“Not all those who wander are lost.” J.R.R. Tolkien
Our Team
Tara Westerman, Owner
Hello! I’m Tara. I am originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I married my college sweetheart and we moved back to his Chugwater family ranch in 2017. We have been married for 16 years and have 3 little boys.
I am at year 5 of living as a ranch wife and it's been both beautiful and hard. I have found ways to snuggle myself in here and make it feel like me but I miss my family and friends from back home every day. Even before we moved to Chugwater, my friend Sydnee brought me into The Wandering Hermit because she said, "it feels like you". And she was right - it is one of the ways I feel less homesick.
I was a Psychology major in college, a barista for 10 years, a dorm mom for 5 years, and a coordinator at a church in Sioux Falls. My first job was sacking groceries at the local grocer and I ended up staying for 7 years. I am an avid writer and lover of books, a thrifter, and DIYer. I started a preschool in Chugwater last year (which has turned into a community gathering of littles of all ages + mommies and grandmas). It’s just the cutest.
When I really think about what all of those things have in common -
it is that I love people, being creative, and learning things my own way.
Thank you for your support and for loving this place like you have. I’m excited to hear your stories. I promise to make you (and mostly myself) proud.
Jeremy Westerman, Owner
I am a Chugater native and 5th generation cattle rancher. I went to the University of Sioux Falls for Criminal Justice and Sociology and have used neither of those things. I worked a lot of jobs in Sioux Falls, while Tara and I were building a life together: Head Hunter (like Dog the Bounty Hunter - but for jobs), Paramedic, Crossfit Instructor, Sales Rep. for a startup medical company - but nothing felt like working on the ranch with my dad. I love Chugwater, small towns, my own space, working with cattle, and having a life where I can spend a lot of time with my family.
I am on the Parks and Rec Board and spend many hours on the golf course. I appreciate how I can get a lot done in Wheatland in a few hours. I've fostered some good relationships since moving back and met a lot of like-minded people. I appreciate that feeling of being known somewhere.
Our 3 boys keep us on our toes and consistently growing and learning. Tara and I are extremely social and love our friends and family fiercely; while we miss lots of aspects of our life in Sioux Falls, we know this is the place for us. We have a lot to learn about owning property and running a business, but we feel ready and excited for this opportunity. Thanks for welcoming us into your community.
Rainey Huckfeldt
Hi! I’m Rainey and I’m a bookaholic. I’ve loved our local bookstore since it opened, and jumped at the opportunity to work in my favorite space. I love drinking coffee and discussing books, so this is quite literally my dream job. When I’m not working at the bookstore or reading, I run a virtual book club. If you’re interested in joining Huck’s House Book Club, you can find us on Facebook or Instagram.
I was born and raised in Wheatland, and am a proud alumna of the University of Wyoming, where I studied Business Management. Go Pokes! After college, I moved back to Wheatland to start my life with my husband, Scott! We spend most of our time working the family trucking business and snuggling our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Terminator Boss (aka Termy).
In addition to my work at The Wanderer, I own a small business called Roaming Buffalo Design Co, where I design and create custom apparel and offer digital marketing services for businesses, organizations, and events. My favorite aspect of RBDC has been helping other small businesses grow: through web design, social media management, or branded merchandise, I love helping others make their dreams become reality. When you purchase any of The Wanderer merch, you’re really supporting two small businesses, so thank you!
Hello! My name is Brianna. I was born and raised in Wheatland. I graduated from Wheatland high school where I did theatre. I went to college in Cheyenne, WY and received an associates degree in Allied Health Medical Assisting. While there I met my husband, Andrew and we decided to move back to Wheatland to start out life together. We were married in 2014 and added four chihuahuas and a cat along the way.
Books have been my absolute passion. I started reading early in life and by the 3rd grade I was reading at a 12th grade level. I’m a very fast reader, which I feel is my fun super power and I am always reading two books at at ime. I love Young Adult Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction, Historical fiction and Fantasy. Working with books was my ultimate dream and I started working at The Wandering Hermit in 2018 and it was so fun and the best job I’ve had.
I’m incredible excited to be continuing my career and journey at The Wanderer. It’s a place that just feels like home and a team that feels like good friends and family. I love to meet new people, have great connections and discuss books. I love to recommend books for all ages and truly enjoy helping people find the perfect book.
Thank you for supporting The Wanderer and downtown Wheatland!