Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Brad Manard Ed.D.

We recently had the chance to connect with Brad Manard Ed.D. and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Brad, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
As the owner/manager of RMNPhotographer Tours in Estes Park, one of the promotional activities is a weekly column entitled “Wilderness Whispers” in the Estes Park News. This column is design to share interests in photography, wildlife, and the RMNP/Estes Park area that will be appreciated by the readers. Many times, I write about my experiences as a wildlife photographer focusing on the unique animal experiences that happen in Rocky Mountain National Park, sometime expanding those photography experiences during travels to capture images of bears in Yellowstone, wild horses in western Colorado, etc. At times I add my personal experiences such as what brought me to Estes Park in my youth or experiences in RMNP that excentuate my love for the area. The “Wilderness Whispers” column has been quite well received and often touches the interestes and hearts of those who love the area and/or call Estes Park home.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As an experienced naturalist and photographer in RMNP, Brad is the owner of RMNPhotographer Tour in Estes Park, CO and Rocky Mountain National Park. He organizes tours with a deep knowledge and experience in the park viewing the majestic beauty and capturing dynamic wildlife images.

Prior to his commitment to RMNPhotographer, Brad was an educator who holds a doctorate degree in leadership. He has written several books along with writing the weekly “Wilderness Whispers” wildlife photography column in Estes Park News. His photographs have been featured in multiple publications including Hike Rocky Magazine, Shout- out Colorado, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, and on over thirty Estes Park News covers. In the spring of 2026, Brad’s photograph’s will be featured in the release of FarCountry Press’s Impressions Book of Colorado wildlife photos.

Brad lives in Estes Park with his wife, Carolyn, where he regularly guides tours, hikes the backcountry, studies the wildlife, and expands his impressive gallery of photography.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was a kid living in a Mississippi River town, my dad’s passion was playing piano, jazz piano. He was darn good too and a connector. I believe I was in third grade when he took me to a jazz concert. I remember because I was irritated that I couldn’t stay home and play baseball, but he insisted. Afterward, we went backstage, and he introduced me to several of the musicians including his friend, Louie Armstrong. I remember he was a nice guy with a deep voice and kind of sweaty.

When I was around twelve, during Dad’s vacation we went to Las Vegas where he had a gig. On the way, we stopped in Colorado and spent the night in a quaint little mom and pop motel. The next morning, I stepped out to see the bright sun rising over the mountains highlighting dynamic, snowcapped peaks.

It was the most beautiful scene I had ever seen. Standing in awe, I didn’t hear my dad the first time he called. Then he yelled, “Hey Brad, let’s go. We’ve got to get to Vegas.” He was as excited about going to Vegas as I was overwhelmed by the vision of mountain beauty.

I could have stood there forever.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Years later at twenty-four years old, I found myself caught in a confusing time of my life. Darkness seemed to dominate, and I was searching for the light. In an effort to find brightness, I hitch-hiked from Nebraska through RMNP and over to Steamboat. There, with a pack on my back, I wandered into the deep, dark forest looking for light. After a week I emerged smelly, dirty, tired, and lonely. My perspective had changed. I had quit focusing on what I didn’t have. The mountains had helped me realize how much I did have – family, friends, and the wonderful people I worked with. I’d realized, my world was truly full of joy. Since that time, the bright light of an optimistic perspective has always guided my life.

From that point on, Estes Park became my go-to vacation spot.

Five years ago, I retired, left the flatlands, and moved to Estes Park permanently. Through hard work and determination, my dream had become a reality shared with my wife, Carolyn. Today, I own RMNPhotographer Tours and spend most days in Rocky Mountain National Park exploring, appreciating, and capturing images of the incredible wildlife.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
For twenty-seven years, I served children, families and communities as a school superintendent. It was an amazing job of learning and helping others, guiding children to success. Working with kids daily was an incredible honor as were the collaborations with teachers, staff, and parents that I worked with in support of their children.

Unfortunately, at times, I did encounter some negative, even mean-spirited people. Those were the times my leadership skills rose up to support the good teachers and staff of our school district. I remember when I first became superintendent in one school district where the culture was “to get what that want, parents believed they had to scream and yell, show their aggression and bully the school employees.” I found this to be complete inappropriate, and worked to change the culture to one of collaboration, positively working with families in support of their children. We were successful in changing the culture of our school district from combative to collaborative.

I continue to make that commitment in my life today to lift up positive people and help others understand how they can live life in positive collaboration. I try and surround myself with people working to create a world highlighting goodness.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
.In 2001 I read Jimmy Buffett’s book A Pirate Looks at Fifty. Reading it, I realized Jimmy Buffett and I thought alike in many ways, but he’s having a lot more fun than I was.

I envied his ability to be open and have fun. He wasn’t living a school superintendent’s life. He was being Jimmy Buffett which was unique. Most of us have shaped our lives into versions dictated by a role and other’s perceptions. As a school superintendent, I certainly had. So after reading the book, I made a proclamation. I announced to my friends that I was becoming Jimmy Buffett. I said it in a simple and silly way, and most of my friends laughed at the joke.

So I became a Parrothead and suddenly my life was filled with singing and dancing, funloving moments with professionals who enjoyed funloving weekends celebrating their like-minded spirits. Many would say I had become another imitation – this time influenced by Jimmy Buffett. Truth was, imitating Jimmy Buffett was more the real me than being a 24/7/365 school superintendent. I could still be a dedicated educator, love kids, and work hard for our families while having fun living a playful lifestyle away from school.

The Parrothead experience was enlightening like a walk in the forest searching for the light. I learned that you always need a little singing and dancing in your life, for singing and dancing gives you a greater sense of life. It lifts you up and warms your heart. Laughter gives your spirit a sense of good, inspiring you to do more and be more.

Singing, dancing and laughing in the world of Jimmy Buffett reignited the spirit of a fun-loving person who continued to be a dedicated, caring educator by day. From Jimmy Buffett and my Parrothead friends, I learned you can’t help but be happy when you’re singing and dancing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://RMNPhotographer.com
• Instagram: RMNPhotographerestespark
• Facebook: RMNPhotographer-Estes Park

Image Credits
All photos by Brad Manard