Starting in the rental shop in 2016, Jack was promoted to Experience Ambassador in 2021. In 2024, he was promoted to Rental Shop Supervisor, and to Rental Shop Manager in 2025. Monday-Friday, Jack is a project manager at Alpha Graphics.
Q: How did you first get involved with skiing/snowboarding, and what led you to working at Great Bear?
A: I first got involved snowboarding in like 7th grade. A group of buddies invited me out with them on a Friday night and I was hooked from there! What led me to working at Great Bear was that my best friend Keanu and I were looking for a part time job for the winter our freshman year at SDSU. I heard from a few buddies that it was a great place to work so we applied and now here we are!
Q: How long have you been at Great Bear, and how has the rental shop/lodge changed since you started?
A: Oh Gosh, I would say it’s year 9, almost 10 I have lost track of time! Since I have started I have seen the rental shop go from paper rental forms and processes to going fully online with the evolution of our rental season passes! I truly am an old man out here now!
Q: Do you ski or snowboard—and what’s your favorite run at Great Bear?
A: Snowboard! JJ’s all day everyday!
Q: If you’re not at the Bear, how do you like to spend your free time?
A: In my free time I enjoy hiking, spending time with my friends, girlfriend and family, good music, traveling and watching any football but especially the best team in the NFL the Cleveland Browns and THE Iowa Hawkeyes or SDSU (Go Jacks!) for college!
Q: What do you enjoy most about helping guests get out on the hill for the day?
A: All in all making sure they are ready to have a good time and want them coming back for more! I love to see beginners get hooked on winter sports!
Q: What would you say to someone visiting Great Bear for the first time?
A: Take your time and do what you feel comfortable with! We all started at the same place and skill level!
Q: One thing you must have with you every shift?
A: Coffee or some sort of caffeine!
Q: Describe a busy rental day in three words.
Pure controlled chaos- but in a good way!
Meet the rest of the Great Bear team: https://www.greatbearpark.com/about/team/
