Guest Donna Carpenter, Owner and Chair of the Board for Burton, dives into the history of Burton, their biggest challenges, and the importance of creating and supporting the snowboarding culture. She discusses building a family culture within the company, embracing failure and learning from mistakes, breaking barriers in the industry, and the significance of sustainability and giving back. They also touch on the Chill Foundation, masculine and feminine leadership styles, the concept of the four agreements, snowboard setups, and the future of the sport.
Snowboarding provides healing and solace in challenging times.
Snowboarding can be a powerful tool for physical and emotional healing.
Surprise trips and experiences can have a profound impact on a snowboarder's well-being.
Snowboarding offers a spiritual and therapeutic experience of freedom and presence in the moment.
The Chill Foundation empowers underprivileged youth through board sports and positive youth development.
Deep dives
Reflecting on Snowboarding's Impact on Healing and Wholeness
Snowboarding is a healing and uplifting activity that has helped me navigate life's challenges, including injuries and loss. After Jake's death, I found solace and freedom in snowboarding, riding every day that I could to feel his spirit and be in the moment.
The Healing Power of Snowboarding for Kimmy Fasani
Kimmy Fasani, a snowboarder who battled cancer, found immense healing and energy by getting back on her snowboard after her last chemotherapy treatment. Snowboarding allowed her to feel invigorated, uplifted, and reconnected with her passion for the sport.
A Surprise Trip to Ball and Face
In a heartwarming gesture, Kimmy Fasani's husband, Chris, arranged a surprise trip to Ball and Face with the support and help of Donna Carpenter. This trip came after Kimmy's last chemotherapy session and marked a significant moment of healing and rejuvenation as she returned to the snowboard. It was a memorable experience that provided Kimmy with a sense of freedom and the opportunity to reconnect with the sport she loves.
Snowboarding as a Spiritual Experience
Snowboarding is more than just an activity. It holds a deep spiritual significance, providing a space for self-expression, healing, and feeling connected to something greater. The sense of freedom and being present in the moment that snowboarding brings is a powerful and therapeutic experience for many riders.
The Chill Foundation: Changing Lives Through Board Sports
The Chill Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to change lives through board sports. Started by Jake and Donna, the foundation provides opportunities for underprivileged youth to participate in snowboarding, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and skateboarding. With programs in 20 cities across nine countries, they serve around 3,000 kids annually. The foundation not only teaches board skills but also focuses on positive youth development, instilling values like perseverance, courage, and pride. The goal is to make the outdoor world more equitable and to empower young individuals to take positive risks in their lives.
The Resilience and Growth of Burton
Burton has been a pioneer in the snowboarding industry, known for its innovation and leadership. The company's growth and success have had a significant impact on the sport as a whole. From the beginning, Burton prioritized supporting the snowboarding community, sponsoring riders, competitions, and investing in the development of the sport. While there have been challenges and criticisms along the way, Burton's commitment to its values and responsibility as a leader in the industry remains strong. The brand continues to push boundaries and support initiatives that promote the growth and inclusivity of snowboarding.
Donna's Personal Journey: Sobriety and Mental Health
Donna shares her personal journey of sobriety and mental health challenges. She initially got sober in 2001 and experienced years of sobriety before relapsing during a difficult period in her life. However, with the support of her children and a three-month break from work, she found her way back to sobriety and embarked on a new period of healing and growth. Donna emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and vulnerability in the recovery journey. She believes that sharing her experiences openly helps to reduce stigma and offers hope to others who may be on a similar path.
The Impact of the Burton Brand on Snowboarding
Burton, as the largest and most influential snowboarding brand, has played a vital role in shaping the sport. The company's commitment to promoting snowboarding and supporting its community has been instrumental in the growth and development of the industry. From sponsoring professional riders to organizing and sponsoring competitions, Burton has been at the forefront of driving snowboarding forward. Despite the challenges that come with being a pioneer and industry leader, Burton's ongoing dedication to snowboarding continues to impact the sport positively.
The Legacy of Jake Burton: A Commitment to Innovation and Fun
Donna Carpenter, the CEO of Burton Snowboards, discusses the legacy of her husband Jake Burton and their shared commitment to innovation and fun in the snowboarding industry. She talks about the importance of staying connected to the snowboarding community, the challenges women face in the industry, and the need for sustained investment in long-term innovation. Donna emphasizes the significance of aligning personal strengths with the goals of the company and being a giver, rather than a taker. She also mentions the success and impact of Burton's step-on bindings and her belief in their potential to advance the sport further. Overall, Donna's story exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a passion for snowboarding.
Owner and Chair of the Board for Burton, Donna Carpenter, is uncensored, unapologetically herself, and boy do we like it. For some reason, almost all of us snowboarders have something in common. Regardless of our upbringing, snowboarding has been there for us to turn to in rough times and in good. Many of us have found a family through snowboarding and no matter who you are, you have a space here. Since day one, Donna has been committed to not only creating but cultivating and supporting this culture we all know as home. We dive into the history of Burton, their biggest challenges, and everything you need to know about Donna Carpenter. So sit down and buckle up for the conversation of the century on this week's episode of The Bomb Hole!
