Humans Of The House: Shawn Mack

“I applied to The House Boardshop in the summer of 2012. Fall 2013 I got a phone call from Shawn Mack. It was my first legitimate gig working in the industry, and Mack gladly took me under his wing, despite me having close to zero experience working retail. Fast forward 5 years and Shawn has become the leader of Retail Operations here at The House Outdoor Gear, and the length of that title does not begin to scratch the surface of the tasks and responsibilities he takes on head first. Shawn leads a diverse team of outdoor enthusiasts and product professionals to help create a positive and educational experience for those who shop at our stores. If you’ve ever met Shawn, you know he’s as kind-hearted and selfless as he is driven and consistent with his time on and off the clock. Shawn’s determination to create a unique environment for not just our customers but for our co-workers is what made Shawn an obvious choice for our Humans Of The House series. I believe I speak for many people here at The House when I say he’s made a lasting impression as a boss, a mentor and as a friend. This old dog has got some sense and knowledge behind that big beard and thick rim specs so you better listen close when he’s got something to say. Thanks for everything Mack. Cheers.” -Tanner B.
Title:
Retail Operations
DOB:
12/4/1975
Hometown:
Saint Paul via Bemidji via Grand Rapids but I’d consider St Paul my hometown. Technically.

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Alright Mack, lets get down to it. Tell everyone about yourself.
Where do I start…I was born on a Missile Silo base in Minot, ND in the year of our Lord 1975….I’m kidding but not about the Minot part. The year of our Lord part is a joke.

Anyway, I was raised by wolves in the woods in Northern Minnesota….too soon?

I’ve been around this industry for 20 years. I grew up playing sports of all kinds. In 1993, I bought my first snowboard and SUCKED at it. Try as I may for the next 3-4 years I still sucked at it. Broke my ego if you will. I was always good at shit and just couldn’t figure out this snowboard? After I was “let go” at Bemidji State, I managed a pizza restaurant for 5 years, and eventually, I moved to Saint Paul and picked up skateboarding again. When I say again, I mean the last deck I had was a Roscopp eye. That was 2000 or so? I also started working at Vans at that time. Another brand that was clawing its way back. After breaking my ass on a skateboard for 3 years, I walked away from that too. I really admire the athleticism that it takes to be able to skate and snowboard but what I love even more are the people surrounding it. The passion plays out everywhere from artwork, music, and fashion to always pushing what doesn’t physically seem to be possible. I love working in this industry. I have learned a lot along the way and have grown a lot from my day of having Transworld cutouts of Noah Salasnek plastered on the walls of my room.

When did you start working at The House Outdoor Gear?
I got hired as the Assistant Store Manager in May of 2006 and the rest, they say, is history. The House is my home. *enter cheesy cliche* Our retail environment was pretty small when I started here. Its pretty rad to see it grow to where it is now. We have the best people working here.

Did you have any retail experience before working here?
I’ve worked service my entire career. I started in retail in 2000 as the Assistant Store Manager at Vans. I had worked primarily in restaurants prior to that. Funny story, my manager at the time Pete or whatever his name was no called no showed and I had to roll in early for my shift. I roll outside when I go on break and there is fucking Pete folding t-shirts at Aeropostale!!! I couldn’t believe it! Snaked! So, I roll into Aero to confront Pete. Dude, tells me he quit today. I was like no shit Pete! Next day I was the store manager at Vans. I gotta say I fell on my face a lot at that job. But the takeaways for me were awesome. I was able to take what I learned there and apply to The House when I started.

What’s your day to day like?
When I was in the shop, it was full speed ahead for nine months during the busy season and mellow for three. Busy season is insane. From the minute the key gets turned in the morning to the time we close was controlled chaos. Helping 5-6 customers at a time all day is brutal. With that said we still had the most fun and delivered the most fun to our customers.

Now, my objective is to really strengthen our retail family. What I mean is when you come into our shop I want you to have the best experience possible. The way we are able to achieve this is by having the best sales team. These guys know more and have an undying passion for the products we sell. I want to mentor, grow and educate our staff to continue to deliver a high quality experience.

To answer your question, my day to day is different every day. That’s what I like most about what I’m doing here. Not every day is the same. The main objective will always be to make sure our customers get elite service when they shop at our stores.

Jack the Rot, Em and Mack. Three’s Company.

What are some highlights of your position here? Any pitfalls?
I have always been and will always be a team/people/family person. The relationships I’ve made over the 12+ years I’ve worked here are all-time. Whether it’s with local reps, customers or co-workers that will always be what sticks out in my mind.

Pitfalls? Not really. I mean sure the best parts of what I love about this job are also the most difficult at times. And it’s not difficult in the traditional sense, ya know?  I am ALWAYS trying to learn. I am learning on the fly every day and I love that. My relationship with my co-workers at least makes the learning part less difficult.

You’ve grown quite the reputation here at The House. How do you think you’ve made that happen?
I really can’t tell you. Like for me, I always treat people the way I want to be treated. I didn’t grow up with much, and I have always worked my ass off to get the things I want, and I won’t ever stop doing that. I’ve met so many amazing people working here, keeps me hyped!

Got any hobbies?
You know it! I’ve been a member of the St Paul Curling Club, for now, my 8th year, I think? I do that 2-3 times a week all winter and volunteer sometime up there helping out when needed and got to coach Juniors with my daughter a few times last year. A highlight was being invited to the Twin Cities Curling Association bonspiel last year. The top 16 teams in the metro were invited, and it was a…humbling experience. Super fun sport if you’ve never tried it.

And I have a two year old Rottweiler that keeps me busy too.

Beijing 2020 baby! Bring us home a gold Mack!  @St. Paul Curling Club

Give me 5 bar spots in St. Paul that everyone needs to experience.
Tough question. I’m such a Saint Paul homer this makes it even tougher.
1.) The Spot bar on Randolph and Victoria. I wont tell you about it, because it will ruin the surprise.
2.) Costello’s Bar and Grill which is occupied by Red Cow on Selby. I’m pretty sure I spent entire paychecks over the weekend there back in the day. RIP
3.) Jr Macs Bar and Grill on West 7th and Otto. When I first met my wife that’s where we use to go and several of my good friends have worked the over the years.
4.) The Happy Gnome. Talk about elite product knowledge when it comes to their staff. These guys know more about beer and whisky than you will ever know.
And last but not least The Saint Paul Curling Club. It’s open to the public and has great food. I promise it has the best beer prices in the Cities. Especially better than Minneapolis. 

Any shout outs?
I love you mom! And Pizza.

Tanner B.