Meet the OnwardUP Team
With our current combined experience in the outdoor industry, our OnwardUP team numbers continue to grow! We thought it would be a great time to (re)introduce ourselves to all of you. We are OnwardUP, but who are the faces behind the name?
You all know we forge connections and partnerships that enable elevated outdoor experiences. With focus on character, entrepreneurialism and a high-level of experience, in a variety of outdoor and business environments, our team is able to focus on the fine details of servicing our dealers and creating growth for our vendors. We are a dedicated crew, with compassionate hearts.
…but how cold is too cold? Where did we grow-up? What music makes us rock-out and what makes us laugh the most? What the heck did we do before we joined the OnwardUP team?
Our next highlighted team member in our Meet the OnwardUP Team social series, is the one and only Andrius Kirdeikis! We asked Andrius some fun questions to learn more about him.
Read more below!
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Any fun nicknames?
“I don’t have any!”
Where do you reside?
“Squamish, BC”
What is your job title at OnwardUP?
“Dealer Service Representative”
How would you describe your role at OnwardUP?
“Minister of Internal and Foreign affairs.”
How long have you been a team member?
“6 months”
Share with us how you got into the outdoor industry?
“In my “past life” I worked in finance. But I craved a bit more excitement so I packed my bags and moved to Squamish, Canada. My first job in the outdoor industry was at MEC in the North Vancouver. After a few months, I was recruited by a ski shop to oversee operations and e-commerce business, and later transitioned to a buyers role. As of December 2023, I’m thrilled to be part of the OnwardUP team.”
Do you have a mentor?
“I look up to everyone on the team – I believe there’s something valuable to learn from each and every one of you.”
What’s the hardest challenge you overcame?
“I’ve had my fair share of rough patches, but I prefer to see them as learning opportunities. I could list some physical challenges or work-related achievements, but ranking them is like trying to compare apples to oranges.”
What’s your ideal work-life balance?
“It’s all about having the flexibility to crush my professional goals while still having plenty of time to pursue my personal interests and relax. In other words: work hard, play harder!”
What can always make you feel better after a bad day?
“A walk in the forest always does the trick for me. There’s something about being surrounded by towering spruces, firs, cedars, and hemlocks that instantly lifts my spirits after a rough day.”
What makes you laugh the most?
“Definitely my wife Raminta – she’s hands down the funniest person I know. Her humor always hits the mark and never fails to crack me up!”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“I thrive outdoors – whether I’m skiing, biking, running, climbing, paddling, or just chilling in a camp chair. Basically, anything that involves self-propelled movement through the terrain or maximum relaxation is my idea of a good time.”
What are you most proud of yourself for?
“I’m always keen to learn new things.”
What is your biggest irrational fear?
“I’m afraid of snakes, but I think it’s a pretty rational fear!”
What do you feel most passionate about?
“Understanding nature’s quirks and secrets – from deciphering snow metamorphosis and decoding river dynamics, to pinpointing where my favorite mushrooms thrive, and observing how local fauna interacts with the flora and terrain – is what truly fascinates me..”
Do you live by any words of wisdom?
“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations”
Book / podcast recommendations?
“How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius by Donald J. Robertson”
One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
“Patience is key, it’s all about timing. By staying patient and avoiding unnecessary risks, you set yourself up for success in the long run.”
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
“I may be an owl by nature, but I’ve embraced the early bird lifestyle through sheer discipline!.”
What type of music are you into?
“Downtempo, hip-hop, hard rock, country”
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
“Definitely on skis, whether I’m on the slopes inbounds or chasing powder in the backcountry!”
Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work/or that you’re affiliated with?
“I am a team member at Squamish Search and Rescue“
Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
“Nothing grand, we recently did an epic bikepacking trip in Oregon.”
Do you have a favourite quote?
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
“Nothing really stands out but Rammstein is on my bucket list! I really hope to see them one day.”
What’s the one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
“Patagonia Nano Air Hoody”
A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values
“100%”
Do you have a hero? Who?
“Yes, my Mom!”
What keeps you going?
“Caffeine”
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
“Squamish Estuary Trails”
Activity of choice?
“Trail running”
How did you get into [said activity]?
“Years back, I signed up for a crazy trail race that spanned the Alps. Surprisingly, my passion for trail running stuck around long after the race ended!”
A Highlight from last year?
“My wedding day”
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
“A headlamp is my must-have. Because let’s face it, not every adventure goes as planned, and trying to navigate in the dark without one? It’s like playing hide and seek with Mother Nature, she always wins!”
How cold is too cold?
“I prefer cold over heat any day. I’ve faced temperatures below -40°C, and with the right gear, it’s surprisingly bearable. Maybe there’s no such thing as ‘too cold’ when you’re well-prepared!”
If you weren’t working for OnwadUP, what would you be doing?
“Applying to OnwardUP…”
