Standing Sideways
| What a winter to get on snow. An old-school sort of year for snowfall, sledding, and above all else, snowboarding. There is something special about standing sideways whether surfing, skating, or riding. Going against the grain a bit and braced to take on what lies ahead. Burton Snowboards is an iconic Vermont company that launched in 1977. Jake Burton Carpenter and Donna Carpenter for no logical, sane or easy reason, felt the world needed something fun, different and expressive to do on snow. |
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And, that’s what entrepreneurs do. They disrupt when it makes no sense. They sell ideas and build products without asking permission first. They charge ahead without having a market analysis in hand and by simply ignoring “the way things have always been done.” And so Burton’s entrepreneurial journey began to introduce a new sport to the world, build a culture that attracts talented people, and design the best clothing and boards on the planet [AK forever]. The company continues to lead with authenticity, innovation, fun and obsession over the riders themselves. No company or team is perfect, but Burton is coming up on 50 years in business and as much a part of Vermont’s identity as Ben & Jerry’s, maple syrup, and Heady Topper. Donna and her family continue to advance snowboarding and boardsport communities around the globe. |
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In 1981, I first tried a Burton Backhill that Vermonter and early team rider Mark Heingartner had brought to our high school in Massachusetts. Totally hated it. Stupid idea. So, I stayed with my Olin IV skis until I tried riding again in 1992 with a couple of UVM buddies in Vail (on a Kemper rental). Wow. I got it. And, I’ve been standing sideways on a Burton board ever since without regret. Life changing. What is less well known is how these founders have helped others along the way, as a result of their business success. 2025 marks the 30th anniversary for the non-profit Chill Foundation that Jake & Donna started to introduce young people to boardsports. So far, Chill has served more than 30,000 people in 9 countries. Young people get to try a new sport, build confidence, find mentors, and share smiles for miles. |
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Without snowboarding, there is no way I would be in Vermont, met my amazing wife or fathered two amazing groms. Today, most of my (non-powder) mornings are filled with looking for the next undeniable founders like Jake and Donna who want to launch a company and relentlessly take on the status quo. See ya on the slopes! -Dave |
