Experience

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  The mad trapper pub

  Mar 2007 - Feb 2010

  Bartender / server

  Little pub in Golden

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  Kicking horse mountain resort

  Dec 2007 - Apr 2012

  Dispatch operator / server / snowboard instructor

  Seasonal Ski Resort EmploymentWorked across mountain safety, operations, and hospitality, ensuring guest safety, efficient communication, and quality service.Roles & Responsibilities: • Ski Patrol Dispatch & First Aid – Coordinated mountain safety operations, assisted on-hill, and provided first aid room support • Snowboard Instructor – Taught lessons for all skill levels, focusing on technique and safety • Server & Bartender – Provided semi-formal food and beverage service, creating a welcoming après-ski experience Show less

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  The local townie business services | event management and marketing

  May 2008 - now

  Owner operator

  A boutique marketing company specializing in graphic design, tourism development, event planning, social media, and small business marketing.Key Projects & Achievements: • Website Development – Designed and launched the Northern Lights Wolf Centre website (2014) • Graphic Design – Created posters, branding materials, and marketing assets for various community events and festivals • Publishing & Media – Owner/Publisher of The Local Townie News Magazine, a 5,000-copy monthly large-format publication focused on community arts and culture • Community Engagement – Developed and organized local art shows, co-hosted community events, and supported grassroots initiatives • Tourism & Workforce Development – Created ‘From The Horse’s Mouth’, an informational welcome session series for seasonal workersA creative and community-driven approach to marketing, storytelling, and event activation. Show less

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  Riverwatch alberta

  Apr 2009 - Oct 2011

  Environmental science education river guide

  Outdoor Education Guide – Bow River & Watershed ProgramsLed daily rafting-based student field trips on the Bow River in Calgary, providing hands-on watershed education and environmental interpretation for high school students.Key Responsibilities: • Trip Leader & Manager – Coordinated daily logistics, safety, and group management • Water Science & Ecology Education – Conducted river-side experiments and explored watershed systems • Municipal Wastewater Facility Tours – Guided students through urban water treatment processes • Swift Water Safety & First Aid – Ensured on-water safety using Swiftwater Rescue & Non-Urban Occupational First Aid training • River Ecology & Human Impact Interpretation – Educated students on water systems, conservation, and environmental sustainabilityCombined adventure, science, and education to foster a deeper understanding of water systems and environmental responsibility. Show less

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  Kootenay river runners

  Apr 2009 - Aug 2010

  Raft guide

  Raft Guide – Toby Creek & Kootenay RiverSpent days on the river, guiding fun and safe rafting trips through scenic floats and whitewater sections.What I Did: • Made sure guests had a great time on the water while staying safe • Navigated everything from mellow scenic stretches to exciting whitewater • Shared stories about river ecology, local history, and the environment • Used swiftwater rescue skills to keep trips running smoothlyA mix of adventure, teamwork, and storytelling, making sure every trip was one to remember. Show less

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  College of the rockies

  Oct 2009 - Apr 2010

  Student ambassador

  Create marketing materials for the Adventure Tourism Business Operations program in Golden BC.

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  Riverwatch

  Mar 2010 - Sept 2014

  Guide - trip leader

  - Daily leadership logistics for raft-based river & water shed field trips- Staff / guide management - Rafting guiding 16 students and conducting science experiments - Risk management & safety enforcement- Natural environment interpretation

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  Glacier raft company

  Jun 2010 - Aug 2020

  Senior guide

  Guided Class 4 whitewater rafting adventures, specializing in family-friendly trips, helicopter-assisted rafting, and Rocky Mountain natural interpretation. Beyond just running rapids, I helped shape the next generation of raft guides—sometimes with a paddle, sometimes with a clipboard (and yes, I did hand out letter grades for technique).Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Business Development – Created a detailed partnership commission program to boost bookings and revenue • Guide Training & Education – Developed and implemented an accredited raft guide training program at College of the Rockies (Golden Campus)—complete with graded river runs • Leadership & Safety – Assisted in teaching and supervising rookie guides, turning “hold on tight” into a proper guiding technique • Operations & Risk Management – Assisted with daily logistics, performed safety rescues, and made sure every trip was both thrilling and safeCertifications & Specialized Training: • Swiftwater Rescue Technician Level 3 – Because staying in the boat isn’t always guaranteed • 110-Hour Non-Urban Occupational First Aid – For when adventure gets too adventurous • Rocky Mountain Natural Interpretation – Because the river isn’t just about big waves, it’s about big storiesFrom guiding adrenaline-filled runs to grading students on their eddy turns and ferry angles, it’s been an incredible ride on the Kicking Horse Riverwww.glacierraft.com Show less

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  Golden sound festival

  Jan 2011 - Mar 2017

  Co-founder

  Founding Member – Golden Sound Festival SocietyCo-founded and helped grow Golden Sound Festival, a multi-day, multi-venue music festival that brought live music, art, and community together in Golden, BC.Key Roles & Responsibilities: • Branding & Website Management – Gave the festival a fresh look each year, keeping it as vibrant as the lineup • Ticketing & Guest Experience – Managed online sales and made sure fans got through the doors hassle-free • Community Development & Outreach – Built partnerships with local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers to keep the festival thriving • Multi-Channel Marketing – Ran campaigns across radio, print, news, and social media to spread the word • Door Host Extraordinaire – Greeted guests, wrangled artists, and made sure the vibes were just right • Highly Collaborative – Worked with an incredible team to bring big ideas to lifeOver the years, we hosted 100+ musical acts and hundreds of artists from all over North America, turning Golden into a hub for live music and creative energy.A festival built on music, community, and a whole lot of teamwork—and I loved every minute of it. Show less

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  Kicking horse paddle festival | a local townie event

  Feb 2011 - Oct 2017

  Co-founder - director

  Co-Founder & Lead Event Director – Kicking Horse River Whitewater FestivalCo-founded and led the development of a whitewater paddling festival on the Kicking Horse River, bringing together paddlers, outdoor enthusiasts, and the local community for an unforgettable event.Key Responsibilities: • Branding & Marketing – Developed the festival’s identity, promotions, and outreach strategy • Risk Management – Created safety plans to ensure a smooth and secure event • Event Management – Oversaw all logistics, from scheduling to on-site operations • Community Outreach – Built partnerships with local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers • Ticketing & Budgeting – Managed event finances, ticket sales, and sponsorships • Team Leadership – Coordinated staff, volunteers, and key stakeholders to bring the festival to life • Hands-On Support – When needed, jumped in as a shuttle driver, cook, and all-around problem solverA high-energy, community-driven event that blended adventure, competition, and camaraderie, making a lasting impact on the local paddling scene Show less

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  The local townie news

  Oct 2011 - Jan 2014

  Editor in cheif / publisher / owner

  Founder & Publisher – Local Townie News MagazineLaunched and managed a monthly large-format print magazine celebrating arts, culture, and mountain life in Golden, BC, with 5,000+ free copies distributed each month.Key Responsibilities: • Layout & Design – Oversaw magazine design, ad creation, and visual branding • Business Development – Built partnerships and secured advertising revenue to sustain the publication • Editorial & Coordination – Wrote articles, managed contributors, and developed themed storylines • Operations & Leadership – Handled daily business administration, client relations, and team management • Community Engagement & Events – Hosted local events and fostered community-driven storytellingA free, community-focused magazine that connected local voices, artists, and businesses through storytelling and culture Show less

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  White n wild snowmobile tours

  Dec 2012 - Jul 2021

  Guide & risk management development

  Guiding family-friendly, scenic snowmobile adventures in the Rocky Mountains, with a focus on safety, accessibility, and unforgettable experiences.Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Led entry-level snowmobile tours, ensuring a fun and safe experience for all ages • Developed and implemented an updated Risk Management Plan and safety policies • Provided on-site safety leadership, ensuring adherence to best practices and emergency preparednessCommitted to delivering memorable, safe, and engaging outdoor experiences for families and visitors Show less

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  Golden sound festival society

  May 2013 - May 2018

  Co-founder & marketing director

  Founding Member – Golden Sound Festival SocietyCo-founded and helped grow Golden Sound Festival, a multi-day, multi-venue music festival that brought live music, art, and community together in Golden, BC.Key Roles & Responsibilities: • Branding & Website Management – Gave the festival a fresh look each year, keeping it as vibrant as the lineup • Ticketing & Guest Experience – Managed online sales and made sure fans got through the doors hassle-free • Community Development & Outreach – Built partnerships with local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers to keep the festival thriving • Multi-Channel Marketing – Ran campaigns across radio, print, news, and social media to spread the word • Door Host Extraordinaire – Greeted guests, wrangled artists, and made sure the vibes were just right • Highly Collaborative – Worked with an incredible team to bring big ideas to lifeOver the years, we hosted 100+ musical acts and hundreds of artists from all over North America, turning Golden into a hub for live music and creative energy.A festival built on music, community, and a whole lot of teamwork—and I loved every minute of it Show less

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  Whitetooth hospitality group

  Nov 2014 - Mar 2015

  Marketing & hospitality director

  Marketing – Whitetooth Mountain Bistro, Rockwater Grill & Bar, Catering by Whitetooth, Corks RestaurantOversaw marketing and branding for multiple hospitality venues, focusing on community engagement, event promotion, and digital presence.Key Responsibilities: • Marketing & Design – Created event posters, social media content, and menu graphics • Event Promotion & Hosting – Managed live music events and community outreach • Corporate Policy Development – Assisted in HR and operational policy creationBalanced marketing, design, and policy support to enhance brand visibility and streamline operations Show less

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  Golden this week

  Jun 2015 - Aug 2015

  Contributing writer - arts and culture

  Contributing Writer – Local Weekly NewspaperVolunteered as a writer covering arts, culture, and adventure sports, sharing stories that highlighted local events and outdoor activities.A brief volunteer role, but a great way to support community journalism and celebrate local culture

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  Boulder hut adventures

  Dec 2015 - Mar 2020

  Custodian - cook

  Supported operations at a remote, helicopter access backcountry ski lodge, ensuring smooth logistics, safety, and guest experience in a rugged alpine environment.Key Responsibilities: • Helicopter logistics – Loaded and unloaded payloads for efficient transport • Snow safety – Attended daily avalanche safety briefings and assisted with risk mitigation • Lodge maintenance – Performed daily upkeep with limited resources in a remote setting • Weather reporting – Monitored and relayed weather conditions for trip planning • Backcountry cooking – Prepared rustic lodge meals for guests and staff • Micro-hydro power system – Assisted with operations and maintenance of off-grid power • Backcountry ski touring & guiding support – Assisted guides and ensured guest safetyWorked in dynamic, high-alpine conditions, balancing safety, logistics, and hospitality to provide an authentic backcountry experience. Show less

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  College of the rockies

  Jan 2016 - Mar 2017

  Raft guide instructor and course development

  Course Developer & Lead Instructor – College Credit Raft Guide ProgramDeveloped and conducted a 14-day college-accredited raft guide instructor course, equipping students with industry-standard skills, safety protocols, and leadership training. Partnered with Glacier Raft Company to provide real-world guiding experience on the Kicking Horse River.Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Course Development & Industry Best Practices – Researched and integrated modern guiding techniques, safety standards, and operational procedures • Hands-On Instruction – Led technical raft guiding, swiftwater rescue, guest interaction, and risk assessment training • Logistics & Lesson Planning – Designed daily lesson plans and coordinated on-water training, classroom instruction, and skills assessments • Risk Management – Developed and implemented a detailed safety plan, ensuring compliance with industry standards • Budget & Program Sustainability – Created a course budget proposal to support long-term program viability • Guide Mentorship & Leadership Development – Trained and supervised rookie guides, helping develop their confidence, river knowledge, and professional skills • Partnership with Glacier Raft Company – Integrated real-world guiding experience, allowing students to work alongside professional guides in an active commercial rafting environmentThis course set a new standard for professional raft guide training, combining technical expertise, leadership development, and safety best practices to prepare students for a career in the outdoor adventure industry Show less

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  Alive outdoors inc.

  Sept 2016 - Oct 2017

  Guide & outdoor educator

  Outdoor Education Facilitator & Canoe GuideLed experiential outdoor leadership programs focused on youth development, adventure skills, and teamwork in both backcountry and in-camp settings.Key Responsibilities: • Multi-Day Canoe Guiding – Led week-long backcountry canoe trips in Algonquin Park • Outdoor Education Leadership – Facilitated multi-day in-camp programs focusing on leadership, teamwork, and adventure skills • Lesson Planning & Instruction – Designed and taught outdoor skills, safety protocols, and leadership development • On-Water Safety & Risk Management – Ensured participant safety through swift water rescue training and non-urban first aid • Youth Supervision & Mentorship – Guided students (Grades 8–12) through experiential learning challenges • Collaboration & Teamwork – Worked closely with co-instructors to create engaging, immersive experiencesBlending adventure, leadership, and hands-on learning, these programs helped youth develop confidence, resilience, and outdoor skills in dynamic wilderness environments Show less

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  Sea to sky adventure company

  Jun 2018 - Sept 2018

  Operations manager

  Managed daily logistics, staffing, and operations for guided tours and rentals for mountain biking, paddle sports, and hiking tours, ensuring smooth execution and high-quality guest experiences.Key Responsibilities: • Logistics & Staffing – Coordinated guides, schedules, and resources for daily tours • Equipment Management – Oversaw rentals and repairs for mountain bikes and water sports gear • Sales & E-Commerce – Managed POS systems, TripAdvisor listings, and 3rd-party sales channels • Product Development – Evaluated and modernized tours and product offerings to enhance guest experiences • Human Resources – Handled staff recruitment, scheduling, and management • Financial Planning – Developed tour budgets to optimize profitability • Risk Management & Safety – Wrote and implemented emergency safety plans and HR policy manualsFocused on streamlining operations, improving guest experiences. Show less

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  Little mittens animal rescue

  Oct 2018 - Apr 2020

  Chair of the board of directors

  Oversee all functions of the board Advise and mentor the Executive Director Oversee operations budgetOversee Human Resources and policyEmployee contract writing & job descriptionsAdvise community engagement & PR

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  604 records inc

  Sept 2019 - Nov 2019

  Music tour manager - mathew v

  Tour Manager & Driver – Mathew V (Live Music Performances)A brief contract role focused on executing pre-planned tour logistics and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.Key Responsibilities: • Tour logistics – Managed daily schedules and ensured timely transitions between venues • Production coordination – Worked with venue teams and production managers to execute show requirements • Hotel & travel management – Oversaw accommodations and transportation logistics • Media logistics – Assisted with press appearances, interviews, and promotional commitmentsWith most planning already completed, my role was to execute and adapt on the road, keeping everything running seamlessly. Show less

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  Fresh adventures canada

  Dec 2019 - Mar 2020

  Tour guide

  Led multi-day ski and snowboard trips, combining logistics, safety, and local knowledge to create seamless winter experiences.Key Responsibilities: • Guided multi-day ski resort and winter camping trips, ensuring smooth operations and guest satisfaction • Planned daily logistics, including lift access, accommodations, and transportation • Risk mitigation & safety, with a focus on mountain awareness and winter travel best practices • Snowboard instruction, helping guests improve technique and confidence on the slopes • Winter driving – Safely transported groups in challenging mountain conditions • Local recommendations – Suggested the best restaurants, après-ski spots, and points of interest • Natural interpretation – Provided insight into the local environment, wildlife, and terrainFocused on delivering well-planned, enjoyable, and safe ski experiences tailored to each group’s needs. Show less

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  Farmforage.ca

  Jan 2020 - Jul 2021

  Founder - start up

  Founder – Online Peer-to-Peer Farmers MarketDeveloped a digital marketplace connecting farmers and local consumers, aimed at creating a direct-to-consumer platform for fresh, locally sourced products.Key Responsibilities: • Business planning – Designed the operational model and financial framework • Concept development – Built out the marketplace structure and functionality • Strategy & market fit – Conducted research on demand, competitors, and user needs • Branding – Developed the brand identity, messaging, and positioning • Website development – Worked on platform design and functionalityThis project is still in development and has not yet gone to market, with ongoing work to refine the platform and business model Show less

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  Golden skybridge by pursuit (rocky mountain adventure park)

  May 2020 - Feb 2021

  Director of guest experiences & marketing

  Help the startup, product development, branding, and marketing for a 110-acre suspension bridge and aerial adventure park, initially branded as Rocky Mountain Adventure Park. The park is now managed by Pursuit Collection and rebranded as Golden SkybridgeKey Responsibilities & Experience: • Helped shape the vision, strategy, and early development of the park • Created detailed marketing plans to establish the brand • Built initial financial models to explore business viability and guide decision-making • Worked closely with the GM and CEO, navigating the challenges of launching a large-scale tourism destinationA dynamic, hands-on startup experience—learning, adapting, and growing as we built something new in the adventure tourism space Show less

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  Ridge north america

  May 2021 - now

  Business & project development manager

  Ridge North America builds its business strategy around the Play, Stay, Live philosophy—investing, partnering, developing, and managing hospitality and tourism assets. We collaborate with leading brands like Pursuit, Marriott International, and Wyndham Hotels, while also developing our own tourist attractions, market rental apartments, and commercial properties across Western Canada.As Business & Project Development Manager, I work closely with the President, CEO, VP of Finance, Chief Revenue Officer, and Executive Director of Hotels to lead, coordinate, and drive successful real estate developments. My role involves managing teams of architects, engineers, contractors, marketers, and municipal partners to bring hotels, tourist attractions, and commercial properties to life. Additionally, I support operations teams in optimizing performance across our existing portfolio.Our goal is to create exceptional experiences, drive sustainable growth, and develop properties that shape communities.ACCOMPLISHMENTS- Successfully project managed the completion of several Development Permits: 33-unit apartment, 180-room Marriott branded hotel and comprehensive development, 118-unit apartment multi-building complex. Worked with a wide array of professional agencies like DIALOG, Formois Architecture, civil engineers, environmental professionals and several municipal governments. - Lead the complete branding process for Ridge Noth America with Evans Hunt marketing agency- Completed all Marriott franchisee above-property management certifications. - Owner-rep project managed the completion of two commercial rental buildings suited for food & beverage Show less

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  Art gallery of golden-kicking horse culture

  Nov 2022 - now

  Chair of the board of directors

  Leading the Board of Directors in a Policy Governance framework, I support the Executive & Artistic Director while ensuring the long-term vision and impact of the Arts Council.Key Responsibilities: • Strategic Leadership – Guide long-term visioning and ensure alignment with the council’s mission • Governance & Representation – Advocate for the interests of the council’s moral owners • Board Management – Set meeting agendas, chair meetings, and oversee governance policies • Executive Support & Succession Planning – Led the national search, recruitment, and contract negotiations for the E&AD transition • Policy & Oversight – Conduct ongoing policy and operational reviews, ensuring alignment with governance best practices • Performance & Impact Monitoring – Oversee Ends monitoring to track progress and effectivenessFocused on strengthening arts and culture, ensuring sustainability, and enhancing community engagement Show less