ski school director, MOUNTAIN CREEK, N.J. Age: 25 Education: Architectural Design and Construction, SUNY Orange, N.Y. Push to The Latest: No First job in the industry: snowboard instructor, Mountain Creek, N.J. Super power: No sleep! If I didn’t have to sleep, there would be more time for work and play. Six-word bio: "A passionate leader who loves progression."

THE NOMINATION

Tim’s passion has reignited the enthusiasm and culture of the ski and ride school at Mountain Creek. He’s bridged the gap between new and experienced staff, creating a seamless operation. He has been a willing and fast-learning student of his leadership team, ensuring his business is healthy. His ability to connect the vision of Mountain Creek’s leadership with the vision of his team has created opportunity for growth and success. And he has successfully carried the torch of a terrain-based learning program that’s changing the industry in this region. I expect to see great things from Tim.

—Chris Hargrave, Chief Progression Officer, Snow Operating, LLC

The Interview

Tell me about the management structure at Mountain Creek and how it has helped you evolve your career.

Leadership is very important to us. From our resort president and general manager to our departmental managers, we all understand the importance of great customer service, employee satisfaction and fun. I feel supported by each of these people in a unique way, which has helped me develop into a young professional myself.

How would you describe your leadership style? What tactics and strategies have you learned to be effective in the ski school environment?

I would describe my leadership style as fun, positive, and energetic. To me, one of the most important things to remember is that I am nothing more than an instructor, lead, and trainer. This means I teach lessons with the instructors during busy times, help delegate tasks on a daily basis, and work with our training staff to develop our team. Employee morale is huge. Things like ski and snowboard school BBQs, movie nights, pizza parties, and “ride with the boss” days are all very important to employee satisfaction, camaraderie, and ultimately, retention.

Mountain Creek has implemented a terrain-based learning; tell us about this process and some of the challenges you encountered.

Terrain-based learning, or TBL, is nothing short of game changing. I think it’s the best thing to happen to teaching beginners. Challenges we have encountered include “seasoned” employee buy-in, space needs, and snowmaking and grooming requirements. [But] with full resort buy-in, and the proper instructor training, TBL is a very powerful tool. It removes fear, instills confidence and creates a positive experience with minimal consequences.

What accomplishments in your career are you most proud of so far?

This season, my first as SaSS director, our leadership team had a huge impact on employee satisfaction and retention. Out of 247 instructors, 92 percent are committed to returning next season. This was achieved through development of employee recognition programs, rewards for hard work, staff functions and maintaining a fair balance of work and play. We also reduced our total labor costs to 31 percent of revenues, resulting in a 69 percent profit. By offering first-time group lessons every hour on the hour, and advanced group lessons every two hours, we were able to increase participation, guest and employee satisfaction, and instructor availability for private lessons. This also helped to prevent overworking instructors while boosting morale.