TEAM

Matt Dawson

Matt Dawson (“Dawson”) is a M&A Investment Banker, corporate investor and small business operator turned multi-record holding endurance/adventure athlete; sought-after public speaker; lifestyle/performance coach; and Founder of Dawson’s Peak Foundation.

Beginning project Seven for Soldiers in May 2021, Dawson set multiple records by rapidly completing a previously unheard-of number of global expeditions (in a single year), including summiting the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each continent); skiing to a pole (South Pole); traversing a desert (Mojave); and rowing across an ocean (Atlantic). Although he was on track to additionally ski to the North Pole and fly a single-engine plane around the world during this same year, his plans were delayed due to the global pandemic and Russia/Ukraine events.

Following his freshman year at the United States Naval Academy, Dawson graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. While at Wharton, he was a member of the varsity football team (Ivy League Champions) and also worked as a business consultant with the Wharton Small Business Development Center, providing strategic advice to small business owners.

As a Managing Director with William & Henry Associates, Dawson possesses nearly 20 years of financial advisory and corporate finance experience. He has participated in a variety of engagements, including mergers and acquisitions, private capital placement and strategic advisory services. He holds 4 licenses with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, including Series 7, 63, 79 and 24.

Prior to his corporate finance career, Dawson trained to play professional football and received multiple contract offers. At age 19, Dawson’s goal of playing professional football was derailed for several years as he developed severe bi-lateral compartmental syndrome in both calves so bad that he could barely ascend a single flight of stairs. Following bi-lateral surgery, it took Dawson several years of rehabilitation to learn how to walk, run and train again. He ultimately ended his pursuit, due to additional injuries. He still manages his ongoing leg issues daily.

He is an avid traveler (35+ countries); licensed motorcycle racer; U.S. Navy qualified “Expert” with pistol and rifle; outdoor enthusiast; and IFR licensed fixed wing (airplane) pilot (currently training to add multi-engine rating). In addition, Dawson is Treasurer for the Los Angeles Circle of Giving (a non-profit organization serving the community by helping individuals and families that are experiencing a challenging life event); and has served as a Mentor for the LEAP Foundation in Los Angeles, CA.

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Athletes

Ryan Waters

Ryan Waters operates Boulder, Co. based guiding company Mountain Professionals. As the primary guide partner for Dawson’s Peak during project Seven for Soldiers, Mountain Professionals is responsible for leading and/or coordinating the various treks/mountain climbs.

Ryan is considered to be one of the premier guides in the world; equally versed in leading high-altitude mountain climbing and polar ski expeditions. To date, he has guided clients more than 50 times to the summit of various Seven Summits’ peaks. In 2014, he became the first American to complete the True Adventures Grand Slam, by climbing the Seven Summits and skiing full, unsupported/unassisted trips to the North and South Poles. Ryan has either guided or personally climbed 5 different 8000 meter mountains, including Everest (6 times), Manaslu (3 times), Lhotse (2 times), Cho Oyu (2 times) and Broad Peak. He has also attempted K2, Gasherbrum II and Dhaulagiri.

In January 2010, Ryan and Cecilie Skog skied 1,117 miles over 70 days from Berkner Island (Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf) to the South Pole. From there, they continued to the Ross Sea; setting a new record by completing the first ski traverse of Antarctica to the Ross Ice Shelf without resupplies or the use of kites.

On May 4, 2014, Ryan and fellow explorer Eric Larsen reached the North Pole after skiing unsupported for 53 days from Cape Discovery, Canada. This expedition was made into a 2-hour documentary titled Melting: Last Race to the Pole, for Animal Planet television network. He has additionally guided two full length South Pole trips; multiple “last degree” trips; and is a Master Polar Guide with the IPGA.

Patrick Favre

Captain Patrick Favre has nearly two decades of successful trans-oceanic experience in both sailing and rowing boats. He’s completed 3 Atlantic Ocean crossings by sailing on 60 feet racing sailing boats: Ostar 200à (solo from Plymouth, England to Rhode Island, USA), Route du Rhum 2002 (solo from Saint Malo, France to Guadeloupe) and Route du Nouveau Monde 2003 (crew of 5 from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to La Rochelle, France).

Farve completed 5 Atlantic Ocean crossings by rowing: Dakar, Senegal to French Guyana in 2006 and 2009 (solo), Canadian Islands to Barbados in 2012 (crew of 8; 4th worldwide time in 2012), Marocco to Martinique in 2013 (crew of 2; set French speed record) and Canary Islands to Guadeloupe in 2016 (crew of 6).

Advisors

A.J. Buckley

Over the course of his career, A.J. Buckley (“Buckley”) has appeared in over 30 feature films and television series. As versatile and prolific actor, he has brought to life dramatic and comedic characters ranging from a nerdy scientist, to a romantic sociopath and a tough as nails Navy SEAL.

Currently, Buckley can be seen starring opposite David Boreanaz on CBS’ hit military drama “SEAL Team,” which debuted season 2 in October 2018. The series follows the professional and personal lives of the most elite unit of Navy SEALs as they train, plan and execute the most dangerous, high stakes missions our country can ask of them. Buckley shines as born and bred Texan, Sonny Quinn, who is known for his tough bravado and no-nonsense attitude.

Buckley also recently starred as a misfit cop in the critically acclaimed CBC drama series “Pure,” which will debut in the US on WGN America in 2019 (TBA).

He may be best known however to global television audiences for his role as scientist Adam Ross on the long-running series “CSI: NY.” Other notable television credits include: the Netflix original series “Narcos,” “Murder in the First,” “Motive,” “Blue Bloods,” “The Mentalist,” “Justified,” “Supernatural,” and “Longmire.” Film credits for Buckley include: Disney Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” (voicing T-Rex Nash) and “Home Sweet Hell”, from Sony Pictures, which he also helped write and produce.

Born in Ireland, Buckley immigrated to Canada at the age of six. He spent his teenage years in British Columbia, where he began his acting career guest starring on shows such as “The X- Files” and the film “Disturbing Behavior”.

When Buckley isn’t on set or working on one of business endeavors, you can find him keeping fit by boxing, motorsports, watching UFC, healthy eating and traveling the globe in search of thrilling new experiences. On the philanthropic front, he supports men’s cancer charities, child welfare projects and various veteran foundations.

Buckley resides in South Carolina with his wife, Abby and their three children.

Jay Jablonski

As Co-Founder and Director of Operations for Dawson’s Peak, Jay Jablonski is responsible for helping to oversee a variety of activities, including public engagement, sponsor relations, charitable partner relations and program logistics. Jay has been instrumental in the development of Dawson’s Peak since its inception.

For more than 20 years, Jay has performed as a notable and working actor. During his career, he has appeared in several television series, including NCIS, Bones, NCIS New Orleans, CSI New York and ER. Additionally, Jay has worked alongside some of Hollywood’s most recognizable names, including Brad Pitt, Kristen Bell and Mila Kunis in such feature films as The Big Short, Bad Moms and Bigger. Jay is well respected in the acting community and known for putting the work first and foremost.

Building upon his success in front of the camera, in 2018, Jay began producing as well. His first project Saving the Roar (soon to be released), tells the inspiring true story of the 2012 Penn State Football team struggling to regain its reputation and national prominence following an abuse scandal. In addition, Jay recently completed production of a psychological thriller (yet to be named) slated for release in 2021. He has three more projects in the works over the next 18 months.

Jay is a strong proponent of self-improvement and believes that the most effective way to change oneself is to first ask “How can I use my gifts to for the greater good?”. He has worked alongside Dawson since day one in creating Dawson’s Peak; holding true to their pursuit of moving from “self-centered to service-centered”.