It all starts with our people. Amazing talent is hard to find. Amazing culture is even harder to cultivate. Ambassadors of the outdoors, Liz and Max are not only passionate about fly fishing but also embrace sharing their passions with others. They work hard and understand the importance of being cultivating an amazing angling experience. They’re constantly developing ways to ensure our anglers have the best time they deserve. Get to know a little about Liz and Max, Operations Managers for Deneki’s Andros South Lodge.
Liz Fincher – Liz grew up a Georiga Peach, but you couldn’t tell by the way she speaks. That being said, give her a couple of Kaliks, then she may utter a few words with a Southern twang. Growing up, Liz played a lot of cops and robbers and street hockey (not a lot of ice in Georgia). When Liz was 14, she visited Alaska for two weeks. That trip for a lack of a better way to put it changed the course of her life. Alaska tends to have that effect on people. Liz studied Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism at Colorado State University. Since Liz would spend her summers in Alaska. Max gave her first fly rod in 2011, and she was hooked.
Liz has been working in the fishing industry since 2013, starting at a fly-in lodge on Lake Creek, Alaska. Liz joined Team Deneki in 2018 with her fiance´, Max.
Growing up Liz was known as “Goof.” When you meet her, ask her how she got that nickname. Of course, being an Elizabeth, she grew up being called every iteration of the name. Liz’s elementary school teaches left a big impression on her. She always looked up to them and has been a big influence in her life. She’ll tell you she was probably quite annoying. We call it having a bright personality.
If Liz wasn’t on Team Deneki, she would probably be running here own charter somewhere. Liz also has a 100-ton Coastal Captain’s license. Riding boats are kind of her thing. She likes to listen to Neil Diamond’s “The Bang Years” and could read Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts on a regular, although Liz thoroughly enjoys the Harry Potter series. But come on, who doesn’t?
Chicken wings, extra crispy, and HOT are her favorite food. Spicy. We like it. Liz also loves Potcakes, and if you don’t know what they are we’re certain Liz will share anything and everything you need to know about them.
Max Pushak – The other half of our Operations Team on Andros South Lodge, Max spent time growing up between Pittsburgh, PA and & Naples, FL. His first fishing experiance was when he was 8 years old and has been fishing ever since. Max was fortunate enough to grow up spending a lot of time on the water while living in Florida. Snook, redfish, tarpon and those tasty snapper and grouper were his main quarries.
Since 2004, Max has spent 16 summers fishing in Alaska. Max also started guiding on Lake Creek in Alaska and he too has been with Team Deneki since 2018.
Max’s Dad made the biggest impression on his life by allowing him to develop his creativity, especially with his hands. He and his father are the best friends. If Max wasn’t with Team Deneki, he would be building custom furniture in Montana on the West Fork of the Bitterroot with his beautiful fiance´and soon to be wife Liz.
If Max was stuck on a deserted island, he’d listen to Bob Marley and the Police, while eating a tasty salad, grilled salmon, cheesy garlic potatoes, paired with Midnight Sun’s Sockeye Red IPA, finished with a nice key lime pie. What most people don’t know about Max is he worked on building custom cabinets for Celine Dion. Near, far, where ever you are, the cabinets will go on. Cheesy like garlic potatoes.
Max’s creativity, love for the outdoors, fishing, and all things creative make him an integral part of Team Deneki. His creativity, keen sense for the process and passion for the fishing makes us all better. When you come to Andros South, your world is in a good place because Max is there.
If you haven’t figured it out already, Liz and Max are set to be married. With current events, it’s been a challenge for them to get it done. Married or not, Liz and Max are a great team and a big part of Team Deneki but most of all they are great human beings.
Liz and Max are two individuals who have a passion for fishing and the outdoors makes them happy. Their combined experience and blend of knowledge elevate the fishing experience by taking it to the next level, by engaging, and inspiring people across the board. Good fishing trips come from good collaboration, thoughtfulness, and experience, Liz and Max have all of it.
When you’re looking for bonefish in South Andros and book a trip with Deneki at Andros South Lodge, Liz and Max will be there to make sure you have a remarkable experience. You’ll be blessed to have a trip curated by Liz and Max.
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