Image courtesy of Mike Kaplan and The Little Nell
Where did you grow up?
Highland Park, Illinois, the suburbs of Chicago.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I went to high school at Stratton Mountain School, where I studied skiing! Then I attended CU Boulder, where I studied skiing (and International Affairs), and earned my MBA from the University of Denver, where I also studied skiing!
What was your career path at Aspen Skiing Company?
I was in ski school management from 1993 to 1999, became VP of operations in 1999, then took on the role of COO in July 2005 and CEO in November 2006.
What did you love most about your time with Aspen Skiing Company?
Besides skiing, the people I got to interact with. That includes the employees—both those I’ve known and worked alongside for decades and newer team members just beginning their careers—and the many guests I’ve gotten to know on chairlift rides or otherwise developed relationships with over the years. Many of these friendships have lasted a lifetime, and I hope they will continue beyond my tenure as CEO.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could play the guitar, sing, and speak Spanish. I would drive the Baja California peninsula, camping, surfing, and strumming my way down to Cabo—but get back here in time for winter!
Where would you most like to live?
Where I do now: Aspen.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Ibis Ripley mountain bike.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I don’t believe in “perfect,” and I think happiness is a practice, not a feeling. Dedicating my life to pursuing my passion—life in the mountains—and sharing and sustaining it, is incredibly rewarding and all consuming. I feel fulfilled for having had this opportunity and am excited about what’s to come.
When and where were you happiest?
Right here and right now. Looking back, if I had to do it over again, I’d be right where I am.