adversity. We found ourselves featured in TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places to Visit in 2024!
Looking back, those early days after I accepted the position were some of the toughest moments in my career. I felt the weight of the situation, and the pressure to devise a solution was immense. But through it all, I learned the value of adaptability, leadership, and being positive. The saying “I’ll figure it out” often played over in my head. It wasn’t just about solving the problem of the closed road – it was about finding new paths, both literally and figuratively. Ultimately, I emerged stronger, with a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead through uncertainty.
Jordan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an Upper Tanana Athabascan, born and raised in Alaska. I grew up in the small community of Tok and reside in Fairbanks with my son, River. I have had the privilege of working with the Doyon Family of Companies for nearly 15 years, and in January 2025, I was honored to step into the role of President of Doyon Tourism. As a Doyon Shareholder and Alaska Native, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land and my culture. This connection has been a driving force throughout my career, and it informs everything I do professionally and personally.
In addition to my new role at Doyon Tourism, I’ve served as General Manager of Kantishna Roadhouse since October 2021. Kantishna Roadhouse is a remote lodge located in the heart of Denali National Park, where visitors can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in Alaska’s wild beauty. Our property offers various activities, including guided hiking, fly-fishing, gold panning, and authentic and immersive cultural opportunities that highlight the rich history of the land and its Alaska Native peoples. Our activities are centered around adventure, cultural education, and connection to nature, allowing guests to experience Denali in a way that few others do.
When I first accepted the General Manager position at Kantishna Roadhouse, we faced an unexpected and significant challenge. The Denali Park Road, which provides access to the Roadhouse, was closed in August 2021 due to a landslide, and it became clear that the road would remain closed for several years. This posed major logistical and operational challenges. I was raised with a deep respect for resilience, community, and adaptability. I knew this was an opportunity for us to innovate. We embraced the challenge by finding alternative transportation methods and rethinking how we could deliver a truly remote and exclusive experience that connected visitors to the land and its people.
What sets Doyon Tourism apart is our commitment to offering authentic and immersive experiences of Alaska’s natural beauty and rich culture, sharing the traditions and histories of our communities. Cultural tourism is vital in fostering respect and understanding of Alaska Native people who have called this land home for thousands of years. Through immersive experiences, we strive to give our guests a deeper understanding of Alaska, the culture of Alaska Native peoples, and the preservation of our environment.
We are deeply committed to ensuring that the stories of our communities are shared respectfully and authentically. Whether through storytelling, art, or guided tours, we offer experiences that connect visitors to the culture and history that have shaped the land. Our focus on sustainability, cultural education, and community empowerment reflects my personal values as an Alaska Native leader. We aim to make every experience a chance to connect with the beauty of Alaska’s landscapes and a journey into the heart of its culture.
As President of Doyon Tourism, I am committed to leading with purpose, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to my region. I am proud of how Doyon Tourism continues integrating cultural tourism into its offerings, providing a space where Alaska Native culture is celebrated and shared with respect. My mission is to help visitors understand the importance of preserving this land’s cultural and natural heritage while offering opportunities for local communities to thrive economically and culturally.
What I am most proud of in my career is the resilience and the strength we’ve shown in overcoming challenges. Whether it was the road closure that initially seemed like an insurmountable obstacle or the ongoing work we do to ensure cultural authenticity in our tourism efforts, we continue to adapt, innovate, and grow. I am particularly proud of the work we’ve done to showcase the beauty of Alaska through the lens of Alaska Native people, providing a meaningful and respectful experience for our guests and communities.
For potential clients, followers, and partners, I want them to know that we are about more than just tourism. We are about sharing a deep connection to the land, to culture, and to community. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a chance to learn about Alaska’s rich heritage, we offer a transformative experience. We aim to provide a beautiful visit to Alaska and an opportunity to engage with and respect the history, culture, and traditions deeply embedded in this land.
As we continue to grow and evolve at Doyon Tourism, I am excited for what lies ahead. We are not just creating experiences; but fostering understanding, respect, and lasting connections with this remarkable land’s people, places, and cultures.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
My advice is to lead with empathy and authenticity. Communicate transparently, recognizing both challenges and successes. Empower your team members by delegating responsibilities and providing growth opportunities. Celebrate achievements, big or small, and foster a sense of purpose by showing how their work contributes to the bigger picture. Encourage a healthy work-life balance, support problem-solving, and promote collaboration. Lastly, be flexible and adaptable, demonstrating trust and commitment to your team’s success.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
At just 18 years old, I found myself at a pivotal moment in life—not only stepping into my career but also embracing motherhood. Becoming a young mother brought its own set of challenges, but I was determined to balance my new responsibilities and my ambition. My professional journey began with the Doyon Family of Companies, and what started to support my family quickly transformed into an opportunity to grow and thrive within an organization that felt like home.
As I worked my way up, I faced numerous obstacles – from learning the ropes of business operations to navigating challenging circumstances. But with every challenge came an opportunity to adapt, learn, and push forward. I never allowed setbacks to define me. Instead, I used them as fuel to propel myself and my career further.
One of the most significant milestones in my career came when I was responsible for building a business from the ground up. It was an incredibly daunting task, and there were many moments of uncertainty. The obstacles seemed endless, from financial strain to personnel challenges, but I was driven by the vision of success and the belief that I could make it work. My perseverance paid off, and I watched that business grow, a testament to my resilience and dedication.
Then came a challenge that truly tested my limits – taking on Kantishna Roadhouse in a time of uncertainty. At the time, the only road access was closed for several years. The task seemed impossible with no road access and the location of Kantishna, nestled in the Kantishna Valley, within the foothills of the Alaska Range. But, with every challenge I faced, I reminded myself that resilience isn’t about avoiding the hard work; it’s about facing it head-on and overcoming the obstacles that stand in your way. I worked tirelessly to build relationships, secure resources, and push forward, even when the odds seemed stacked against me.
Looking back, I realize that each phase of my journey, from motherhood to business development, from starting a company to taking on a remote, roadless operation, has shaped me into the resilient person I am today. My career path is a story of perseverance, grit, and an unwavering belief in myself and my team. Resilience is about pushing forward, no matter how difficult the road is, and I’ve learned that no challenge is too big when you’re determined to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kantishnaroadhouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kantishnaroadhouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kantishna
Image Credits
Steve Zmak