25 years in business: it is all about the people!
From Sunshine Polishing Intl in Whistler, Canada, to THE GONDOLA SHOP in Fruita, USA.
Is it ambition, stubbornness, craziness, pure naivety, or simple foolishness?
Some days felt like the end; some days were the start of new beginnings. Some days I wanted to give up (so many days), but I’m still here. Some days we drank champagne; some days I cried. Which days did I choose to focus on? The positive ones. Why? Because I have always been well surrounded.
So many humans have made this business what it is today and deserve to be acknowledged. There are also people who were lost along the way, but never forgotten.
I don’t know where to begin when it comes to including everyone who made this incredible journey possible…
Louis-David Bélanger
The partner with whom I started it all. Together, we took his knowledge to another level and began working in an environment we both loved: the mountains of Canada, the U.S., and Europe. In 2006, we went our separate ways, but to this day I still greatly respect him. Without our partnership, my life would be very different.
Thomas Kothmiller
My inspirational Austrian partner since 2010, with whom I traveled all the way to Vietnam (what a contract!) and attended countless trade shows in Innsbruck. You are fantastic, and I can’t wait to see you again at the next Interalpin.
My dad and my sister, who encouraged me through all the ups and downs and always supported me. My entire family, friends, clients, and employees have been there for me every step of the way.
Some people have been a big part of my life and deserve a special light:
Francis Lalonde – Loyal
Aurélie Fock – Trusty
Alexandre Bastien – Creative
Martin Paquette – Artistic
Maïté Bustros – Reassuring
Phil Thornton – Present
Nicolas Richer – Generous
Geneviève Chiasson – Calming
Gaspard Bastien – Enthusiastic
Julian Avavian – Cooperative
Jye Thompson – Optimistic
Jim Loebe – Encouraging
Bill-Cameron Pollock – Instrumental
Travis Allen – Supportive
Jen Taylor – Energizing
Michael J. Larson – Caring
Diana Cerqueira – Committed
Aleksey Kovtun – Smart
Eric Patrick Kelly – Talented
Amy Sorensen – Willing
Rupert & Cashew – Unconditional lovers
All the guys (yes, it’s a man’s world) in all the resorts we’ve worked with — all of you, thank you. Just to name a few: Jeff, Paul, Warren, Logan, Scott, Geno, Jason, Al, Julie (yes, a woman), Jacqueline (another one), Pete, Bobby, Damien, Ben, Conor, Marc, Doug, Adam, Tyler, John, Chris, Jimmy, Bryce, Kurt, Larry, Vincent, Phil, Samuel, Savannah (a third one), and so many more.
Last: me.
Let’s be honest — I’m stubborn, but I’m also extremely motivated. Is that why I survived in a man’s world all these years? Maybe. But my parents, who raised an independent woman with a strong work ethic, played a huge role too. Our lives are the result of the choices we make and the effort we put in. I made mine sometimes unconsciously — or so I thought — but my family, friends, and experiences shaped the person I am today.
Why did I choose this business? It chose me. I wanted to work in the mountains. I had always wanted to be in the mountains. So at 23, after school, I drove 3,000 km from Montreal to Whistler — and the rest is history.
Why did I stick with it for so long, through the tough times, the endless travel, the multiple moves, and the pandemic? I’m still trying to figure that out. Is it the incredible people I met (some of whom are now close friends), the adventures, the sense of freedom, or the life I’ve built in Colorado? I can’t quite put my finger on it.
What I do know is this: 25 years later, I’m here — happy, well surrounded, and exactly where I’m meant to be. How long will I keep doing this? One day at a time.
I wish you all an incredible journey. Whatever you do in life, thank the people around you every chance you get.