Peter grew up in Dexter, Maine. He graduated from the University of Maine, Magna Cum Laude in 1996. He made the Dean's list every semester and received the Presidential award. He has successfully competed in the six-dog races in the New England area. As his love for sled dogs grew, his goal shifted to Iditarod. Peter moved to Alaska in 1997 on the advise of Joe Redington Sr., father of the Iditarod. He lived down from Joe on the side of the road in a pup tent for 3 months until he found a labor job to help him run his kennel for Iditarod. His dream of running the Iditarod began in 2002 and has run it every year since.

Therese grew up in Marquette Michigan. She graduated from Northern Michigan University, Magna Cum Laude in 1991. She went on to receive her Master's in Statistics from Michigan Technological University in 1993. Therese also moved to Alaska in 1997 to handle for Libby Riddle (first woman to win the Iditarod). She was introduced to the sport by Lloyd and Mary Gilbertson while teaching at Northern Michigan University, but was drawn to Alaska because of its beauty and accessibility to sled dogs.