Meet The Owners | Wild Strawberry Lodge
Joshua Badder | Co-Owner
Joshua Badder was born and raised in South Central Iowa, in a small farming community of 800. Joshua grew up loving the outdoors—fishing, hunting, and exploring every opportunity he had. Joining Boy Scouts at a young age was a perfect match and allowed Joshua to excel in his favorite outdoor hobbies.
By high school Joshua learned quickly his passion for the outdoors exceeded any passion for academics or athletics. Once a legal driver at the age of 16, the activities were limitless and continued to grow. Joshua enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing, fur bearer trapping, turtle trapping—to name a few. Joshua earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 17. Graduating from Lamoni High School in 2005 Joshua enrolled in college with the plans of getting into forestry management and fish biology. College was a quick stop for Joshua, when it became evident that the classroom was not nearly as fun as the real thing. Joshua enrolled in Missouri Western State University law enforcement academy in winter of 2007 and graduated in May of 2008.
Joshua was hired by the Dekalb County Missouri Sheriff’s Office out of academy, and was a road Deputy for two years. Right around this time is when Joshua started dating Meghan Dunagan who in less than a year became his wife. Joshua and Meghan were married in the summer of 2010 in Santa Cruz, California. From there, Joshua and Meghan moved back and forth from California to Missouri two times.
Justin Karleski | Co-Owner
Justin Karleski, a native of Milton, Wisconsin, embodies the adventurous spirit of the Midwest, now flourishing as the proud owner of Wild Strawberry Lodge in Sitka, Alaska. Justin’s journey from the heart of Wisconsin to the rugged landscapes of Alaska is a testament to his unwavering passion for the great outdoors and his commitment to pursuing his dreams.
Growing up in the heartland, Justin’s childhood was a tapestry of outdoor adventures. From exhilarating hunting expeditions and tranquil fishing trips to spirited four-wheeling escapades and competitive sports matches, Justin developed a deep appreciation for the thrill of exploration and the camaraderie of outdoor activities.
With a natural flair for connecting with people, Justin found his calling in the world of sales. For years, he honed his skills, building relationships and fostering connections with clients across various industries. Yet, amidst his success in sales, Justin’s heart remained tethered to his love for nature and adventure.
THERESA | OUR ROOTS
Theresa has always had a passion for fishing. She grew up on the Oregon coast, where she worked as a deckhand on charter boats out of Coos Bay and Charleston during her high school years.
At 19, Theresa fell in love with Alaska and began working on commercial fishing vessels targeting king salmon and halibut. She later joined Icicle Seafoods, where she gained hands-on experience in fish processing and quickly advanced into leadership roles.
Building on that experience, Theresa founded the Alaska Bait Company, which processed large volumes of bait each year and distributed products throughout the West Coast. She later sold the company and used the proceeds to co-found Alaska Premier Charters Inc. in 1990, one of the first charter fishing lodges in Sitka, Alaska.
After buying out her business partners, Theresa relocated the operation to its current home at Wild Strawberry Lodge in 1993. She continued to grow the business while also running her own boat as a charter captain, and completed full ownership of the company in 2005.
In 2000, she married Johnny Belcher, one of the lodge captains. Together, they raised two daughters, Karina and Kiana, who grew up at the lodge and remain an important part of the team, sharing in the company’s commitment to genuine Alaskan hospitality.
Two of Theresa’s former deckhands still work at the lodge today as charter captains and have been with the company for more than two decades. Over the years, Theresa has also become a mentor to many young people, with former staff often crediting their time at the lodge for building strong work ethic and confidence.
Although she has always loved what she does, Theresa knew she would not run the company forever. She is grateful to have passed it on to Josh and Justin, recognizing in them the same passion for fishing that has guided her own journey. As she gradually transitions out of the business, she looks forward to seeing them carry on a legacy that began more than 35 years ago.
What Guests Are Saying | Wild Strawberry Lodge
