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 Ross Mailloux! We asked Ross some fun questions to learn more about him… what’s his nickname? What’s the most memorable moment over the last year and what cheers him up when he’s had a bad day…
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Any fun nicknames?
“Schultz”
Where do you reside?
“Squamish, BC”
What is your job title at OnwardUP?
“Head of Sales”
How would you describe your role at OnwardUP?
“I get to work with the best people out there! Both here at OU and our dealers throughout W Canada. I work as a sales rep and am also growing into a Head of Sales role which supports all sales functions in the agency.”
How long have you been a team member?
“15 years in Oct!”
Share with us how you got into the outdoor industry?
“I initially started working in outdoor shops because I loved gear and people. It was also a way to have rest days between climbing trips!”
Do you have a mentor?
“Yes! I have had many and the learning never stops. Many climbing mentors through the years and more recently, Rob (of OU) has been a business and financial wisdom mentor!”
What’s the hardest challenge you overcame?
“Currently working through injury setbacks. Almost a year of different injuries but I will be back!”
What’s your ideal work-life balance?
“Time off is always better knowing I’ve done some quality work. It’s a balance. Also, taking advantage of weather windows and early AM’s for skiing and climbing. I’ve never regretted getting up early to ski a few runs before work at 9am.”
What can always make you feel better after a bad day?
“Bike, Run, ski, climb! Also, cuddles with my pups – Osa and Tilly”
What makes you laugh the most?
“Silly humour while being out in the mountains with good friends.”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“Outdoors with quality people. The people are just as important as the outing.”
What are you most proud of yourself for?
“Creating a life that I 100% love.”
What is your biggest irrational fear?
“Spiders – yuck!”
What do you feel most passionate about?
“Trying to be a good person while balancing work, relationships and a love for being outside as much as possible. The ‘art’ of living.”
Do you live by any words of wisdom?
“You have no idea with secret battles that people are fighting. Be kind and compassionate always.”
Book / podcast recommendations?
“The peaceful warrior series!”
One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
“Trust your instinct and don’t be afraid to retreat.”
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
“Both, which doesn’t always work!”
What type of music are you into?
“Hip Hop, Electronic, jazz”
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
“Nice long days climbing alpine terrain or a big day on the bike in perfect weather!”
Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work/or that you’re affiliated with?
“Squamish Streamkeepers – These understated folks have almost single handedly repaired herring habitat in Howe Sound which has brought back all kinds of critters, including whales! All in a few years…”
Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
“As I am currently injured, I am doing the things I can do so that is hiking. I am planning a 8 day coast hike with my partner Erin and some dear friends to the remote Brooks Peninsula in August.”
Do you have a favourite quote?
“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
-MA
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
“Beck on his Morning Phase tour at deer park in Vancouver….that and about 150 raves in my youth, ha!”
What’s the one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
“Patagonia Airshed Pro”
A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values
“Empathy!”
Do you have a hero? Who?
“Marcus Aurelius – My favourite stoic and his writings and musings have helped me through life’s bumps. He seemed to have mastered the ‘art’ of living.”
What keeps you going?
“Relationships with friends and family as well as there are so so so many places to visit and explore in this life! I love the little things.”
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
“The little stawamus river is in my backyard. Every second fall there is a massive salmon run, one of nature’s greatest spectacles!”
Activity of choice?
“I would say backcountry skiing. I find it endlessly motivating and fun/entertaining.”
How did you get into [said activity]?
“I bought a pair of old skis to approach winter climbing and did my first ski tour in 2005 with ice climbing boots and these 210cm skis…. Was hooked!”
A Highlight from last year?
“I got really into running and was able to do many fun link ups and traverses in S BC. Was very fun moving over so much terrain with just a little vest and some good shoes.”
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
“Zoleo!”
How cold is too cold?
“I love the cold!”
If you weren’t working for OnwadUP, what would you be doing?
“Something with food. Either cooking or growing. Oyster farmer maybe…”
