Employee of the Year is an honor reserved for a select few; those who show tenacity day after day, season after season. We recognize the grit and determination to make a difference in those they work with, and the guests we serve, all while utilizing the values we strive for. Employee of the Year is a designation held by a choice group who take that to the limit every day and keep coming back for more. Each year this group of team members is recognized as the best of the best at an annual dinner in their honor.
Larry joined the mountain operations team at Jay Peak in 2012 as a lift attendant at the Jet chair, embodying the spirit of the resort’s values—hard work, dedication, nurturing relationships, and appreciating differences. Larry, with his previous career as a steeplejack, brought resourcefulness and fearlessness to the team, frequently assisting Ski Patrol with his expertise in rope systems during lift evacuation practices. His natural leadership, shaped by a strong work ethic, made him an integral part of the team, inspiring his younger co-workers and contributing significantly to the community and the next generation of Jay Peakers.
Larry’s role evolved as he became the principal operator at the bottom of the Taxi chair, a lift often used by beginners. He excelled in this position, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all riders, whether adults or children. Known for his attention to detail, such as stopping the chair if the bar was not lowered, Larry made a lasting impact on those he interacted with. As he prepares for his final season in 2023-2024, Larry remains a testament to the principles of hard work, community involvement, and mentorship, inspiring all with his unwavering commitment and dedication despite life's challenges.
Nominated by David Marchand
Tyler Blais exemplifies hospitality at Jay Peak, having dedicated 13 years to various roles, including the Pumphouse, Condo Housekeeping, and the Front Desk, where he has become one of the top supervisors. His commitment to quality assurance is evident in his proactive approach to guest satisfaction, such as personally cleaning and delivering a fan to meet a guest's standards. Tyler's ability to identify and resolve issues seamlessly, along with his meticulous attention to guest requests, showcases his dedication to exceptional service, even during busy times like President's Week.
Tyler's natural compassion and genuine care for guests distinguish him in his role. His ability to listen without judgment, maintain patience, and stay calm under pressure has earned him admiration from both colleagues and guests. Consistently arriving early and staying late to ensure smooth transitions, Tyler embodies Jay Peak's commitment to authentic customer service. His efforts have garnered numerous accolades from guests, reflecting his unwavering dedication and the positive impact of his hospitality on the resort’s reputation.
Nominated by Steve Wright & Olivia-Mitchell Eby
Eric has been heading up the Bullwheel at Stateside since its creation in 2014, assembling a fantastic team that demonstrates exceptional teamwork. His ability to communicate effectively and understand our business needs has made him a tremendous asset. Eric handles various responsibilities with ease, including managing bands, promotions, staff parties, and equipment issues. His capability to run a tight bar while maintaining the respect of his staff is commendable. The flexibility he shows, whether staying open for new events or offering new products, provides invaluable peace of mind.
Eric's leadership at the Bullwheel ensures smooth operations and a positive atmosphere. His dedication to the bar and its patrons is evident in his proactive approach to problem-solving and his willingness to adapt to new challenges. Eric's respect for his team and his ability to foster a collaborative environment contribute significantly to the bar's success. The comfort of knowing that this location is well-managed under Eric's guidance is a testament to his reliability and expertise. Thank you, Eric, for your outstanding contribution and for consistently going above and beyond to ensure the Bullwheel's excellence.
Nominated by Chris Clements
I've had the pleasure to work side by side with Lizzy since 2016. During this time, we have developed a great friendship as well as a great working relationship. Lizzy works closely with the mtn ops and facilities teams on a daily basis. She has a wide range of job functions that she performs at a very high level. Her roles include making sure accounting functions inn mtn ops and facilities management, signage creation and design, meeting minutes, maintaining the operations manuals for all our buildings, materials ordering, keeping closets full of uniforms, and countless other tasks.
Personally, I have found Lizzy to be a great soundboard for new ideas, problem solving and really anything I need help with. Her grasp on all things Jay Peak is very impressive. Lizzy's productivity saves our operations departments a tremendous amount of time and allows us to run more efficiently and at a higher level. Lizzy is a working mother which takes a lot of drive and patience. Those are 2 of her best qualities.
It is with great pleasure that I nominate Lizzy for employee of the year. Through her great work we all do a better job. Thank you, Lizzy, for everything you do.
Nominated by Andy Stenger
Ryndee left her home in Reno, Nevada, to join Lift Operations at Jay Peak four years ago. She began as a Lift Attendant and was quickly promoted to Lift Operator due to her impressive work ethic and guest service skills. Her dedication and competence led to another promotion the following year, making her a Lift Operator Trainer. Additionally, she started working on the Tram during the summer, showcasing her versatility and commitment.
Last fall, with a pressing need for a new Lift Operations Supervisor and few qualified applicants, Ryndee was approached for the role. Despite limited training and supervisory experience, she quickly mastered the position, assembling the best and most diversified team of Lift Attendants and Operators in nearly three decades. Her leadership fostered a collaborative and positive work environment, resulting in excellent guest interactions and minimal HR issues among the 55 employees she managed. Ryndee's alignment with the vision of prioritizing safety, positive guest interactions, and job satisfaction has made her an invaluable team member. With further training over the summer, we know she will exceed expectations again next winter.
Nominated by Craig Parrish
Jen Eveland is a consummate professional, a trusted colleague, and a tremendous human being, epitomizing the very best of Jay Peak. Three traits that make Jen exceptional especially stand out: her dedication, her emotive capacity, and her resilience.
On Dedication, Jen is the go-to person for financial matters, consistently accepting responsibility and responding to questions and requests with her deep historical and technical knowledge. She combines these skills to help others navigate challenges, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to her role.
Jen's emotive capacity makes her office a haven for counsel, friendship, and camaraderie. Her listening skills ensure that conversations remain focused on the visitor, providing a much-needed respite.
On Resilience, Jen stands as a rock in adversity, quickly gaining perspective and moving forward, calming stormy seas for those around her. These professional qualities are complemented by her rich personal life as a loving parent, engaged family member, and community-oriented individual. Pursuing a degree to further her growth, Jen truly lives the Jay Way. We celebrate Jen's contributions and accomplishments and wholeheartedly support her in all she wishes to achieve.
Nominated by Jim Gazley & Rob Hodgkins
Courtney returned to Jay Peak last year as our new housing coordinator, bringing energy, spirit, and a positive attitude that make her a pleasure to work with. She is highly organized, detailed, and always on the move, never one to just stand around. Quickly mastering the elements of her position, Courtney adeptly handled tenants, facilities, lease agreements, and rent collection. She consistently came up with successful solutions to challenges, seamlessly collaborating with HR, Maintenance, Security, and Transportation, and developing positive relationships with all teams she interacted with.
Courtney cultivated a very positive residential atmosphere for the J1 and H2B tenants, knowing each by name and being well-loved and appreciated by them. This personal connection played a pivotal role in the departments' success with their J1 and H2B employees this season. Her dedication and effective problem-solving significantly contributed to a harmonious work environment. I thoroughly enjoy working with Courtney and look forward to many more days ahead. This is why I am nominating her as the employee of the year.
Nominated by Tom Howell
Justin rejoined the Jay Peak team in November and has quickly become an indispensable member of the Human Resources team as the Recruitment Specialist. Despite his tenure being less than a year, his contributions in the past six months warrant recognition and praise. From the outset, Justin immersed himself in his role, seamlessly navigating through the busiest period of the year for HR with his pre-existing connections and resort knowledge. He tackled the complexities of international recruitment with finesse, demonstrating proficiency in managing legalities, formalities, and deadlines associated with visa programs, while also fostering genuine connections with incoming team members and assisting them in acclimating to a new environment.
Justin's proactive approach to recruiting, characterized by innovative ideas and relationship-building efforts, underscores his dedication and problem-solving skills. He collaborates closely with department managers and team members, maintaining professionalism and respect even in challenging situations, and readily offers assistance to other departments when needed. His personable nature and infectious enthusiasm create a positive atmosphere in the office, making colleagues feel welcomed and uplifted in his presence. Justin's exceptional performance in his first season sets a promising precedent for future accomplishments.
Nominated by Katie Tremblay
John Mayhew was an all-star in condo housekeeping this winter, starting in December and quickly acclimating to the resort and its various duties. He consistently gave 100%, tackling challenges, weather, driving conditions, and heavy workloads with positivity and teamwork. John is a great multi-tasker with an eye for detail, efficiency, and appreciation. He not only supervised, transported, and supported his teams effectively but also assisted his co-supervisors during busy times. At the end of each day, he would check in with the office, thank the staff, and ensure everything was in order before heading home. His unwavering readiness to help made him indispensable.
John’s sixth sense for anticipating needs kept his crews working efficiently, with units inspected quickly and lost items promptly addressed. His communication was exceptional, providing periodic updates and having plans in place for unforeseen challenges. His efforts were instrumental in the overall success of the condo housekeeping team this winter, ensuring that work was consistently completed on time despite any obstacles. Without John, many days could have had different outcomes, but thanks to his outstanding work ethic, the department ended the season on a positive note.
Nominated by Lisa Morse
Craig Parrish, Lift Maintenance and Operations Manager, embodies the qualities of a staff member deserving of this nomination. He is 100% committed to his job, consistently learning and improving, caring deeply about his teammates, and being level-headed, easy-going, and easy to communicate with. Craig manages several technically challenging lifts at Jay Peak, many of which require significant attention. Despite occasionally expressing frustration with the lifts, he never complains about his job and is dedicated to doing excellent work. Craig puts in the necessary time, often working on his days off and responding to calls at any hour, ensuring the lifts run smoothly.
Craig is committed to personal development and improving all aspects of his position, including leadership, technical, communication, and writing skills. As a manager of two departments and a member of the Mountain Operations Division, he has built strong relationships with State regulators, maintaining credibility and ensuring his team excels in lift maintenance. Craig's leadership fosters a cohesive, high-performing group of technicians who share his level of commitment. His focus on team effort and motivation makes working with him an absolute pleasure.
Nominated by Walter Elander
Zach's first season as a supervisor at the Waterpark has been a game-changer, bringing invaluable qualities to the team. He seamlessly blends friendliness and fun with a serious commitment to safety and customer service, earning the respect of his coworkers and peers. Zach's wealth of customer service experience and respectful communication style have made him an indispensable asset, handling difficult scenarios with grace and earning admiration from both staff and guests alike.
Zach's infectious energy and willingness to go above and beyond have set a high standard for the team, contributing significantly to the waterpark's success this winter. His hands-on approach, whether assisting guests in the pool, ensuring safety on slides, or tackling routine tasks, has inspired and motivated the staff. Despite the challenges of the job, Zach maintains a positive attitude and makes a genuine difference in the workplace. The team appreciates his dedication and impact, with many expressing gratitude for his leadership and contribution to the waterpark's dynamic atmosphere. Zach's presence has truly made a positive difference, and his commitment to excellence deserves recognition and appreciation from the entire team.
Nominated by Tyler Paxman
Gina joined us at the start of the 22-23 Season, initially feeling apprehensive about her role as a lift operator but eager and excited to try something new. She quickly gained confidence and became an excellent operator in no time. Gina has emerged as our go-to person for lift staff training, demonstrating remarkable dedication and reliability. She played a crucial role in setting up various lifts before the season started, assisting with load areas, ramps, boundary lines, and other tasks, showcasing her readiness to tackle any job.
Gina's positive attitude and enthusiasm have made work enjoyable, creating a welcoming atmosphere in the Metro shack. Her consistent attendance and reliability have been so appreciated and contributes directly to the success of our team. Gina's impact goes beyond her role as a lift operator; she fosters a sense of camaraderie and support among the team, making her an invaluable asset. I am grateful for her contributions this season and hope she continues to be part of our team in the future, bringing her reliability, work ethic, and exceptional training skills to lift operations. Gina truly shines as a bright light in our lift ops world.
Nominated by Ryndee Cortez
I am nominating Gretchen for Employee of the Year for her dedication and commitment to our department and resort.
Over the course of the years Gretchen has been very consistent member of the team, from the covid years and beyond she has been a steadfast server in our restaurants and does not shy away from any location to assist at the resort. Her concern for the guest and the operation she is working in is evident by her communications from making sure we have the correct message out or regarding equipment repairs needed for the job. This also includes making sure the lights are set on the correct timers to ensure safety for our guest leaving the Clubhouse.
Her readiness and attendance are outstanding, ready to go on every shift. During the past spring she was very helpful in plugging holes in the schedule and this was much appreciated. I look forward to the summer season and slinging Friday night pizzas with Gretchen and the crew at the clubhouse. Thanks for another great season.
Nominated by Chris Clements
Timmy is simply the model staff member, showing unmatched dedication throughout his 11 seasons with us in SRS. Not only does he excel as the head snowboard trainer, but he also takes on multiple leadership roles, including head coach for our Freeride Team, lead for our SnoGo program, and fill-in lead for various snowboard and stateside programs. His workload is considerable, yet he approaches every task with enthusiasm and passion, always striving to give his best.
Timmy's infectious attitude and tireless work ethic set the tone for the team, whether leading training clinics or working with young learners on the slopes. His professionalism and expertise garner high praise from guests, reflecting his deep commitment to his craft. Timmy's recent involvement in launching our SnoGo program highlights his proactive approach and dedication to innovation, resulting in increased participation and success. His dedication to Jay Peak symbolizes his profound commitment not only to our department but also to the resort as a whole. We are grateful for Timmy's ongoing contributions and proud to have him as part of our team and the Jay family.
Nominated by Rob Riedl
Fiona Wilde excels as a Front Desk Supervisor, possessing remarkable customer service skills and a genuine, engaging personality. Her ability to initiate interesting conversations and maintain a welcoming atmosphere at the front desk is unparalleled. Fiona's attentiveness to guests' needs, both in person and over the phone, demonstrates her commitment to providing outstanding service. She effortlessly turns around frustrating situations, using her creative reasoning and follow-through to ensure guests enjoy their vacation experiences.
Fiona's skill in building rapport with guests is most notable, transforming frustrated callers into relaxed, happy individuals who feel like old friends after just a brief conversation. Her knack for incorporating engaging conversation into customer interactions highlights her exceptional customer service abilities. Fiona's dedication and proficiency make her a deserving candidate for recognition as Employee of the Year and an all around cornerstone for the Lodging department.
Nominated by Lisa Morse
