Jeff Pensiero, founder of Baldface Lodge, discusses creating a lodge built for snowboarders, raising capital, the backcountry experience, supporting snowboarding, and the value of chasing experiences. They also cover topics like avalanche skills, fatherhood, running a business, and the importance of staying positive and supporting others.
Creating a snowboarding lodge where snowboarders feel celebrated and comfortable with their own unique culture and vibe.
Navigating financial challenges and taking calculated risks to fund and build the lodge.
Adapting plans due to constraints and continuing to remain determined in making the lodge successful.
Baldface's mission is to provide a memorable backcountry experience that promotes connection, inner peace, and community.
Emphasizing the value of experiences over material possessions, encouraging guests to find meaning and fulfillment by immersing themselves in the backcountry.
Deep dives
Meeting Craig Kelly and the Vision of Baldface Lodge
The speaker recalls their first meeting with Craig Kelly, which happened in Nelson, BC. Craig expressed interest in the speaker's idea of creating a snowboarding lodge and they played chess together. The speaker emphasizes their vision of creating a place where snowboarders feel comfortable and celebrated, with snowboards on the walls and a unique culture. They also mention the importance of having guides who cater to snowboarders and prioritize their needs, unlike ski guides. The speaker acknowledges the support and mentorship they received from Craig, Buff, and others, which helped shape their vision and plans for the lodge.
Funding and Financial Challenges
The speaker outlines their financial journey and the challenges they faced in funding the lodge. They used their savings, inherited some money, and took out a mortgage. They leveraged the equity in their house and took out home equity loans. They also met a mortgage broker who introduced them to Rob Lohan, who became their first partner. Rob advised the speaker on creating a thorough business plan and securing more funding. The speaker shared how they continued to leverage their assets and borrow money, being fully committed to their vision and taking calculated risks to make the lodge a reality.
Adapting Plans and Challenges
The speaker shares how they had to adapt their original plans for the lodge due to financial constraints and the events of September 11th. They scaled down their construction plans and built a smaller timber frame lodge instead. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the speaker remained determined to make the lodge successful. They shared their gratitude for the support and partnership they received from individuals like Rob Lohan, who helped guide them through the financial and operational aspects of building the lodge.
The Power of Connecting with Nature and Creating Memorable Experiences
Baldface focuses on creating a memorable experience for guests by providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature and explore the backcountry. The mission of the lodge is to share the infinite wisdom of the backcountry with those who seek it out, prioritizing the experience over material possessions. The goal is to create a connected and inspiring environment where guests can rejuvenate and find inner peace. The focus is on fostering a sense of community and providing a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.
The Value of Experiences Over Things
Baldface emphasizes the value of experiences over material possessions. By creating an environment that promotes connection, personal growth, and inner peace, the lodge offers guests a chance to step away from the pursuit of things and focus on the present moment. The emphasis is on creating memories, fostering friendships, and allowing guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding beauty of the backcountry. Through this approach, Baldface aims to provide a lasting and meaningful experience for every individual who visits.
The Wisdom of Chasing Experiences
Baldface encourages its guests to prioritize experiences over things, recognizing that the true value lies in the connections and memories created. By focusing on the present moment, embracing nature, and fostering a sense of community, the lodge offers individuals a chance to rejuvenate, reflect, and find inner peace. The goal is to help guests step away from the pursuit of material possessions and instead embrace the wisdom and fulfillment that comes from chasing experiences in the backcountry.
Maintaining Relationships with Staff
Maintaining good relationships with the staff is important, but it's not always easy. Sometimes conflicts may arise, but it's crucial to address them promptly and create a safe space for communication and understanding. I try to sit down with individuals involved in conflicts and help clarify any misunderstandings and boundaries. It's important to approach the situation from both perspectives and find a resolution that benefits everyone.
Hiring Process and Evaluating Candidates
The hiring process involves multiple stages, including initial screening by HR and the Lodge Manager. However, before finalizing a hire, I personally meet with candidates to gauge their compatibility with the lodge's environment. I ask thought-provoking questions and observe their reactions to determine if they can adapt to the lodge's unique lifestyle. Finding individuals who can live at the lodge, enjoy the camaraderie, and handle various situations is crucial for building a strong team.
Goal: Building an Awesome Experience at Baldface Lodge
Jeff Pincey aims to establish an exceptional experience at the Valhalla lodge, focusing on generating a steady cash flow and accommodating guests in a similar manner to what is provided at Baldface Lodge. He plans to retire once this goal is achieved or pass the business on to a worthy successor who can maintain and elevate its legacy. Jeff expresses gratitude towards the individuals and companies that have supported him throughout his journey, including Dave Thomas, Tammy, Billy Anderson, Locke, Jeff Curl from Stance, Johan Malowski from Union, and many others.
The Power of Snowboarding and Being Present in the Moment
Jeff emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of snowboarding and the importance of being fully present in the moment. He believes that snowboarding can positively impact mental health and serve as a form of therapy. Jeff encourages individuals to engage in activities they enjoy and not let injuries or setbacks deter them. He also discusses the addictive nature of technology and social media, urging people to be mindful of their choices and embrace the power of being fully present in their lives.
After a heliboarding trip to a lodge who’s décor and vibe was heavily focused on ski culture and realizing that all backcountry lodge experiences were designed around skier’s needs and not snowboarder’s Jeff realized we needed a lodge that was built for snowboarder’s, a place where we felt at home. In this episode we talk Baldface, backcountry, Craig Kelly, Travis Rive, Natural Selection, building a business, raising capital, business advice, supporting snowboarding, the experience, Valhalla and so much more! With a background and passion for resort management Jeff would build Baldface, a place where snowboarder’s could get the ultimate snowcat backcountry experience and then chill at a lodge that felt like a snowboarder’s club house. Join us as we hear direct from Jeff Pensiero how he made Baldface come to life and the road blocks that popped up along the way as well as why Baldface is a special place for snowboarding on this week’s episode of The Bomb Hole!
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