Jon Helminiak has independently traveled to over 60 different nations and has organized and executed cultural exchanges and outdoor expeditions to Canada, Alaska, Arabia, Myanmar, Chile, Central America, Scandinavia, Europe and Nepal. He also studied in London and spent a summer in the former Soviet Union competing in musical and athletic events. He is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School’s Baja Sea Kayaking program, and is an instrument-rated pilot with over 1,800 hours of logged flying time, and a certified open water scuba diver. Most recently, Jon was the first American to complete a solo kayaking expedition through the Raja Ampat Archipelago of West Papua.

Some of Jon’s adventures are chronicled in his latest book, Nothing Routine - A Quest for Adventure in Remote and Strange Places. The book is required reading at high schools and universities for both its writing quality and the way it exposes the reader to the value of travel and wilderness adventures.

Jon is a former assistant director of a wilderness youth leadership organization, and spent fourteen years in higher education, including a post as Assistant Chancellor for the Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He holds a B.A. in speech from the University of Wisconsin—Madison and was a member of the NCAA Champion rowing team.

Jon now devotes his time to promoting the value of adventure-travel and wilderness outings in building confidence, perspective, and leadership skills in adults and youth. He is also a consultant to non-profit organizations, offering strategic planning and financial development expertise. He is Vice-President of the Bonanza Aviation LLC, and serves on the board of directors of numerous organizations.