Ryan Schuster grew up working at Apache Lake Marina and Resort, the family business his grandparents took on in 1974. From a young age, he learned every aspect of running a remote operation, from cleaning motel rooms and bagging ice to managing reservations and building docks. Over the years, he developed a deep understanding of the lake, its history, and a connection to the people drawn to it.

Ryan is a survivor of a 2020 flash flood that affected a group of boaters on Apache Lake, which was a result of recent wildfires and historic storms. He’s remained rooted in Arizona, having earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Northern Arizona University and volunteering with local nonprofits focused on environmental restoration. Ryan currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona and enjoys spending his time being immersed in nature.