Meet the Team

Nena Barlow, Owner

Nena Barlow grew up in the Southwest and has been in the 4WD business since 1996. She’s a certified International 4WD Trainers Association Master Trainer, and has spent decades guiding and instructing clients.

Nena has spent thousands of hours in the backcountry behind the wheel of Jeeps, Ram Trucks, Hyundais, Fords, Toyotas, Hondas, Hummers, Unimogs, and other speciality vehicles. She's won the Rebelle Rally, an endurance navigational rally-raid, six times.

“Let the vehicle do the work—don’t over drive it; and never take any trail for granted—go slow, pay attention, don’t be afraid to try new things, but never be ashamed to turn around and go home either.”

Mandy Brezina, Lead Trainer

An Army veteran living on the East Coast. She’s a six-time Rebelle Rally Competitor and, most recently, the Trinite Rally. Whenever she is not in the dirt, you can find her coaching CrossFit classes or spending time with her horses and dogs.

Paul Stapell, Lead Trainer & General Manager

Before joining Barlows, Paul worked for AEV as their Western Parts Sales Manager. He is a certified International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association Trainer. He is also a part-time first responder and ski patroller for US Olympic training sites and the US Ski Team. In his free time, Paul enjoys wrenching on his flat fender.

Nick Cimmarusti, Lead Trainer, "Mr. Rubicon"

Nick has been guiding on the Rubicon Trail for 10+ years and is also a certified International 4-Wheel Drive Trainers Association Trainer. He is also a talented mechanic, fabricator, firefighter and family man.

Kelly Kennedy, Media & Marketing Manager

Based in Joshua Tree, Kelly worked at Rivian before joining Barlows. She competed in the Rebelle Rally in 2023. Kelly is also in our Train the Trainer Program. If she isn't driving her Jeep, she's probably working on her Suzuki Samurai.

Trail Stewardship & Tread Lightly!

Public lands are one of the most important resources we have in the United States, and we all have a responsibility to protect and maintain them.

Tread Lightly! is a non-profit organization that leads a national initiative to promote the responsible use of motorized vehicles when recreating outdoors. Barlow Adventures is a Tread Lightly! advocate and practices T.R.E.A.D. principles. Nena Barlow also serves on the board of Tread Lightly!, supporting the conservation of the beautiful places we drive.