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Jon Schaefer is a seasoned executive with 20+ years of experience in management, strategic planning, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He has led the transformation of several ski resorts, including Catamount Mountain Resort, Berkshire East Mountain Resort, and Big Red Cats - Cat Skiing and Riding. Jon holds an MBA from Stanford Summer Institute for General Management and an undergraduate degree in Economics from Middlebury College.

Experience

  • Big Red Cats - Cat Skiing and Riding
    • Rossland, British Columbia, Canada
    • President
      • Sep 2021 - Present
      • Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

      I spearhead the acquisition of British Columbia’s premier single-site cat skiing operation. My role involves recruiting and partnering with elite industry professionals to elevate our guiding standards, refine operational systems, and upgrade equipment. I have supported our staff in implementing new policies and practices that will significantly boost overall business efficiency and elevate staff performance.

  • Schaefer Resort Management
    • Charlemont, Massachusetts, United States
    • Consultant, Hermitage Members Club | Bousquet Ski Area | Middlebury Snowbowl | Future SRM Projects
      • 2021 - Present
      • Charlemont, Massachusetts, United States

      In this role, I oversee the revival of the Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain, managing strategic overhauls and recruitment to reactivate operations after prolonged dormancy. I also administer renovation and operational challenges at Bousquet Ski Area amidst pandemic impacts. My role includes supervising major infrastructure projects, such as new lifts and snowmaking systems, ensuring efficient collaboration with local teams. Additionally, I guide the revitalization of Middlebury Snowbowl and consult on the acquisition and upgrade of an East Coast ski area, focusing on infrastructure improvements and strategic financial planning.Key Accomplishments:► Relaunched Hermitage Club under stringent COVID-19 protocols, ensuring operational compliance and member safety.► Facilitated divestment of multiple properties, optimizing club’s asset portfolio in alignment with strategic financial goals.► Expanded club membership to 400 active members and secured robust financial standing, leaving establishment with fully competent management team and solid fiscal foundation.► Engineered and managed significant capital improvement projects at Bousquet Mountain including the lift and snowmaking installations and overhaul, boosting resort's operational capabilities and visitor experience.► Implemented new high-voltage electrical system and installed revamped ski lift, drastically amplifying resort's functionality and safety standards.► Helped Middlebury College secure acquisition and layout of new SkyTrac Quad and performed the installation of a new night skiing lighting system, significantly upgrading resort's infrastructure and guest experience in summer of 2023.► Counseled board on strategic expansions and improvements in snowmaking capabilities, ensuring sustainable growth and operational efficiency for Snowbowl.

  • Catamount Mountain Resort
    • Egremont, Massachusetts, United States
    • Managing Partner
      • 2018 - Present
      • Egremont, Massachusetts, United States

      In this position, I lead the acquisition and comprehensive transformation of Catamount Mountain Resort, strategically positioning it as a top regional destination near NYC. I manage extensive capital projects, such as new lift installations, trail expansions, and major facility renovations. I head infrastructure enhancements, including extensive snowmaking and electrical upgrades, contributing to the resort's operational efficiency and enhancing the guest experience.Key Accomplishments:► Coordinated and completed over $22M in capital improvements, including North America's longest zip line and creation of steepest, longest ski trail in southern New England, significantly elevating resort's appeal.► Doubled resort revenues within three years through strategic upgrades and effective management restructuring, positioning Catamount as leading ski destination in region.► Developed 25 ski-in ski-out lots and advanced plans for 250-room ski-in ski hotel, significantly expanding lodging capacity and elevating resort's market position.

    • United States
    • Recreational Facilities
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Managing Partner
      • 2008 - Present

      I lead the transformative evolution of Berkshire East into a premier, year-round recreational destination. I oversee major capital projects in renewable energy and ski area development, consistently pushing the boundaries of sustainability and entertainment. My role involves spearheading the construction of cutting-edge renewable energy facilities and state-of-the-art recreational amenities, such as zip-line canopies, ski lifts, and mountain bike trails. This initiative significantly uplifts both our infrastructure and the overall visitor experience. I manage all operational aspects, from expanding snowmaking capabilities and trail development to enhancing food and beverage offerings, driving substantial growth, and diversifying our business portfolio.Key Accomplishments:► Pioneered installation of renewable energy systems at Berkshire East, making first ski area worldwide to run entirely on onsite renewable energy through integration of 900KW wind turbine and 500KW solar field.► Built Thunder Mountain Bike Park and expanded Berkshire East into regional powerhouse, culminating in construction of new facilities like 8K sq ft lodge and launch of mountain coaster, which raised year-round appeal and operational scope of resort.► Navigated challenges of COVID-19 pandemic by expanding snowmaking capabilities with 150 new snow guns and optimizing ski trails, alongside securing $1.1M septic grant to support infrastructure for increased visitor capacity.

    • GM
      • Jan 2006 - Jan 2009

  • Green Frame Inc
    • Middlebury, Vermont, United States
    • Co-Founder
      • Apr 2005 - Apr 2008
      • Middlebury, Vermont, United States

      Founded a custom timber frames. Built 10 structures by utilizing the techniques of classical timber frame construction. Specialized in using native timbers sourced from the clients property.

    • Ski Coach
      • Sep 2004 - Apr 2005

      Coaching ski racing

  • Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS)
    • Waitsfield, Vermont, United States
    • FIS Alpine Ski Coach
      • Dec 2003 - Apr 2004
      • Waitsfield, Vermont, United States

Education

  • 2020 - 2024
    Middlebury College
    Economics
  • 2008 - 2009
    University of Vermont
    Business
  • 2008 - 2008
    Stanford Summer Institute for General Management
    Business

Suggested Services

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Industry Focus. “Tourism and Leisure”

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