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?
—
Any fun nicknames?
“Tigershark. Jono.”
Where do you reside?
“Banff, AB”
What is your job title at OnwardUP?
“Account Manager”
How would you describe your role at OnwardUP?
“I’m primarily a Sales Rep but am involved in all parts of sales and marketing for our brands.”
How long have you been a team member?
“Nearly 7 years already, where does the time go?”
Share with us how you got into the outdoor industry?
“It really all started at Summer Camp and learning to be a High Ropes Course Instructor as a Leader in Training. Then I got really into climbing and of course became a gearhead for climbing and outdoor equipment and apparel and then starting working in a local outdoor store called Adventure Attic. I met my wife there as she worked there, too! That was many moons ago while we were in University at McMaster.”
Do you have a mentor?
“I’ve been very lucky and have had many over the years. From Family, Boy Scout Leaders, Outdoor Business Owners, and Senior Industry Friends have all been mentors to me.”
What’s the hardest challenge you overcame?
“Dealing with my Father’s sudden health decline and passing.”
What’s your ideal work-life balance?
“Some outdoor activity everyday with some full days and mutli-day trips mixed in too…”
What can always make you feel better after a bad day?
“Unplugging and getting some exercise.”
What makes you laugh the most?
“Probably older Will Ferrell Movies, like Anchorman, Old School, etc..”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“Lately it’s playing Rec Hockey (newer to me and I love it) and fly fishing.”
What are you most proud of yourself for?
“Getting to this point in my career to be working with my favourite people and brands at OnwardUP. I pinch myself everyday!”
What is your biggest irrational fear?
“Getting sick before important trips or meetings.”
What do you feel most passionate about?
“Outdoors and outdoor experiences. They are simply the best!”
Do you live by any words of wisdom?
“Everything is about perspective. And, ‘The Cure for Depression is Action’ YC.”
Book / podcast recommendations?
“Late Summer while Camping in SW Alberta with the Family I read ‘Raven’s End’ by Ben Gadd. I really loved it especially being outside and listening to the birds and fishing on the river while reading about the amazing culture of Ravens and of course all living things.”
One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
“When tackling climbing a mountain or big challenge in life it always seems so daunting looking at the whole big thing. But when you break it down move by move, step by step it becomes manageable.”
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
“More of a Night Owl although in-between really”
What type of music are you into?
“People never guess it, but thrash metal mainly ;)”
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
“Fly Fishing or Mountain Biking with my two Boys.”
Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work/or that you’re affiliated with?
“CPAWS- Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society in Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. I have helped give Patagonia Wholesale Grants to various projects of thiers.”
Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
“Always dreaming of Backcountry Ski Trips. Trying Ice Fishing this winter.”
Do you have a favourite quote?
“You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. – Max Ehrmann”
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
“Probably Dallas Green at Massey Hall in Toronto”
What’s the one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
“My trusty Nano-Puff Pullover. It’s 13 years old and going strong!”
A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values
“The OU Value on Relationships that are founded on trust, candour, and empathy. Empathy is my core value in everything I do.”
Do you have a hero? Who?
“It has to be Yvon Chouinard. What he and Kristine and Doug Tompkins and Rick Ridgeway have accomplished in their adventures and through their eco-philanthropy is so inspiring! “
What keeps you going?
“My Family. And also the desire to do my very best for my dealers, co-workers and brands that I value very deeply.”
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
“Lately the Bow River in Banff. Brown, Rainbow and big Bull Trout galore!”
Activity of choice?
“This changes throughout the year, I love having seasons and variety! Ski Touring, Fly Fishing, Mountain Biking, Climbing of all kinds.”
How did you get into [said activity]?
“Too many to list, but I love learning new things and it’s ok to be bad at things. It takes 10 000 hours, at least, to master something.”
A Highlight from last year?
“Last year in May, I got to go to Petzl HQ in France, for meetings, touring facilities, and some climbing too, but also a day trip to the famous Chamonix. We also added on a week of sport climbing in Sardinia, which was a dream with great friends climbing above the Mediterranean! I also went to Hestra HQ in Sweden last Fall and it was amazing seeing the operations and the surrounding area in Southern Sweden.”
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
“A Petzl Headlamp.”
How cold is too cold?
“When is gets below -25 and the snow just creaks. Nope, too cold, any injuries become really big problems.”
If you weren’t working for OnwadUP, what would you be doing?
“Either a climbing instructor or playing guitar in a metal band touring the world!”
