Meet the Staff

The team behind your gold panning and gem mining adventure

At Outpost Gold & Gems, our friendly team is here to help you strike it rich, identify your finds, and make unforgettable memories in the North Georgia mountains.

Our Team

Below you’ll meet the people who keep the Outpost running every day. Each staff member is happy to help you choose a bucket, spot special stones, and learn more about what you’ve discovered.

Owner

Chad Jackson – CEO / Owner
Chad Jackson is the owner of Outpost Gold & Gems and has spent years helping families and rockhounds discover the fun of gold panning and gem mining in North Georgia. Taught gold mining by his father, Del Jackson, who had over 50 years of experience in gold mining, Chad brings a lifetime of knowledge to every guest he helps. After school, he worked for years in contracting alongside his brother’s business and traveled to dig for gems across different locations, building a deep, hands‑on understanding of stones. He also holds a degree in machining and spent several years working for the government before following his dream of opening his own shop, The Outpost. With over 15 years of experience in stone cutting, Chad combines technical skill and a family legacy in gold mining to help guests spot, understand, and showcase their treasures.

Management

Ryan Spradley – COO / Manager
Ryan Spradley is a world traveler and proud U.S. Navy veteran who brings a strong work ethic and attention to detail to Outpost Gold & Gems. Drawing on his background in fabricating machining, he has a keen eye for precision and craftsmanship. Ryan has been a gem cutter for the past five years, carefully shaping and polishing stones to bring out their best color and sparkle. He is currently training to be a jeweler under the guidance of his father, Ron, combining family tradition with his own skills to create unique pieces for guests.

Ronnie Adams – Manager
Ronnie Adams is one of the most experienced members of the Outpost Gold & Gems team, with over 36 years of dedicated service. Before joining the Outpost, Ronnie worked as an electrician and equipment operator, building a strong background in hands‑on, technical work. His long history with the Outpost means he knows the operation inside and out, from the flume to the equipment that keeps everything running smoothly. Guests and coworkers alike rely on Ronnie’s steady presence, problem‑solving skills, and commitment to making every visit safe, fun, and memorable.

Jewelry

Ron Spradley – Jeweler
Ron Spradley has done many things in his life, but his true passion has always been jewelry. He has been a jeweler for over 35 years, creating and repairing pieces with careful attention to detail. Ron’s experience and craftsmanship are a huge asset to Outpost Gold & Gems, and the team feels incredibly lucky to have him sharing his skills with guests every day.

Mining & Gem Experts

Shasta Stones – Gem Specialist / Floor Lead
Shasta Stones is a world traveler and passionate gem prospector who loves sharing stories from adventures at mines and dig sites across the globe. With a sharp eye for unique crystals and rare finds, Shasta helps guests spot special pieces they might otherwise overlook. Shasta is currently training to become a gem cutter, learning how to turn rough stones into beautiful, polished treasures for guests to enjoy.

Xander Tucker – Gold and Gem Panning Guide
Xander Tucker has been part of the Outpost Gold & Gems team for over three years, joining right out of school. He spends his days helping guests at the flume, answering questions, and identifying the stones they discover. With a growing passion for metalwork, Xander is currently training to become a silversmith so he can turn special finds into custom jewelry pieces for visitors.

Guest Services

Michelle Smith – CIO / Customer Service & Online Sales
Michelle Smith is a lifelong family friend and an essential part of the Outpost Gold & Gems team. With a background in construction management, she brings strong organization and problem‑solving skills to the business. Michelle coordinates much of the scheduling for field trips and helps lead the online storefront, making sure groups and customers have a smooth experience from start to finish. She works mostly behind the scenes, but she is a big part of the glue that keeps the Outpost running strong every day.

Barbara Moore – Front Counter / Gift Shop
Barbara Moore has been part of the Outpost Gold & Gems team for the past year, bringing a wealth of life and work experience to every shift. Recently retired, she enjoys spending her time helping guests, answering questions, and making everyone feel welcome. Barbara is also skilled in beading and jewelry design, creating her own unique pieces and offering creative ideas for how guests can showcase their favorite stones.