On this “episode” of 67 Designs Customer Spotlights, where we share the stories of some of our customers, we get to know Josh and Janice Bown. The couple, from Greenville, NY, work as a private contractor and at a medical insurance company in the finance department, respectively. As you read on, you will see that passion for vehicles is something that is shared by both Janice and Josh.
Proud owner of: a Gator Green 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave Edition.
Featured upgrades: Their Gladiator is decked out with the following features...
- 67 Designs Dash Rail and 2x Universal Holder for Phones
- Quadratec J3/J5 LED light
- Custom built front bumper
- DV8 Customized a pillar light bar brackets
- Custom built bed rack
- Pixel Designs Decals
- Stegodon traction boards
- Badlands Apex winch
- Go Mammut Mojave RTT
- Factor 55 Recovery gear
- Quadratec antenna
- Boulder Tools tire deflators
Customer of 67 Designs since: December 2020.
Inspiration for buying their Jeep: Janice and Josh were given their first Jeep, a ‘94 Cherokee and absolutely fell in love with it. A few years later, they got a JK and a few years after that, they upgraded to a JKU. For them, the off road capabilities and the traction in all the upstate New York snow was unmatched. The upgrade to the Gladiator was a no brainer.
First adventure with their Gladiator: Growing up on a farm, Josh has been tearing up the fields with any vehicle he could get his hands on since he was 11. The first adventure in the Gladiator as a couple, though, was up to the fire tower in Gilboa, NY, which is about half an hour from them. There is a dirt trail going up, some fun offshoots along the way and an “awesome” view from the top.
Most recent adventure/COVID-19 adventures: Since COVID began, Josh and Janice have taken out their vehicle almost every weekend with their family. Each time they go out, they hit as many trails as they can. One memorable trip from the past couple months was when they saw 6 waterfalls on a 3 day camping trip through Western NY.
Most memorable adventure: August 2019. Their most memorable adventure was about two years ago when they flew out to CA, rented a car and travelled through Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain National Parks. They got to spend time with Janis’ extended family and Janice’s trip wish came true when she saw a moose! In Colorado, the Bown’s also went through the Garden of the Gods and Pike’s Peak.
Upcoming trips: In August/September, they are headed out as a family to Colorado and Utah, this time by driving their Jeep. They are going to come in through the Rockies and Denver area and then head south through Arizona and Utah to the Mojave Desert and take the southern route home.
Dream trip: Their dream tip, which is their family goal, is to drive through and camp in all 50 states in one swoop. The couple just got their rooftop tent, so preparations have begun!
Advice for those who are just beginning overlanding: “Get out there and do it, you don't have to have all the fancy equipment—we have fit 4 people in a tiny little 3 person tent and have had a blast,” and “better to start now than never.”
#1 place they have camped: Rocky Mountain National Park. It was an “epic” couple days, they camped at the bottom of a valley surrounded by the Rockies.
Fun fact about Josh and Janice: They have been driving for 23 years and have owned exactly 33 vehicles between the two of them. They have 4 vehicles currently (a Chevy Traverse, Jeep Gladiator, GMC pickup and a 1981 Stepside project truck ) and had 7 total at one point!
Jeep club memberships: The New England Jeep Club!
Notes from the writer: Josh and Janice have a great spirit of adventure which they have also spread to their 14 year old son and 10 year old daughter, who come on almost every trip with them. For the Bown’s, overlanding is the perfect way to spend family time. If you see the four of them out, you also must know that Bella and Kiya (a Chihuahua and Rottweiler) are also somewhere in the vehicle with them!
Check out his/her/their work here: You can check out all of Janice and Josh’s adventures on their Instagram below. And be on the lookout for a YouTube channel that may be popping up soon for their adventures out West this summer—and it may be narrated by their kids!
© 67 Designs, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Spotlight by Kate Della Pietra.