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 Jason Billing! We asked Jason some fun questions to learn more about him…What’s the most memorable moment over the last year and what cheers him up when he’s had a bad day?
—
Any fun nicknames?
“No”
Where do you reside?
“Canmore, AB”
What is your job title at OnwardUP?
“Account Manager”
How would you describe your role at OnwardUP?
“It’s complicated….”
How long have you been a team member?
“Almost 14 years!”
Share with us how you got into the outdoor industry?
“In my twenties I was passionate about climbing and skiing – it seemed like working at one of the local outdoor stores (Monod Sports and VPO Canmore) was a good way to pursue my passion and have a fun job!”
Do you have a mentor?
“Rob and Ross from OnwardUP have been great mentors over the years”
What’s the hardest challenge you overcame?
“Becoming a Mountain Guide”
What’s your ideal work-life balance?
“Providing the best service to our customers while still having quality time to spend with my family and to pursue my hobbies.”
What can always make you feel better after a bad day?
“Getting outside for a bike ride or playing a round of golf.”
What makes you laugh the most?
“My daughter, Lily”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“It’s varied over the years. Mountain biking, climbing, skiing, camping with the family and lately – Golfing!”
What are you most proud of yourself for?
“Having empathy and compassion for people, my family, friends, coworkers and customers included.”
What is your biggest irrational fear?
“Don’t really have one.”
What do you feel most passionate about?
“Trying to have a good quality of life.”
Do you live by any words of wisdom?
“Being present in the moment.”
Book / podcast recommendations?
“Any book by Haruki Murakami (favorites are Killing Commentadore and 1Q84). A big fan of these podcasts: Peter Attia Drive, Lex Friedman podcast, Tim Ferris Show, The Knowledge Project.”
One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
“We can handle a lot more discomfort than we think. Things may seem too big and impossible from afar, but are achievable as we get closer and break it into pieces.”
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
“Kind of neither. I do like staying up late sometimes and watching You Tube/listening to music, but I do my best work in the mornings.”
What type of music are you into?
“Electronic and Hip Hop.”
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
“Camping out of cell service with the family.”
Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work/or that you’re affiliated with?
“CPAWS and the Biosphere Institute (not affiliated)”
Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
“Raising a puppy!”
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Too many to list.”
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
“I haven’t been to many but went to a great Blackalicious show”
What’s the one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
“Don’t really have one.”
A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values
“Elevated Service – I want our partners to feel like we are best in class and it’s worth having me as their rep.”
Do you have a hero? Who?
“Not really.”
What keeps you going?
“Making a good life for my family.”
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
“The Bow River and the pathways around it”
Activity of choice?
“At the moment golf.”
How did you get into [said activity]?
“I did it a lot as a kid because my parents were into and I got dragged along and just got back into it last summer for something new/different to do.”
A Highlight from last year?
“Spending 5 weeks in Italy/France with my family and colleagues/friends.”
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
“An AMK UL 0.5 first aid kit. You never know when you might need it!”
How cold is too cold?
“-15 is cold enough – anything below that”
If you weren’t working for OnwadUP, what would you be doing?
“Probably working as a Mountain Guide!”
