Galactic Adventures

ISSUE 35  |  December 05, 2025

Hello, STORYTELLERS!
As we bring you the 35th issue of Galactic Adventures, a sentiment echoes through many of our stories: the legacy of Jay Terrado. Loved by everyone who had the chance to know him, Jay had a rare gift for making everyone feel like a friend—and many like a best friend. His generosity, warmth, and undeniable spirit connected us all. Today, we honor him with love, gratitude, and the memories that continue to light our path.

Play Safe Out There

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Kay Terrado – MODE Owner

Jay has never met a stranger. I've lost count of how many times I've walked up to him talking to someone like they were friends who lost contact and just now catching up. And when I ask "who was that?" He would say, "I have no idea, he just started talking to me and telling me his life story". 

 

We got the van because he wanted to be able to be off grid, disconnect from work and have his zombie apocalypse vehicle. He was happiest in nature. Those that have camped with us know, you’ll find him on the highest ledge before the sun rises to take the perfect picture of the vans and the sunrise. 

 

As many will tell you, he's the gadgets guy. He's the guy that is prepared for anything. His motto of "two is one; one is none" is how he built up our van. If you forgot to pack something; we probably have it and a spare to share. Little did we know that Beyond the Pavement - Escalante in May would be our last big adventure together. Talk about checking off so many items off his bucket list in one of the most epic trips we've ever taken. And for Storyteller to make it happen is beyond priceless and I will never have the right words to thank them. Although, maybe priceless isn't quite the right word....there was recovery gear and gadgets being delivered to the house before we were even done with the trip! 

Everyone also knows that the van is his girl…his pride and joy; I just happen to be the wife that tags along as a spare driver. At his desk at work, he had a picture of the van framed right next to his monitor. Pictures of his wife, kids or dogs...don't even bother looking as there weren't any of us in his office. Or as he would say, we were in the van when the picture was taken so it counts.

We have a saying in our family: Play Safe. We say it instead of saying goodbye or see you later. It means: to always enjoy life but be prepared for anything while you're out there in this adventure called life. Jay embodied this...he played hard and made sure he had the right gear always at hand.

 

Many have asked if I’m keeping the van. Without a doubt! There are still places and things we spoke, dreamed and planned that haven’t been checked off the list. And with our van, our STOfam and the community all around there’s no better way to continue our dreams and honor his life and legacy. Play safe out there. 

The Pit Commander

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Peter Esparza – MODE Owner

Jay (aka The Pit Commander) was more than a friend, he was family and a role model. He was one of the most friendliest, kindest, courageous and bravest persons I ever met. I first met Jay at AVE 2022 and one of the first STO owners I met. Right off the back he made me feel welcomed. I believe people come into your life for a reason, not knowing the reason at the time and growing to find out later during our friendship.

 

Jay craved a Bay Area community for events and meet ups. With him and Kay by our side (Evelyn and I) we built the Bay Area community which grew to be NorCal. He motivated me and believed in me to bring people together and do rad events. Without him the NorCal community wouldn’t be as epic as it has been. The community is not just a community it’s become a family. We had some awesome adventures together from catching sunrises in Arizona and Utah to sunsets along the coast of California. Jay had a stressful job and always looked forward to his van trips.

 

He managed a lot of people and things at work, he asked me to take lead because that’s all he did in his day to day. He trusted me to lead him on some crazy and sometimes sketchy adventures. But one thing about Jay was he was always prepared for the worst and with him by my side I knew we could conquer anything. 

Jay was always buying cool things for van life. One purchase was the Pit Commander. Jay found peace in manning the camp fire, chomping wood, and keeping the fire burning, giving him the name The Pit Commander. His camp fires were inviting and always welcoming to strangers. Always a good time around the camp fire from good conversations to great laughs it was never a dull moment.

Jay, Kay, Evelyn and I traveled a lot together. Our first trip was to the winter wonderland aka Yosemite in the winter of 2022. It was one of many trips to follow but that one trip got me hooked on adventuring with Jay and Kay. Jay would always say what’s the next trip or his favorite line “what’s next weekend?” Jay was always down for adventure, but his favorite was to be by the ocean. It’s always relaxing to hear the waves crashing in the ocean; it's just so peaceful. Jay and I vowed to do a Mike Reed Utah BTP so we can learn more about our vans and recovery. STO made that dream come true earlier this year. That trip was special. It had our close friend group on the trip and lots of epic memories were made. It was Jay’s last grand adventure and that trip will always be close to my heart.

 

Even though Jay is gone he will never be forgotten. He was the heart of this community we built. He was like an older brother to me but most of all my best friend. I know he will always be with me and watching over us on all our adventures.

 

LONG LIVE THE PIT COMMANDER JAY!

Remembering Jay: The Heart of Our Storyteller Crew

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Steve Sinnott – MODE Owner

I first met Jay and his wife, Kay, in Borrego Springs, California. It was my very first Storyteller Overland meetup, and I was eager to finally meet other owners. The rendezvous point was Christmas Circle. I parked my Storyteller Stealth, stepped out, and walked toward a couple sitting at a picnic table. Before I could even ask whether they were with the group, Jay stood up, extended his hand, and introduced himself and his wife.

 

Jay was instantly memorable. He presented himself well with tactical pants, a clean polo, organized, prepared, and confident. That look became his trademark. Within seconds, he was already asking if I’d done any mods to my van, and from there we were off and running. Off-road accessories, upgrades, ideas it felt like we’d known each other for years. While we talked, Kay offered me lumpia from a large serving tray on the table, a small gesture that made me feel welcome right away.

 

That first meetup was small, six or seven vans at most. But what it lacked in size,  it made up for in connection. As night settled in, we brought our chairs over to the fire. The group, most of whom had met once before, talked about their adventures, trips gone sideways, clever fixes, favorite mods, and memorable miles logged. The campfire was ablaze, the stories flowed, and the laughter rolled across the desert.

 

And there was Jay, right in the middle of it listening, sharing, laughing, and making everyone around him feel included. Even then, you could tell he was going to be a central part of this group.

As more meetups came and went, the fun continued, and our friendships deepened. What started as casual gatherings soon became our core group, the people we looked forward to seeing each time we hit the road. Through those miles and memories, we learned that Jay was a full-blown gadget guy. If Instagram or Amazon advertised it, Jay probably already had it. And he didn’t just show up with new gear he showed up ready to demo it.

 

One of those purchases earned him a nickname that stuck: “The Pit Commander.”

 

It came from a 30-inch, three-in-one fire tool complete with a serrated hook, smasher, and poker.  Jay wielded it with pride, giving instructions around the fire as if he’d been formally trained. None of us will ever forget the sight of him standing there, Pit Commander in hand, managing the flames like a seasoned general.

 

But gear was only part of who he was. Jay had a genuine warmth and curiosity that made every trip better. He cared. He listened. He showed up for the adventures and for the people.

 

That’s why I’m so grateful that we all got to see him one last time.

 

Despite not feeling well, Jay and Kay made the long drive from Northern California down to Fillmore in SoCal. It meant more than he knew. Our core group was able to camp together one last time with him laughing, sharing stories, and simply being together. It was a special, quiet, meaningful moment in our journey as friends, and one I will carry with me forever.

 

Jay’s passing left a space no one can fill, but the memories he gave us and the laughter around the fire, the gadgets, the adventures, the conversations, and the kindness live on in every mile we travel.

 

He wasn’t just part of our Storyteller community.

 

He was the heart of it.

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Thank you for taking time to honor his memory with us and those that were close to him. His ear to ear smile will be missed by all of us.

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Happenings in HQ
Team Member Spotlight: Will Hutter

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This month, we’re excited to shine the Team Member Spotlight on Will Hutter, Production Supervisor for MODE — a leader whose authenticity, integrity, and servant-hearted attitude inspire everyone around him.

 

Whether he’s leading Station 3, helping keep Stations 4 and 5 running smoothly, or training a new team member with patience and care, Will embodies what it means to lead with joy, craftsmanship, and gratitude. His ability to balance hands-on production work with teaching, troubleshooting, and team development speaks to his professionalism, deep technical skill, and steady presence on the floor.

 

Team members describe Will as a motivator, mentor, and problem solver — someone who takes pride in finding solutions, encourages others to grow, and always believes in their potential. He leads by example, showing that true leadership is rooted in humility, consistency, and service to others.

Outside of work, Will’s dedication continues. He’s a devoted husband and father who keeps his family and goals at the forefront of everything he does. He’s intentional about his health, lifting weights to stay strong for both his work and his loved ones, and carries the same sense of discipline and integrity into every area of his life.

 

Will’s genuine character and commitment to doing things the right way — no matter the task — make him a true example of stewardship and legacy at Storyteller.

 

Please join us in celebrating Will Hutter, a leader who continues to build not only great vans, but also a stronger, more connected team every single day.

Introducing the Flarespace Adventure Sleep Collection, created in partnership with HEST and Storyteller—three brands the adventure industry trusts to elevate comfort, performance, and the overall adventure experience. This collection brings home-worthy comfort to every mile, built with road-ready durability and inspired by the Storyteller Overland ethos.

Every adventurer knows: to go hard in the wild, you’ve got to rest well inside your rig.
Check Out Adventure Sleep Collection

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Life's Greatest Luxury is saying YES to
the Next Grand Adventure!

We'd love to hear your stories and see your pictures from the road!
Send to Daniel at:

daniel.mojica@storytelleroverland.com

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