TRANSMISSION #23 // BODY ARMOR & CLIENTS

 

There are two things that take up the majority of my time right now.

Mountains and work.

 

 

I am trying to establish a balance with the two.

6AM to 8:00AM: Emails and editing

9AM to 12:30 PM: Skiing or snowboarding (unless the 20 cm rule is in effect)

1PM to 6PM: Writing

 

This is a pretty consistent schedule for me.  I’ve found that creative challenges are better met when sliding down a mountain and sitting at a desk is much easier after heavy doses of fresh air and powder.

 

But for both to be successful choices need to be made on gear and clients.

 

Growing up in the mountains, time spent in the military and extensive travel have taught me most successful adventures are largely due to reliable equipment.

 

I’m also pretty big on scoping out the background of a company.

Do they stand behind their product (I break everything)?

Are they contributing positively to their industry or just camping out for sales?

Does their marketing numb my mind, feel detached or actually speak to the product and its environment?

A few of my prime selects:

Triple Aught Designs: kick ass quality outdoor clothing and gear

 

Salomon: My choice for snowboards, snowboard/ski boots, bindings, skis and tough footwear

 

Arc’teryx: Excellent jackets and pants that take all sorts of abuse

 

Hestra: Best.  Gloves.  Ever.

 

Smith: First rate eye-wear and a surprisingly good snowboard helmet

 

Trek: I own two of their mountain bikes

 

Red Mountain: Best. Ski hill.  Ever.

 

I’m also someone who has often and usually quite spectacularly smashed themselves to pieces.

A motorcycle helmet saved my life.

A flak jacket stopped shrapnel from tearing apart my lungs.

Arm protection meant a shattered elbow instead of a missing limb.

Impact resistant lenses meant a black eye instead of blindness.

Yes, I know.

I should just stick to writing.

And yes, I take my choice of gear very seriously.

 

Also, I take who my clients are going to be very seriously.

Is their primary goal money?

Are they passionate about the project?

Do they follow a process, respect their own people and love what they do?

 Are they assholes?

 

What I have learned, through trial and error, is what I want to be a part of: something worthy of my time and energy.

Just like when I purchase gear.

I want to enjoy it, feel confident in recommending it and continue to use it.

Of course it can be extremely difficult (especially as a contractor) putting yourself in a position where you choose who you want to work with and for.  But I have been down this route too many times to do it again.

A bad flak jacket, a shitty snowboard and an unprofessional client can really ruin your day.

 

But, choose I do.

I avoid those who hate their jobs.

I don’t work with teams who are afraid to try things differently.

I say no to companies who don’t respect their employees or customers.

 

It would be great to think that everyone creating a piece of ski gear, a videogame, a helmet, a TV show, a mountain bike or a movie were doing their absolute best to make something reliable and top notch.  It would be great to think everyone involved wanted to be there and wanted to be proud of their efforts.

 

Once I choose the right client I do my absolute best to ensure the experience is a good one (a few hours of fresh snow and clean air during the work day helps).

 

We all have to work.  We all have to earn a living.  The experience needs to be rewarding for everyone involved.

I’m fairly confident that on their deathbed nobody ever said they wished they had worked more.

 

END TRANSMISSION.

 – SEAN

 

***All these shots are mine – except Trek, Triple Aught Design and the asshole  – no photographer listed