Larger skis resorts can sometimes receive some pretty harsh criticism from the newschoolers community.
Tom: When was your first experience of Skiing?
Was it something you did as a family?
Tom: I understand you played hockey while at UBC.
Did you find it hard to balance your studies and other activities such as hockey?
Dave: Yes, it was a difficult balance.
My life at UBC revolved around lectures, studying and hockey.
It required discipline, but it was an amazing experience.
For hockey, we would play a weekend at home and a weekend away.
I had the opportunity to play in Japan, Alaska, Colorado, and North Dakota, as well.
There is a bunch of us former teammates who still get together for a tournament every year in Whistler.
Tom: Growing up what subjects did you enjoy most at school?
Dave: Good question PE and then math.
Tom: Did you ski in University?
Were you involved with any ski clubs?
Dave: Whenever I wasn’t playing hockey, I was skiing.
Tom: You joined the finance department of Blackcomb mountain at the age of 26.
What was it about that post that attracted you?
I loved to go to Whistler in both the winter and summer.
There was a lot of building/development happening on both the mountain and in the village.
There was a huge energy and many young people working, playing and having fun.
I thought Whistler would be a great place to spend a couple of years.
Tom: When you started with the company what aspirations did you have?
In your early days with the company did you ever think you would eventually be where you are today?
Dave: My first goal was to not get fired…….I was definitely in over my head!
There was a great deal of opportunity and I just got involved wherever I could.
Tom: Can you briefly explain how you worked your way up to your current position?
Yes, a phrase managers always like to hear, but as Dave shows it works.
But what does running a resort actually involve?
Tom: Can you explain what your day to day work involves?
Dave: On a good day, two to three hours on the mountain!
Tom: What is the best part of your job ?
I love being on the mountain, working with our employees and talking to our guests.
Tom: What is the part of your job you most dislike?
Dave: The most challenging aspect of the business relates to the safety side of the business.
Unfortunately, individuals can extend themselves beyond their abilities with devastating consequences.
That is the most difficult side of what we do.
So throughout his time with Whistler Blackcomb what is he most proud of achieving?
Tom: Are there any events or projects you are particularly proud to have been involved with?
Dave: In Whistler I have had the opportunity to be involved in so much!
The Peak to Peak gondola is a big deal for Dave in two ways.
Now the big one, how much snow time does Dave actually get?
Tom: In your current role how much time do you get to spend on the mountain actually skiing?
60 day’s is good for most people and I doubt there are many CEO’s who ski more.
I think Dave’s story is pretty inspiring.
Next week I look at the job most people probably dream of the most, Pro Skier.
Check out what Vincent Gagnier has to say about the life of a pro.
Missed last weeks article featuring Matthew Manser (onenerdykid)?
Check it out here:
Best Job in the Ski Indutsry - Matthew Manser
