The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Clay Kimmi, General Manager of Tree Trails Adventures, as part of our Community Proud series sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union. Known for being one of the most enthusiastic, kind, and genuinely laid-back leaders you will ever meet, Clay brings energy and heart to everything he does, especially when it involves the outdoors.

Clay’s love for outdoor recreation began the way many great stories do, simply by playing outside. From a young age, he spent as much time outdoors as possible. Through the Boy Scouts, his passion for stewardship, adventure, and leadership deepened. “I’ve spent as much time outside as I can remember,” Clay shared. That early connection to nature shaped a career centered around adventure, growth, and meaningful impact.

Clay and his wife, Ali, moved to Connecticut in 2021 to be closer to her family. Having lived coast to coast, the couple has embraced New England life with gratitude and excitement. From surfing and mountain biking to exploring open spaces along the shoreline, Clay says there is always something new to experience. “Anywhere we reside, we are grateful, grounded, and stoked to be there,” he said.

In the winter of 2022, Clay stepped into his current role as General Manager of Tree Trails Adventures. Since then, he has hired and trained approximately 30 team members each season and has helped facilitate aerial adventure experiences for tens of thousands of visitors. His work is about more than climbing and zip lines. It is about building confidence, trust, and connection.

Trust is central to Clay’s leadership style. “Listening to folks,” he says, is the foundation. In an environment where guests are placed in harnesses and encouraged to push their limits, trust between staff and participants is essential. Clay has built a culture where safety, communication, and encouragement go hand in hand.

His career path reflects a lifelong dedication to working with people in meaningful ways. Clay’s first paid outdoor role was at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 2005, working in the backcountry at a rock climbing camp. In the 2010s, he worked at a Montessori school in Kansas, helping to found its middle school program and serving as summer camp director for eight years. Overseeing a ten-week camp with 300 campers from first through sixth grade, Clay developed a deep appreciation for mentorship and personal growth. Clay has impacted so many lives, whether mentoring students, guiding campers, or encouraging guests to conquer a ropes course. He finds purpose in helping others realize their potential.

Beyond Tree Trails, Clay is committed to local stewardship and service. Tree Trails recently became a business supporter of Avalonia Land Conservancy, and Clay and Ali personally support the Groton Open Space Association. Two years ago, Clay also became a mentor in the Groton Public Schools system, an experience he describes as deeply rewarding.

Community involvement is woven into the culture at Tree Trails. Through charitable donations, fundraiser support, and raffle contributions, Clay and his team consistently give back to organizations working to strengthen the region. For Clay, staying rooted in the community means actively supporting those who are making a difference.

In his free time, Clay continues to seek adventure. When he is not hiking with Ali and their two dogs, you can find him mountain biking, road cycling, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, paddling, or building in his woodshop. His inspiration comes from people who push themselves, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. “Each one of us is capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for,” he said.

Clay is quick to credit his team for the success of Tree Trails Adventures, especially May Haydash, whom he describes as an incredible person he is grateful to work alongside every day. Together, they help create experiences that challenge, uplift, and inspire thousands of guests each year.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize Clay Kimmi for his leadership, service, and commitment to helping others step outside their comfort zones. His passion for adventure and his belief in the potential of every individual embody the true spirit of Community Proud.