Dec 21, 2021
From running the rental shop at Sugarloaf to becoming president of Sunday River, Dana Bullen joins Nancy to talk about his career in the ski business. While it may have been all about the snow when he started his career, Dana describes how people also take their experience into consideration, from the food to guest services. It all comes back to the snow at the end of the day, so Dana describes the importance of snowmaking and how Sunday River shares the snow conditions with their audience.
5:06 – After running the rental shop at Sugarloaf for less than two weeks, Dana explains how he knew he wanted to be the president of a ski resort.
7:17 – Dana describes the Sunday River brand and how he has helped continue to build it.
10:23 – Dana talks about how much marketing has changed over the years and how Sunday River has adapted.
14:46 – Nancy asks Dana about his personal brand.
19:34 – Dana shares the importance of snowmaking at Sunday River.
23:09 – Dana explains how Sunday River promotes its snowmaking.
25:51 – Dana describes how he trains team members to achieve a common vision.
31:13 – Dana provides a resource that changed how he looked at his role and responsibilities.
Quote
“It's about the snow and the food. It's about the snow and the way you treat my children. It's about the snow and guest services. All of those pieces and all of the different places that people touch us, starting with the website, make us who we are and they all need to add up to something positive. Just the snow alone doesn't cut it anymore, but it all comes back to the snow at the end of the day.” – Dana Bullen, President of Sunday River.
Links:
Honig Vineyard & Winery: https://www.honigwine.com/
L.L. Bean: https://www.llbean.com/
Shawnee Peak: https://www.shawneepeak.com/
Saddleback: https://www.saddlebackmaine.com/
Lost Valley: https://www.lostvalleyski.com/
“The Servant” by James Hunter: https://www.amazon.com/Servant-Simple-Story-Essence-Leadership/dp/0761513698
“The Infinite Game” by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek/dp/073521350X
Listen to Karl Strand’s episode to learn more about Sugarloaf.
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About the guest:
With more than 30 years of ski industry and management experience, Dana Bullen began serving in his current role as resort president of Sunday River in September 2004. Prior to his promotion, Bullen worked as vice-president of partnership marketing for American Skiing Company where he oversaw corporate partnership programs for the company’s entire network of resorts. He worked his way up the ski-business ladder shortly after earning a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Maine Farmington in 1988, holding various positions at Sugarloaf as well. In 2017, he was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. A native of Farmington, Maine, Dana enjoys skiing, fishing, hunting and the Maine outdoors.
Looking to connect:
Email: dbullen@sundayriver.com
Website: www.sundayriver.com