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?
It’s been so fun getting to know our team a little more! Our next highlighted team member in our Meet the OnwardUP Team social series is Bianca Lavoie-Mallette. Read below, to learn more about Bianca!
—
Any fun nicknames?
“Queen B.”
Where do you reside?
“Nelson, BC”
What is your job title at OnwardUP?
“Head of Operations”
How would you describe your role at OnwardUP?
“I’m a behind-the-scenes problem-solver and team wrangler! I help keep our Sales Support team and Distribution branch running smoothly and do my best to keep internal operations on track. As part of the Leadership Team, I get to help shape the bigger picture and keep OnwardUP true to our Values.”
How long have you been a team member?
“Since 2017”
Share with us how you got into the outdoor industry?
“I once worked at MEC in Ottawa for a winter; long enough to attend the infamous staff-warranty auction and gather everything I needed for a season of tree planting. In 2017 I applied for a temporary, part-time admin position with OnwardUP and here we are!”
Do you have a mentor?
“Rob, our Founder & President, has been a mentor to me, in business and leadership.”
What’s your ideal work-life balance?
“I like to fill my week-days with activities and events so I’m not “living for the weekend”. I value a life where I have the space & energy to do what brings me joy. For me, this means having firm boundaries around work time.”
What can always make you feel better after a bad day?
“Taking my pup, Sumac, for a walk in the forest.”
What makes you laugh the most?
“Watching Sumac try to run with a stick twice her size, being silly with the women in my dance troupe and my partner, Adam.”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“In my free time you’ll usually find me dancing—I take a few classes a week and perform with a troupe. I’m also part of a fantastic book club, and when I’m not reading or dancing, I’m playing outside, ski touring or hiking.”
What are you most proud of yourself for?
“Creating a life I love.”
What is your biggest irrational fear?
“An empty pantry/fridge/freezer. I’m not a prepper but….”
Do you live by any words of wisdom?
“Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd.”
Also, the best conversations are had side-by-side.“
Book / podcast recommendations?
“Book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi / Podcast: Maintenance Phase“
One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
“Conflict and adversity are opportunities for deep connection. Tough, shared experiences force us to face and communicate our fears and vulnerabilities, creating stronger bonds and friendships.”
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
“An early bird who lives with a night owl. Iykyk.”
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
“Breakfast (shakshuka or pancakes) with my love followed by skiing or hiking with friends.”
Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
“I’ve been plagued with knee injuries the last few years, so I’m excited to continue to explore all the amazing backcountry skiing around Nelson.”
What’s the best concert you have ever been to!?
“Can’t pick just one!
Weekend trip to LA to see Thom Yorke.
Stevie Nicks with my mom in Montreal.
Arcade Fire before I had any idea who they were.
Leikeli47 at Basscoast ‘24.“
A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values
“Innovation & Excellence. My preferred state is to be outside my comfort zone, pushing my limits.”
Do you have a hero? Who?
“My mom.”
What keeps you going?
“A yearning to experience something new.”
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
“Mountain Station biking (dog walking) trails.”
Activity of choice?
“Dance, Skiing, Hiking.”
How did you get into [said activity]?
“I lived in Canmore for 8 years, so as far as mountain sports, enough said. I got into dance two years ago while recovering from a skiing accident; I was looking for alternative and new ways to move my body.”
A Highlight from last year?
“Traveling to Baja Mexico and bringing home a puppy.”
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
“A handkerchief. Because we’re not all great at snot rockets, okay?.”
How cold is too cold?
“I’m pretty fair-weathered so fortunately in the Kootenays I never really have to ski in anything colder than -10.”
If you weren’t working for OnwadUP, what would you be doing?
“Running a backcountry lodge.”
5: Bonnington Ski Traverse ridge walk w/ Adam
