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Winter 2012
Escarpment Magaz ine
Escarpment:
Where do you see BMR in 20 years?
Gord:
The Resort should be fully developed although it will have taken
us 60 years beyond Jozo’s tenure. Development will include completion
of many of the things we have now—skiing, attractions,lodging, meet-
ings—Jozo’s vision which will never fade.
We will be intricately connected to an increasing number of outside ac-
tivities provided by smaller entrepreneurs. People will find and/or make
their own adventures at Blue Mountain. I believe the Resort will differ-
entiate itself by continuing to be active and energetic and in some ways
edgy - as we’re currently doing for example with downhill mountain bik-
ing. It will be Mountain and Village ‘centric’.
This will continue to be a place of activity where a growing market of
energetic people are attracted—people who live here but might work
globally, active retirees and their families. It will become increasingly
more refined, developing a strong sense of balance and be even more
strongly connected to the permanent community offering new products
for residents that will meet future demand. For example our famous 5x7
and night passes has made skiing affordable for everyone, especially
locals. Thinking in the same vein, BMVA just made arrangements with
the municipality for local youth to use Plunge! The ideal situation is to
have a happy sharing of local guests and visiting tourists. Local guests pro-
vide a base for the development of a facility that provides a draw for and
enhances the experience for the tourist. Financially, the investment will
make sense and both markets, tourists and locals will be satisfied.
Escarpment:
What's your favourite run?
Gord:
Dr. Doug and although there’s seldom a time when no-one is on
it, I love skiing L-Hill to the bottom.
Escarpment:
What's next on your horizon?
Gord:
Stay fit. Enjoy retirement with my friends (most of whom are al-
ready retired). Continue to represent our investors as Chairman. I want
to be here, along with my Sister, to be a support for my Mother. I will
continue to contribute to the community and will volunteer for things and
events that appeal to me. I do want to travel more and spend lots of time
with my Grand kids.
Escarpment:
What have we missed? Got any anecdotes?
Gord:
Well we’re condensing a lot of years here but I remember
George’s racing buddy from school, John Hetherington who offered in-
valuable help with our marketing early on. Among other things, he per-
suaded me to read 60 second ski grooming ads on the radio. It wasn’t
a natural thing for me to do but boy those spots really worked.
One other time I recall is back when I was trying to sell cross country skis
for another of Jozo’s ventures. I was demonstrating the flexibility to an
Eaton Centre account when the ski snapped in two. I wasn’t a salesman.
Jozo was. Although it wasn’t his passion, Jozo’s Blue Mountain Pottery
business was really successful and helped fund the early days of the Re-
sort. I remember his wanting to depart from the classic green swans and
other figurines they were known for by introducing earth tones. I was
dating Kathy in those days and one night he came in and exclaimed,
“Those G.D. swans keep selling!” Today, all these years later, there’s a
Blue Mountain Pottery Collectors Club - he’d like that.
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