CHEERING ON THE AMAZING GRETCHEN BLEILER by Amy Stanton
When I first started my business in 2006, I wasn’t a big sports fan. I wasn’t an Olympics junkie. I hadn’t ever seen halfpipe snowboarding.
Unexpectedly, my uncle and his best friend Kathy offered to introduce me to a snowboarder who had just won the silver medal at the Torino Olympics (she was Kathy’s niece). I said “of course” and went into the meeting thinking it would be amazing to meet Gretchen… I had no idea that the meeting would lead to such an important relationship, both personally and professionally.
Gretchen and I clicked from the beginning and in a flash, Gretchen and I were working together. I was suddenly fully immersed in snowboarding, action sports and all that goes along with it. It was a major change from my corporate life in NYC to say the least!
Needless to say, the past seven years (wow!) of working with and knowing Gretchen have been very special. She is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met and I feel incredibly fortunate to count her among my dear friends. In addition to being a powerful force in her sport, Gretchen is a kind and genuine person who recognizes that she has a unique gift and a platform to have a positive impact in the world. She pushes herself to be her best on all fronts and inspires all of us to do the same.
As the snow season begins, I can’t help but look back on the wild ride of the past seven years with Gretchen – my business wouldn’t be where it is without her and my life wouldn’t be the same without her as a friend. To say that I feel fortunate would be an understatement.
For more on Gretchen’s road to Sochi, check out her website and blog.