Secret Creek Connect Handbook

Welcome to Secret Creek Connect

For 50 years Secret Creek has been dedicated to crafting one-of-a-kind experiences for those who seek a unique and personalized outdoor structure through our handmade yurts, tipis and tents. Since 1976, we have produced over 14,000 structures, handmade in Western Colorado and delivered to 39 countries around the world.

You own one of these structures. You've felt the curved lattice walls of a yurt calm and center you. You've told stories around the fire pit with friends and family in a tipi. You've listened to rain drops on the canvas roof of a tent. You know what it's like to live, play, host or be inspired by one of these unique structures.

Our goal with the structures we craft is to create meaning, and to inspire outdoor connections through real experiences. No ad or brochure can accomplish what a conversation with you, our real-world customers, can. When someone who is curious about one of our structures and can talk to a real owner, visit a real yurt, step inside a real tipi or tent, that's when the next chapter begins for them too.

That's what Secret Creek Connect is. You're not a salesperson. You're a proud Secret Creek structure owner willing to share what you know with someone who's ready to discover their very own Secret Creek.

We're grateful you're here.

— John Gibson (Owner) and the Secret Creek Team

What Is Secret Creek Connect?

Secret Creek Connect is a community of real structure owners on an interactive map at secretcreek.com. Prospective buyers find you by location, see your profile, and reach out to hear your story.

Whether your structure is the foundation of a business or a backyard retreat — your perspective matters. For a purchase this significant, trust comes from a person, not a brand.

The platform: Stoked

Secret Creek Connect is powered by Stoked (https://get.stokedhq.com), a platform built specifically for brand advocate communities. Stoked handles the map, your profile, messaging with prospects, and reward tracking — all in one place. You'll interact with it in two ways:

• Text messages — Conversations with prospects come to your phone as regular SMS. No app needed.

• Your dashboard — A web portal at https://secret-creek-connect.stokedhq.app where you can update your profile, view your points balance, upload photos, and manage your settings.

  
  

Your Role

Connect with people who are curious about Secret Creek structures.

You choose your level of involvement:

You can change your level anytime.

How Conversations Work

Everything runs through SMS. No apps, no logins, no downloads.

1. A prospect finds you on the map and sends a message.

2. You get a text from our dedicated number (+1 970-736-3399) with the prospect's first name and a few questions.

3. You reply. Your personal number is never shared.

4. The conversation continues as long as it's useful.

Your phone number stays private — always. If you can't respond right away, we get it. You should try to prioritize a response within a few hours or a day. We'll send a gentle nudge if we don't see you respond. Need a break? Let us know and we'll pause your profile.

We've also set up quick replies — pre-written messages for common moments like welcoming a prospect or suggesting a visit. You'll see them as options in any conversation.

Hosting a Structure Visit

This is where the magic happens. Someone steps inside a yurt for the first time, looks up at the lattice, and gets it.

Before

• Waiver first. Every prospect signs a digital visit waiver through the Secret Creek Connect platform before any in-person visit. You'll be notified once they've signed — don't schedule an on-site visit until you see that confirmation.

• Pick a good time. Plan for 30-60 minutes.

• Tidy up. Doesn't need to be perfect — just welcoming.

During

• Be yourself. Share how you use your structure, what surprised you, what you love. The honest stuff is the good stuff.

• Let them explore. Give them time to look around, touch the materials, sit inside. The experience speaks for itself.

• It's okay not to know everything. Pricing, customization, maintenance schedules — point them to our team. "I'm not sure, but the team can help" is a great answer.

After

• Log the visit so you earn your points.

• Let them know they can reach the Sales Guides at connect@secretcreek.com or through the website.

Business owners: Your structure in action — guests enjoying it, seasons weathering it, your operation running around it — is the most compelling pitch there is. Share freely.

Expectations

• Be real. Share your honest experience — what you love, what surprised you, what you'd do differently. Authenticity builds trust.

• Be present. Reply within a day or two. If you're in a busy stretch, let us know.

• Be welcoming. Some prospects are comparing options. Some are just dreaming. Meet them where they are.

• Be respectful. Let your experience speak for itself. No claims you can't back up, no knocking competitors.

• Keep in touch. Great conversation? Tricky question? Something felt off? Let us know — we're here for you.

Rewards

Your time matters. Here's how we recognize it:

Points & Store Credit

Points-to-credit rate: 2 points = $1 in Secret Creek store credit. We'll also be working on other ways to use your Secret Creek Connect points.

Minimum redemption: 100 points.

What counts as a "meaningful conversation"?

Not every text counts. We're looking for real back-and-forth — a prospect asking substantive questions, you sharing your experience, a conversation that actually helps them decide. A one-liner like "thanks!" or "I'm too busy right now" doesn't count. Our Community Manager (Vicki) reviews conversations and awards these points, so no need to ask — she'll see it.

Submitting photos and videos

Have a great shot of your yurt in morning fog, your tipi set up for an event, your tent at a campground? Upload it to your profile. If we use it for marketing — social media, our website, brochures — you earn 10 points per usable submission, up to 100 points per year.

By submitting, you confirm that you have the rights to share the content and permission from anyone pictured (especially important for photos with children, such as school or camp settings).

How attribution works

The advocate mentioned to the sales guide or during checkout process will get the referral credit.

Redeeming

We issue store credit redeemable at secretcreek.com. Check your balance anytime in your dashboard.

These are our expectations for 2026. Point values and rewards are subject to change as the platform and participation evolve. Secret Creek may modify the reward structure at any time.

Your Profile

Your profile is what prospects see on the map. Make it count.

Bio tips: What made you choose your structure? How do you use it? What would you tell someone considering one? Three or four honest sentences beat a page of polish. Update anytime from your dashboard.

Sharing Your Story

Posting about your own structure on your own social feeds — your yurt at sunrise, your tipi at an event, your tent at a campground — is encouraged. Tag @secretcreek and use #SecretCreek so we can find your content. We may feature it (with your permission).

One important note about Secret Creek's social policy: normally, posting anything with the company name, brand names, logos, or trademarks requires explicit written permission from The Secret Creek Group, LLC — this is to prevent anyone appearing to officially represent Secret Creek. By joining Secret Creek Connect, you have that permission for authentic posts about your own structure and your own experience. What still requires approval: using official Secret Creek logos or marks in a way that makes a post look like it came from Secret Creek itself, using company artwork in commercial or paid promotion, or speaking on behalf of the brand. When in doubt, email connect@secretcreek.com first.

Sharing is encouraged, not required. Conversations and visits are the heart of the program — the social side is a bonus.

How Prospects Find You

1. A visitor clicks "Visit a Structure" on secretcreek.com.

2. The map shows color-coded pins: Green = Colorado Yurt, Brown = Earthworks Tipi, Orange = Destination Tent.

3. They filter by structure type, click a pin, see your profile, and start a conversation.

Your exact address is never shown — only your general area (city and state). Multiple advocates in the same city get spread out so pins don't stack.

Support & Contact

Email us anytime: connect@secretcreek.com