compost facility, the first in the area. Taking advantage of a utilities rebate program for education has been a huge win in terms of getting low-cost training, says Royther. He’s also utilized a NSAA Mountain Foundation scholarship and is currently working toward becoming a certified energy manager (CEM) through the Association of Energy Engineers, with plans to take the CEM exam this summer. Royther’s passion extends to devel- oping future ski industry sustainability professionals. “I’d love to work within PGRI to mentor and manage a team of sustainability directors,” he says. Z ach S taker {26} Facility Operations Manager/ Senior Accountant, Winterplace, W.Va. Zach Staker grew up skiing at Winter- place, started working as a ski instructor as a sophomore in high school, and took
an accounting job after graduating from WVU four years ago. “It was then I truly began to understand what the ski indus- try was all about,” he says. “Just a couple weeks into the job, I was a staff accoun- tant out making snow.” Staker now juggles two distinct roles at the resort: facility ops manager and senior accountant. During winter, a day in his life will vary. If the resort is making snow, he might arrive early to help. On busy weekends, he takes pride in ensur- ing that all cars are parked efficiently. He may jump in to support the kitchen staff or assist housekeeping. Beyond manag- ing several departments, his accounting role has also grown significantly. “Forward-thinking,” “uplifting,” “encouraging,” and “valuable,” nom- inators say “his ability to seamlessly integrate his financial expertise with operation leadership showcases his remarkable versatility and vision.” In the last few years, Staker has been part of implementing a new POS system, securing a federal grant, and managing multiple capital expenditure projects. Still, some of his favorite projects have been the most simple and affordable, like painting buildings and restoring areas that need a little love. Communication is integral to his style of leadership, he says. During win- ter, “usually a long, demanding stretch,” he strives to make sure the team has the tools and support they need, and takes a similar approach to guest interactions. “I try to talk to as many guests as I can and do what I can to help them have the best trip possible.” Being part of an industry that he truly loves is “priceless,” he says. But it’s the people who have meant the most.
“I’ve built lasting friendships and had mentors who have helped me grow, both professionally and personally.”
B randon W agner {26} Marketing Director, Schmitz Brothers Resorts; Asst. GM, Little Switzerland, Wis. Brandon Wagner wears two very dif- ferent hats. As marketing director for Wisconsin’s Crystal Ridge, Nordic Moun- tain, and Little Switzerland, he is always brainstorming the best ways to sell the ski areas. And as assistant GM at Little Switz, he plays a big role in day-to-day operations. “From Monday through Thursday, I usually start my day focused on market- ing, and swap over to GM duties around 4 p.m., when Little Switz opens,” says Wagner. “On weekends, I’m usually in manager mode. During the ski season, I work every day.” A native of the Green Bay, Wis., area, Wagner started skiing around age 2. In 2021, fresh from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a marketing degree, he joined Little Switz as market- ing specialist and group sales manager. Wagner’s first task was to find a way to retain the new skiers and riders the resorts attracted during Covid. “I hon- estly thought it was an impossible task, but Brandon became a star right out of the gate,” says a nominator. “He created amazing targeted retention campaigns, and our businesses have continued to grow year over year since then.” The assistant GM role is new, both to Wagner and Little Switz. The position was created with him in mind, and “Bran- don has worked incredibly hard to learn the entire business while still staying on top of marketing for all three hills,” say nominators. The dual role has also provided a way to create relationships with both customers and employees, adds Wagner. “I had a lot to learn, so I wanted to focus on, ‘how can I create relationships with managers so they respect me and want to help me learn?’” Looking ahead, Wagner would love to be a ski area GM while retaining his marketing role—“but hopefully with a little more staff to help me out.”
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