First Week On the Job

As I write this, I have officially been on the job for a week and have lived in the Ironwood area for 12 days. I would like to begin my first musing by commenting on both the professionalism and welcoming nature of the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails Foundation board of directors in both the hiring and onboarding process. Everyone has been so incredibly supportive and friendly it is hard to describe in writing. The interview process was the longest (several months) and most intensive I have ever experienced, which is a good thing. This group is serious, they mean business, and they are completely focused on continuing the legacy of the ABR trail system and focusing on our skiing community. I am humbled they chose me to lead implementation.

The Ironwood community has also been amazingly friendly and welcoming – living up to the phrase Ironwood nice (I do understand they may have borrowed this from our friends in Minnesota). There is no doubt this moniker applies completely. Every interaction I have had in town has been incredible. I was lucky to attend the Ironwood Community Development meeting on my first day on the job and was excited to witness excellent discussion on the 20 year plan for community improvement. Everyone was quick to introduce themselves, trade contact information and let me know I shouldn’t hesitate to contact them if there is anything they can do to assist in my transition to the area.

My first week of work has been a deep dive on the structure and overview of the Foundation as well as work on the current operations of ABR. We held a “Work Bee” this past Saturday as a combined effort between the ABR Foundation and the SISU Ski Fest group. About 20 amazing volunteers (one of whom traveled from Illinois, which is absolutely amazing) cleaned and widened Foundation-owned trails to ensure a better race-day experience.

I couldn’t have scripted a better experience for my initial week of work…..but before you think it is all peaches and cream, I did help clean the cabins and outhouses…..not glamorous but all work that must be done to make for an incredible trail experience.

We have some special things happening with the Foundation starting in the month of November. Be sure to follow our social media and subscribe to our newsletter for updates! Looking forward to seeing you on the ABR trails this winter.