“I met Abby a few years ago when she worked as a sales associate here at The House. From the start, Abby seemed calculated and eager to perform to the best of her ability, and “climb the ladder” at our company. After a short 6 months of sales, she jumped into a buyer position and has been charging hard since. Abby’s love for being on snow is nothing close to amateur, starting on skis at a young age and transitioned to standing sideways as a teenager, gives Abby the drive and passion that makes her a perfect fit inside the walls of The House. Ask around and everyone gives you an easily automated answer of who she is, “Abby is the shit!”. A southern Wisconsin transplant turned Twin Cities local has only begun her adventure in our snow sports industry and it does not seem like that will be changing anytime soon. Good beer, cheese curds, packers attire, family & friends and her snowboard is all Abby needs to keep her stoke high and her passion thriving.” -Tanner B.
Title:
Buyer
DOB:
7/20/1990
Hometown:
Mukwonago, WI
First off why don’t you tell everyone a little about yourself?
Ah, where to start. I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, where I spent most of my life, until moving to Minneapolis about four years ago. I was a super shy kid who learned to ski when I was six and then switched to snowboarding when I was in high school. That was roughly fifteen years ago, I can’t believe it’s been that long! I actually bought my first snowboard here at The House, not even knowing where or what the shop was. Little did I know that I’d end up working here. Anyways, I’d go with my three best friends Tanya, Ally, and Sam every day Alpine Valley was open after school and on the weekends. We made most of our close friends there and ate all the Bosco Sticks they had. During college, I went to Devil’s Head resort near the Dells where I ended up meeting my boyfriend, and a year and a half later I ended up here in Minnesota. Best decision I’ve made.
Classic ski to snowboard switch.. When did you start working here at The House?
Ha yeah, honestly I was tired of the snowboarders throwing snowballs at me for being in the park. But that’s the past ha..kidding. I started working here about three months after moving to Minnesota in the heart of the busy season as a Sales Associate. I knew Stephan Jende and a few other people before working here, so it helped to adjust in a new job in a new state. About six months into that position I started to transition into more of a buying and data entry role.
-Abby’s snowboard roots run deep. Posted up on top of Mt. Hood with her original crew-
What is your official title here at The House?
Officially, Buyer. I started buying mostly Women’s apparel, then men’s apparel and footwear. I’m currently buying our outdoor brands and women’s outerwear.
Give us a rundown of your day to day duties.
In the office, I’m doing more back-end PO work and reporting, but the fun days I get to meet with vendors to view upcoming lines for future seasons at tradeshows. It’s really cool to see how much each brand has evolved over the years. Every day is a little different though which keeps it fun and interesting.
Tradeshows are always a good time. Are there any pitfalls to your job?
Honestly, I wouldn’t say there are any pitfalls. I work with some really rad people, and any challenges are a learning experience. I still have a lot to learn. Luckily, this is the best industry to work in, everyone’s awesome.
Snowboarding’s the best and so is everyone involved I agree. So you grew up at Alpine Valley in Wisco but where would you call your home resort now?
It really is, I’m honestly happy anywhere I snowboard as long as everyone is having fun. There are so many good hills around here, but every Sunday morning I meet my boyfriend’s step-dad at Afton for some morning laps and Bloody Marys. It makes my weekend..hanging out with some friends and a bunch of retired ski bums at Afton Alps.
-Family and close friends are all Abby needs to make an epic day on hill-
Afton seems to be a hot spot around our midwest metro. Going back to Wisconsin for a bit what’s your favorite thing about the dairyland?
Cheese curds and the Packers obviously. Almost my entire family lives out there so I love heading back there for the Holidays and spending time in Milwaukee. Milwaukee reminds me of a smaller Minneapolis, but there is a festival around the 4th, called “Summerfest” and it’s one of a kind. I try to go every year if I can.
Do you love Spotted Cow as much as I do?
Don’t be mad, but it’s on tap everywhere in Wisconsin so I never thought much of it. Fat Squirrel and Moon Man by New Glarus is where it’s at. Next time, buy a variety pack!
-She’s just as comfortable in the sun as she is in the snow. Grand Canyon trip a few seasons ago-
Ouch… Are you sure you’re from Wisconsin? Fat Squirrel and Moon Man are pretty good though I’ll let that slide. Is there anything you would like accomplish through your job or your snowboarding that you have yet to do?
I get that all the time, haha. I’d love to travel to a resort in a different country though, like Japan or France. A bunch of friends have been on snowboard trips out of the country and say it’s unbelievable. I’m hoping to go somewhere in the next year or so.
I heard there is a classic Wednesday night routine for here in Minneapolis? Sportys Karaoke? Highly recommend?
Oh yeah, Deanna is the best. She runs Karaoke out there and will put my name in for a song without me knowing so you never know what you’ll hear from me. Anything from Amy Winehouse to Kelis. Cole (my boyfriend) and I will sing Karaoke weekly if we’re lucky. Definitely, recommend! Make sure you bring Stephan with to sing the Banana Boat song though.
Banana boat huh? He seems more like a Total Eclipse of The Heart kinda guy. Any last shout outs or thank yous you would like to give to anyone?
Definitely, thanks to everyone here at The House for making this place so great. Thanks to my friends who get me out snowboarding and travel with me in blizzards at 3 am to places like Mt. Bohemia (Korynn). And shoutout to the gator gang (yep, that’s what we called ourselves in High School).
-Riding with your homies is the only way to do it. Abby with some OG House heads-
Thanks for chatting Abby!
No problem!
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