Humans Of The House: Cole Johnson

“I’ve met Cole a number of times throughout the years, whether it be at the annual Trollhaugen Railed Slalom, talking product here at The House, or finding myself browsing through his analog photography via his Instagram @coleslawed. It wasn’t until Cole was hired on full time here at The House that I began to get to know him a little better. In just one year, Cole climbed the ladder from full-time shop employee to showroom sales manager, and if you’ve ever met Cole you know that’s kind of his style, no half-assing. A peaceful and humble demeanor is matched with a strong sales confidence, and deeply rooted Midwestern workhorse mentality. Cole has all the right tools to lead a team of knowledgeable salespeople here at The House, with a passion for snowboarding and the great outdoors being his driving force to provide customers with exceptional expertise and service they need to make them fall in love with snowboarding just like we all did. Our shop is in good hands with this guy, don’t forget to stop in and say hello!” -Tanner B.

Title:
Showroom Sales Manager
DOB:
04/23/1989
Hometown:
Osceola, WI, USA.
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Give us some insight. Tell us about yourself.
I never know what to say in these things. Grew up just down the road from Trollhaugen, I was there every day after school. I went to college for graphic design, started working in shops to get involved in the snowboard industry with the hopes of doing design for snowboard companies, but now I’m pretty at home in the retail world. I’m also a nerd for all things Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and snowboard specs. I’ll probably try to sell you a CAPiTA or some Unions.

What was your first snowboard experience? How did that come about?
First time seeing snowboards was in a CCS catalog back in middle school, paired with the upcoming Salt Lake Olympics. Bought a setup with $400 of Christmas money, a Liquid Man 163 Wide, Switch Step-Ins, and Vans boots. Took it to Trollhaugen and promptly lost the board on day one, I think it just fell off a rack and they found it by the lift the next day.

Getting toe side at Trollhaugen’s Railed Slalom a few years back.

What is your current position with The House Outdoor Gear? How did you get into that?
Showroom Sales Manager. I was working retail at the Mall of America, and just decided if I was going to stay in the retail world, it should be selling something I love, so I came to the House last fall as a salesman. I knew a few folks there from having worked at Summit Boardshop during its final season, so that was my foot in the door. When Cory (Hoefs) found out he was gonna be leading a different department, he handed the reins over to me.

What is your day to day like?
I usually start by hopping onto the New Arrivals page on the website, checking to see if anything we’ve been waiting for is finally in, or if there’s anything new and exciting we should be featuring on the floor. From there, it’s tidying up the shop and restocking whenever we’re not busy helping customers. This summer has been a lot of planning what our redesign of the shop will look like for this upcoming winter season.

Anything you’d like to achieve outside of your career? Outside of snowboarding?
I’d love to be able to travel more. My grandparents took me on road trips a lot growing up, which got me hooked, and I always drool over #vanlife posts on Instagram. If I could tie that in with snowboarding, I’d be a happy guy.

Got any hobbies besides standing sideways?
I’m really into concerts, and music in general. I like to collect vinyl and concert posters. I also enjoy art and the outdoors.

A little taste of how Cole gets things done on hill. CAPiTA Kazu Pro and a Korua Shapes Cafe Racer. Dude means business..

Top 5 snowboard films in your opinion.
love/HATE, 9191, Never Not, any of Airblaster’s Month series of movies (December, April, August, March), LANDLINE

How many half drank beverages has Tanner left around the office?
Too many to count…

What is your favorite resort to ride in the Midwest? Favorite resort not in the Midwest?
Trollhaugen. Hands down. I’ve only been to Timberline in the summer and Loveland, but I’d have to go with Mt. Hood.

Any advice for anyone who wants to get into working in the action sports industry?
Get to know folks who are already in it, be persistent. I think I applied to at least one shop every fall starting in Junior High, finally got hired on at Summit almost 10 years later.

Favorite flavor malt from Culvers?
I get shakes.. and vanilla all day.

A king, his vanilla shake, and his castle.

Best Brewery in the Twin Cities?
Able Seedhouse & Brewery, super chill taproom, big outdoor patio, and they support skateboarding and snow sports. They’re also now home to some of the best BBQ around.

Shout outs?
Craig (Weiler) at Summit for giving me a chance, Cory (Hoefs) & Shawn (Mack) for letting me on board here, Tanner (Burch) for this interview.

Last question? Who shot first? Han or Greedo?
Han for sure.

-Tanner B.