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."

JEREMY SMEREKA

– Web and Mobile Developer

In an extremely short time period, Jeremy Smereka has become a major asset to the SnowSeekers team.

Primarily self-taught over the last seven years, Smereka has developed a keen eye for both programming and web design. Utilizing these skills, he has brought a fresh new approach to Seekers' web developments. His sense of art and design has allowed SnowSeekers, and Seekers Media, to take its online offerings to the next level.

"Working with Seekers Media has helped hone my skills in website development and mobile applications, as well as open the doors to new people and experiences," Smereka said. "One of the things I enjoy the most is being able to say, 'Why, yes, I did create that website.'” Judging from the testimonials we keep receiving from our fans, Jeremy’s doing a fantastic job.

DAVID NEDOHIN

– Advisor

For seven years David Nedohin has been the Executive Vice President for Statusfirm, a digital media company with Core Catalyst, a cloud-based publishing platform designed for simple and rapid delivery and management of content, in particular video (Live and On Demand). Statusfirm was responsible for the development and operation of online channels including CurlTV.com, RawVegas.tv, and HockeyOT.com.

He also served as part of Randy Firby's rink from 1997-2010, a team that won three World Curling Championships & four Briers (Canadian Championships).

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.