As I'm sitting down to write my annual letter, I think it's finally setting in that we're beginning our 10th season already. It feels like barely weeks ago that I was calling my friend Jeremy to bounce ideas of a good name for a new ski shop. I suppose there really is truth to the phrase "Time flies when you're having fun!" Over the last decade, we've seen massive changes not only at On The Edge, but in our community, the snowsports industry, and the environment. As much as we cannot forget where we've been, it's equally as important to look at where we are going, and even more crucial to consider the legacy we will leave behind.
In a broad sense, we think of a legacy as what our generation is leaving for the next. The environmental impacts of our societies and the way we respond play a big role in our day to day lives. The more we learn about the effects that our actions, both large and small, have on the environment around us, the more we can strive to make better decisions. It's been amazing these past months to be able to brainstorm with industry partners and local government agencies and work on ways to be more responsible, efficient, and accountable. Working together is the best way to grow and we're blessed to be part of a community and industry that is making this particular legacy a top priority.
However, leaving a legacy applies to much more than just the environment. Often, we think of the physical side of a legacy, or the "what" that is left behind because it's the easiest for us to understand. We like to think of a legacy in terms of numbers. The "things" we leave behind, from money and property to achievements and accolades have a value we can assign. Interestingly enough, the "what" becomes almost contrary the what it means to leave a lasting legacy. Paul put it very well when he says "And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love. But the greatest of these is Love." Notice it's not the stuff that remains, it's this other side of a legacy that has a much more powerful and lasting impact. The "what" eventually crumbles. Achievements get overshadowed, records are broken, and stories get blurred. But if you want to remember something clearly, it's not the "what", it's the "how" that we think of. How the feelings of being respected, cared about, and even treasured can bring an unfocused memory immediately into sharp relief. That's because those impressions are left with the people around us by a lifetime of putting in the effort, working hard, and not choosing the easy way out. That's a legacy. That's what lasts from generation to generation without ever fading.
We recently lost someone who left that kind of legacy. Not only how he made us feel, but an incredible roadmap of how to do it. Everyone he came into contact with, whether for 5 minutes or 50 years was left with those same sensations. His example is evident in the people he was close to and will be something we strive to emulate until the end. My biggest hope for the shop is that our passion and love for the snow translates into showing how much everyone who comes through the doors means to us, just like he did. While these first 9 seasons have taught us so much, we can't wait to see what the future has in store. Hope to see you in the shop soon!
Let it Snow!
James Graef (Owner)
In a broad sense, we think of a legacy as what our generation is leaving for the next. The environmental impacts of our societies and the way we respond play a big role in our day to day lives. The more we learn about the effects that our actions, both large and small, have on the environment around us, the more we can strive to make better decisions. It's been amazing these past months to be able to brainstorm with industry partners and local government agencies and work on ways to be more responsible, efficient, and accountable. Working together is the best way to grow and we're blessed to be part of a community and industry that is making this particular legacy a top priority.
However, leaving a legacy applies to much more than just the environment. Often, we think of the physical side of a legacy, or the "what" that is left behind because it's the easiest for us to understand. We like to think of a legacy in terms of numbers. The "things" we leave behind, from money and property to achievements and accolades have a value we can assign. Interestingly enough, the "what" becomes almost contrary the what it means to leave a lasting legacy. Paul put it very well when he says "And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love. But the greatest of these is Love." Notice it's not the stuff that remains, it's this other side of a legacy that has a much more powerful and lasting impact. The "what" eventually crumbles. Achievements get overshadowed, records are broken, and stories get blurred. But if you want to remember something clearly, it's not the "what", it's the "how" that we think of. How the feelings of being respected, cared about, and even treasured can bring an unfocused memory immediately into sharp relief. That's because those impressions are left with the people around us by a lifetime of putting in the effort, working hard, and not choosing the easy way out. That's a legacy. That's what lasts from generation to generation without ever fading.
We recently lost someone who left that kind of legacy. Not only how he made us feel, but an incredible roadmap of how to do it. Everyone he came into contact with, whether for 5 minutes or 50 years was left with those same sensations. His example is evident in the people he was close to and will be something we strive to emulate until the end. My biggest hope for the shop is that our passion and love for the snow translates into showing how much everyone who comes through the doors means to us, just like he did. While these first 9 seasons have taught us so much, we can't wait to see what the future has in store. Hope to see you in the shop soon!
Let it Snow!
James Graef (Owner)