He can ski as well as many of his own athletes and surfs like a madman.
He also coaches park and pipe with the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association.
We salute and thank him.
How did you get started in the team manager role at Kombi?
I think the first time I competed in the US Open they paid my registration.
How many days of travel do you have each year?
Wow a lot; I spend a lot of time in airports (too much time).
Between my own skiing, surfing, and role as a TM, I earn some major air miles.
You?re based on the east coast of Canada, a less-than-expected location for a ski team manager.
What keeps you out there?
Halifax is a really cool place to be, and the people in Nova Scotia are the best kind!
Would you move to another location?
And where would you if you did?
I definitely plan on having a place in BC at some point but will always call Nova Scotia home.
How to get them before other companies snap them up?
Through my travel, friends, and contacts mostly.
If a TM/ company is doing it right, then the riders will come to you.
Who should we keep an eye on as the next big up and comer from Kombi?
What is the best and worst trends in skiing and snowboarding right now?
Worst
Honestly the worst trend is the whole Gangster Image.
I don?t know how some guys can look at themselves in the mirror and be serious.
99% of the time they are wealthy suburbanites.
Our sport doesn?t really have ghettos, thugs, hard knocks, or guns.
They even talk like pretend thugs on newschoolers and facebook.
Stop pretending and get real.
you might tell that the element of respect for big mountain riding is coming back.
This is really tough.
What is the best advice you could give to someone who wanted to be a team manager?
Understand the industry and culture; the good, bad, and ugly.
I think being part of the skate and surf culture definitely helps.
Most of my crew all skates, surfs, and rides together.
I?m able to see trends emerging a lot of the time before it even hits skiing.
You really need to love what you do and just be a part of it.
I think the fact that I have a different perspective as a rider and a TM also helps.
What is the relationship between you and the athletes?
I think I play a lot of different roles with all members of our team.
I always give a shot to really get to know a rider before they sign on the dotted line.
I?d like to think I really support the team whatever their needs are.
We do a team shoot every year and get to spend some time getting to know each other.
There are times with younger athletes that you have to offer guidance and support.
It?s a learning curve to becoming a ?pro skier/snowboarder?.
Some guys only communicate when they want something.
That?s not how I work.
Maybe suggest what they should do and what you would like them to do.
