JIM BARR

– Founder, President, Writer, and Host

From slopes to hiking trails, for over 20 years Jim Barr has been exploring Western Canada, on both sides of the Canadian Rockies. For several years, Barr shared his adventures as a travel writer in both newspaper and magazines, becoming an expert on the slopes, resorts, cities and everything in between.

His strong people skills and acute business sense have given Barr the key tools to helping others, especially not-for-profit groups. Barr has worked with a number of major charities, raising both funds and support – including Big Brothers, Big Sisters through a Climb for Kids program. Through this initiative, Barr travelled to some pretty lofty heights, including Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro and along the way, met some amazing people.

He owns his own business, Track & Trail Adventures, a company that specializes in pairing unique, sometimes remote destinations with the Wilderness Medical Society, providing hands-on opportunities for doctors and other medical personnel to learn right in the field.

As for SnowSeekers, "That’s the fun part – I get to introduce the world to some of my favourite places, the best destinations that Western Canada has to offer."

 

RICK MACDONNELL

– Manager of Communications

The lone Maritimer on the SnowSeekers staff, Rick MacDonnell moved to Western Canada all the way from small town Inverness, Nova Scotia. Originally hired as a researcher and writer, MacDonnell's responsibilities have increased exponentially since joining the team in the fall of 2009.

Now serving as the primary web editor, lead writer, and community & mobility manager, MacDonnell didn't even know how to ski until a few years ago. Growing up on the east coast, he didn't have many opportunities to hone his skills on the slopes. But during his time at St. Mary’s University, MacDonnell took a trip out west to Jasper’s Marmot Basin, where he fell in love with the exhilaration that only comes with flying down an 8,500 ft mountain. 

After graduating from St. Mary’s with a degree in English and Philosophy (exactly why, he can't even tell you), MacDonnell attended the Publishing program at Ryerson University in Toronto. It was there that he cut his teeth as an editor with Colborne Communications, where he was able to work on publications as varied as medicine, franchising, and philanthropy. 

With SnowSeekers Inc., MacDonnell has finally been afforded the opportunity to blend his two greatest passions: writing and sports. Still a relative newcomer to Canada’s greatest snowbound destinations, MacDonnell is nonetheless throwing himself headlong into the deepest pow that SnowSeekers can provide. 

"What really excites me is making connections with people, be that with an article, the SnowSeekers smartphone app, or a social media conversation. SnowSeekers has allowed me to connect with people all over the world, while exploring the best that Western Canada has to offer. I'm not sure it gets any better than this."

 

AARON WONG

–Video Producer

He may not look it, but Aaron Wong was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He's currently a student at NAIT, taking video productions. An an afficianado of behind-the-scenes featurettes, Wong was lured to the film industry by the act of creation moreso than the creation itself.

Growing up in Edmonton, Wong did not lack exposure to the elements. He grew up around snow, it was a part of his life. Naturally, he took to snowboarding at an early age. To this day, it is still near and dear to his heart. And since he loves making videos, and he loves to snowboard ... why not combine them?

 

DAVID CHAN

– Web Developer

Born and raised in Alberta, David has spent more time on computers than on the slopes, thanks to the tendency of trees getting in his way. With a computer background from NAIT and a heavy dose of self taught skills, Chan first worked with Seekers when he helped to code a management system for the company as a school project and has since moved on to working for Seekers maintaining and updating their digital properties.

The opportunity to broaden his knowledge while providing a challenging and stimulating environment is one that he greatly appreciates.

 

JONAS BROOK

– Digital Marketing Specialist

Brook has always found a way to have the work-life balance tip towards life. He has been combining his love for recreation and work since he was very young. This started during high school when he worked at local golf course and ski resort. University was not different; he began his apprenticeship as a CPGA golf professional.

After university Brook did what every graduate with a Commerce degree would do  – go to Whistler, where he taught snowboarding for four seasons. He is currently a CASI III and is actually a CSIA I, but “shhhhh – it’s used for emergencies only.”

In 2003 Brook started working in the advertising industry as a digital producer. He worked on brands such as Adidas, Tide, Downy and eTrade Canada.

After taking a sabbatical season in Whislter, followed by three months in Hawaii, Brook headed to Sydney Australia’s Northern Beaches to continue his career. Sandwiched between 5:30 a.m. and late afternoon surf sessions, he worked at Y&R Brands - one of Australia’s largest advertising agencies. 

He had the privilege of working on iconic Australian brands such as Tim Tams, Shape, Telstra, CareerOne and other brands including Microsoft, HP, NSW Tourism and Dell. 

SnowSeekers offers an unprecedented opportunity to combine Brook’s passion for digital marketing with skiing and snowboarding.

 

KATIE CORRELJE

– Marketing Associate

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Correlje has spent as much time as possible in the Rockies with friends and family over the years. Passionate about travel (she's been to 10 countries), Correlje is excited to blend her two passions with Seekers Media.

Already with an Accounting degree, Correlje is currently attending NAIT in pursuit of a Business Marketing degree.

 

 

 

THE SEEKERS MEDIA CORRESPONDENT TEAM

 

Lisa Kadane is a Calgary based writer recently re-joining the freelance world after a seven-year stint as a lifestyles reporter at the Calgary Herald. Recent credits include WestJet’s Up!, Powder, Western Living and Swerve Magazines. She also writes the Spirited Calgary cocktails column in the Calgary Herald. She is excited to once again be writing about her passions of skiing, festivals and travel—now with two young kids in tow—and looks forward to helping Seekers expand its “family friendly” content offerings.

 

Jeremy Derksen originally hails from Calgary, AB, where he grew up spoiled by the nearby Rockies. He now lives in Edmonton and cherishes every moment in the mountains. After five years as the outdoor adventure editor at Vue Weekly, he launched a successful freelance career for publications including The Ski Journal, Globe and Mail, Calgary Herald and Avenue magazine. Family man Derksen—similar to Kadane—is out to help Seekers expand its “family friendly” content offerings.

 

Boyd England started his pre-professional ski career in the early 1980’s at Edmonton’s Rabbit Hill. For Boyd it’s all about, “Where can I explore next?”  His writing credits include a six year freelance travel and ski writing stint with the Edmonton Sun & Vue Weekly.

 

Laura England has been on skis or a board for as long as she can remember. With 10 years of freelance writing under her belt with publications including The Edmonton Sun and Vue Weekly, England has shared many experiences in mountain resorts, local hills, and festivals.

 

Megan Gibson has a brilliant career in tourism development now spanning over ten years.  Her background includes being on the sales and marketing team for The North Face, VIA Rail, Marmot Basin, Tourism Jasper, Tourism Whistler and brings with her a “worldly” view to her writing style. 

 

Kamren Farr is an avid snowshoer, Nordic skier, and back-country enthusiast who recently launched the Storm Snowshoe Series in Edmonton. Storm is a fun way to enjoy winter and discover the fun of romping through the snow with friends and family. Kamren is also responsible for Salomon’s Five Peaks Trail Running Series.

 

Curt Derbyshire is a regular contributor to the Crowsnest Pass Promoter and the Pincher Creek Echo, Derbyshire will bring his unique brand of levity to the Seekers Media team. A lifelong skier, Derbyshire is excited to bring his passion for all things winter to the Seekers audience.

 

John Devitt has been Living in Revelstoke for the past five years, which has allowed him easy access to the finer things in life: powder, steep lines, first tracks, and some outstanding outdoor adventures. John writes “Higher Ground,” a weekly column for the Revelstoke Current. Prior to his time with the Current, John was the Executive Director of the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce and Revelstoke Tourism.

 

Amber Hayes is one of the principal owners of AdventureEngine.com and LiftBusinessCoaching.com, Amber Hayes is also a professional presenter on adventure travel and technology. Based in Rossland BC—as a business coach—Hayes combines her passions for both business and skiing by offering strategic planning sessions and business coaching in the ski environment of her client's choice.

 

Sterling Todd Keys is a former Albertan, now finds himself residing in the heart of the Comox Valley and within a stone’s throw of one of Canada’s deepest snowpacks at Mount Washington. A habitual photographer and writer by nature, his continued presence on the SnowSeekers Facebook page eventually led to him joining the team as a correspondent through the winter of 2010/11.

 

Zoe Kruschke is, if you can believe it, just 14 years old, and has already been skiing for eight years (both downhill and cross-country). Downhill skiing, along with yodelling from the chair lift, is her all-time favourite winter activity. It brings a ton of adventure into her life, to say the least. Besides being a huge fan of both Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter (not to mention David Bowie), Kruschke loves to write and ski. Now, with Seekers Media, she gets to do both! Always itching to hit the pow, Kruschke hopes her writing will inspire many other teens to rip it up, too.