Crockett Ridge Outdoors

About us

Hey folks, I’m Johnny Miller—founder and adventurer behind Crockett Ridge Outdoors.

My love for the outdoors started early. I was raised in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, growing up in the 70s and 80s alongside two older siblings and one younger. Life was full—school, church, community, and plenty of hard work on our family’s tobacco and tomato farm. Even with busy schedules, my dad, who served as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 495 in Hartford, TN. made sure we spent time outside. That’s where it all clicked for me.

Camping trips, hikes, and time in the woods shaped who I am. By May of 1984, I earned the rank of Eagle Scout—an accomplishment I’m still proud of today. I went on to earn bronze, gold, and silver palms, but more importantly, I gained lifelong friendships and lessons that stuck. The Scout Motto, “Be Prepared,” became a foundation for how I approached life. Over time, I built on that mindset with my own principle: the “5 P’s”—Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

After graduating from a small K-12 school in Cosby, Tennessee, I entered the workforce full-time. In 1990, I married my high school sweetheart—my partner of over 36 years—and together we raised two sons. While working long 12-hour swing shifts, I went back to school at night and earned my bachelor’s degree in organizational management.

My career in the printing and manufacturing industry spanned decades. I held multiple roles, eventually serving in executive leadership, and had the opportunity to travel across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. It was a rewarding journey, but it came at a cost—long hours, constant demands, and time away from family.

In 2025, something had to change.

After yet another attempt at a family getaway interrupted by work, I came home and told my wife, “I’m done.” She understood immediately. The lifestyle I had built was no longer aligned with what mattered most. So I leaned into the same mindset that guided me for years—the 5 P’s—and began planning my exit.

Crockett Ridge Outdoors was born from that decision.

The name itself is rooted in the history of the area I call home, deeply influenced by the legacy of Davy Crockett—frontiersman, adventurer, congressman, and a man who stood for something bigger than himself. That spirit of exploration and resilience lives on here.

Today, my focus is simple: spend more time with family, reconnect with the outdoors, and share that journey with others who feel the same pull.

Along the way, I’ve learned a few things: