Meet the Team
Emily West McMurray
Emily was born and raised in Alaska and has always enjoyed the mountains and forests. She loves the snow, smelling exhaust from a snowmobile, eating, french kissing, witty humor, and people with potty mouths. At a young age, Emily’s dad said to her, “You are only as good as your gear.” And so it began.
After studying at the University of Colorado in Boulder, she graduated with a degree in Theatre. Soon after Emily found herself intrigued by yoga and apparel. She quickly learned the fit, feel, and function of high-quality fabrics and how nice an ass could look in a pair of pants. Emily went on to work for Catalyst, an agency in Boulder where she sold Mountain Hardwear and Montrail. After her tenure at Catalyst, teaming up with Steve Doolan and Fascomhar was a natural progression. Selling HOKA, Duckworth, Hydro Flask, and more for years. Cordillera Sales eventually grew up and became what it has become. A badass group of best friends with a sweet portfolio of brands: Salomon, Cotopaxi, Hydro Flask, Rumpl, Strafe, kahtoola, Murf and Nocs. A VERY colorful agency full of colorful brands with meaning …that is for certain.
Jon Webb
Jon’s career in the outdoor industry was set in motion when his family moved to Utah and he
stepped into a pair of skis at age 10. From that moment, the mountains had him. His first job at
Wasatch Touring in Salt Lake City during high school proved to be a defining experience.
Everyone at Wasatch Touring heavily influenced me and set the trajectory for my professional
life. Many of these folks are still in the industry and have become great mentors and friends. It
was there he climbed for the first time, executed his first telemark turn, and discovered mountain
biking — all while running cross-country in school, a discipline that would quietly shape him in
ways he wouldn’t fully appreciate until later.
During college in Missoula, MT, Jon worked at the Trailhead, deepening his knowledge of the
retail and outdoor industry while his passion for climbing grew into an obsession. That obsession
led him to Black Diamond Equipment in the late ‘90’s, where he found his footing in a bigger
way. There was no better way to pursue my passion and get paid. I found my tribe and travelled
the world climbing, growing professionally and learning the manufacturing side of the business."
Jon left Black Diamond in 2002 and moved to Boulder, CO, where he transitioned into a sales
career that would span more than two decades. Representing brands like Grivel North America,
Wookey Backpacks, Evolv Climbing Shoes, Hydro Flask, Mountain Hardwear, HOKA,
Duckworth, DUER, and others across the Rocky Mountain Territory, he built a reputation as a
trusted and knowledgeable voice in the industry. My 12+ years with Mountain Hardwear and
Catalyst Sales had a huge influence on me and set the stage for this next chapter in business and
life. Jon went on to partner with Emily at Catalyst Sales and then Fas Comhar. When that
agency came to a close, the two launched Cordillera Sales — a natural next step for someone
who has spent a lifetime turning passion into profession.
Allen Butts
Allen was born and raised in Marietta, GA, and found a love for the outdoors at a very young age through adventures with his father. He spent much of his childhood camping, skiing and fishing, but really fell in love with the outdoors when he started backpacking on the weekends in north Georgia on the Appalachian Trail. He fell in love with all things gear, and dove head first into the ultralight hiking community in highschool.
After moving to Colorado in his early 20's, Allen made a habit of jumping around the state exploring every nook and cranny of each mountain range he came across. He was an instructor for Outward Bound, ski bum in Vail, backpacking guide in Estes, and a professional burrito roller in Crested Butte.
After moving to Boulder, CO in 2016, Allen started his work in the outdoor industry working for Outdoor Prolink. He then worked for Sea to Summit and Rumpl before jumping on board with Cordillera Sales. If you want to nerd out on some ultralight gear, go for an early morning scramble, or explore some remote mountains, Allen is your guy!
Laura Schwisow
Laura grew up in Colorado, where the mountains doubled as her backyard and every tree was basically an open invitation to climb something taller than she probably should’ve. She’s always felt most at peace in places where you can spot a peak on the horizon and confidently point west without checking Google Maps (if you know her, she’s directionally challenged anywhere else she goes).
She kicked off her college journey in Horticulture, which is a fancy way of saying she became a full-time plant mom with an ever-growing jungle of leafy roommates. Later, she pivoted to design school, where she fine-tuned her artistic chops.
Now, with her camper-core vibes, undying love for the outdoors, and relentless enthusiasm for sustainability, Laura fits right in as Cordillera’s Operations Manager (a.k.a. the person who gets stuff done and still has dirt under her nails from her last hike). You may know her as Office@.
She currently lives in Westminster, Colorado with her oversized dog Daisy and her partner Joel, who thankfully supports her weekend hobbies of scaling mountains, wandering through forests, and running a mini urban farm like she’s auditioning for a modern-day reboot of Little House on the Prairie.
Twig (The Twigmeister) Webb. Our Hairy Brother and Son.
Twig Webb is a little cavapoo with a heart full of love and a tail that never stops wagging. Equal parts Cavalier King Charles Spaniel grace and poodle pep, Twig lives every day as if it’s the best one yet. He’s a curious explorer, a joyful jumper, and an expert in spreading smiles wherever he goes.
Twig’s zest for life shines through in everything he does. From spirited zoomies and enthusiastic greetings to blissful naps in a patch of sunlight. He’s as gentle as he is playful, with an uncanny ability to sense when humans need a cuddle or a laugh.
With soft curls, bright eyes, and endlessly optimistic outlook, Twig Webb isn’t just a dog, he’s a daily reminder that happiness can be found in wagging tails, warm laps, and the simple joy of being together.