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 would we be doing if not with OnwardUP?
Our next highlighted team member in our Meet the OnwardUP Team social series is Marion Owens. We asked her some fun questions to learn more…
Read more below!
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Any fun nicknames?
“M”
Where do you reside?
“Canmore, AB”
What is your job title at OnwardUP?
“Head of Marketing
How would you describe your role at OnwardUP?
“I support vendor marketing on the dealer level, as well as oversee the OU brand. I also support our business strategically, as VPO of strategy and as a member of the leadership team.”
How long have you been a team member?
“Since the very beginning!”
Share with us how you got into the outdoor industry?
“By marriage, kind of. I have always been outdoorsy, which went as far as to move halfway across the world to spend time in Canada in my early twenties. My background is in marketing and events. After meeting Rob and the inception of OU, it was only a matter of time before I would be more and more involved in our business.”
Do you have a mentor?
“Not in the traditional sense.”
What’s your ideal work-life balance?
“Work early, and then spend time with my family.”
What can always make you feel better after a bad day?
“Looking at the mountains and remembering how small me and my challenges are.”
What makes you laugh the most?
“Hands down, my kids!”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“Somewhat remotely with my family.”
What are you most proud of yourself for?
“My personal growth as a parent.”
What is your biggest irrational fear?
“That air travel ceases between North America and Europe.”
What do you feel most passionate about?
“Cheering on my kids and husband.”
Do you live by any words of wisdom?
“Too many to list!”
Book / podcast recommendations?
“Good Inside (not just for parents. We could all use a little reparenting ourselves.)”
One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
“The mountains are a place that has always made me focus the most on the present moment. Largely due to the fact that you have to be focused to be safe. So, not as much something I wish everyone knew, but something I wish everyone had access to – a place or activity that grounds them.”
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
“Early bird.”
What type of music are you into?
“There isn’t much music that I dislike. It’s the people I share it with. And the memories music evokes.”
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
“At this stage, with my family, ideally away from technology.”
Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work/or that you’re affiliated with?
Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
“A vanlife ski road trip in February.”
Do you have a favourite quote?
“One of many: ‘Conflict is growth trying to happen’.”
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
“Michael Franti.”
What’s the one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
“Underwear?”
A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values
“Relationships”
Do you have a hero? Who?
“Not really..”
What keeps you going?
“My family.”
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
“A little loop in the forest that we have been walking for years. It’s grounding and I’ve had some of the most incredible and most challenging conversations walking it.”
Activity of choice?
“An injury has kept me from biking and climbing this year, BUT I have recently begun to get back into horseback riding, after a 25 year hiatus ;-)”
How did you get into [said activity]?
“I used to ride all throughout my teens in Europe. Being surrounded by horses and the responsibility that comes along with the sport had a hugely positive impact on me.”
A Highlight from last year?
“A family trip to Paris.”
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
“GSI Microlite water bottle. Literally always in my backpack, whether I head outdoors, abroad or on an errands trip to the city.”
How cold is too cold?
“I’m just gonna say that I really like +20C. Funny, I know.”
If you weren’t working for OnwadUP, what would you be doing?
“Strategic Marketing as a Freelancer.”
