“You’ll never work a day in your life, if you love what you do”
As the Environmental Sustainability Manager for Heavenly Mountain Resort, Frank Papandrea works to reduce the company’s energy use and increase efficiency. His passion for sustainability stretches into his position on the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day planning committee, El Dorado County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and the South Lake Tahoe Renewable Energy Committee.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Frank Papandrea!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
I oversee and manage the environmental sustainability and compliance efforts here at Heavenly Mountain Resort. At Vail Resorts we are very focused on reducing our footprint. In 2017, we announced our Commitment to Zero, which is a bold pledge to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030. We are actively working to reduce our energy use and to be as efficient as possible with what we do consume, as well as increasing what our resorts in Tahoe V can divert away from landfills through partnerships and operational changes. Heavenly has been able to more than double our food waste recycling volumes in the past year, (Thanks to our amazing partners South Tahoe Refuse & Full Circle Compost) and the sky is the limit on what we will accomplish into the future.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
In 2018 I led a group of 3 Colorado University of Boulder graduate students on their environmental capstone project. The project was focused on reducing our waste to landfill as a company with a focus on the CO resorts. We completed comprehensive waste audits and assessments at both Vail and Breckenridge. This was an eye opening experience for all of us and we were able to help Vail Resorts better understand what we throw away, and what we should be focused on in terms of waste reduction and employee training. The students all graduated in December 2018 and I couldn’t be more proud of what they completed and delivered to us. This experience helped me to be a better leader and realize the influence I can have.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
“You’ll never work a day in your life, if you love what you do”
Who is your role model?
My Father, Frank. He taught me the value of hard work and discipline at a young age, and has been my greatest supporter over the years. Whenever I have career questions, or need advice on anything he is always there to lend an ear and talk me through things.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
I grew up in New Jersey and spent my time in college in the Appalachian mountains of upstate NY, and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. I then spent about 10 years living in the Vail Valley and Summit County, CO working for Vail Resorts there. When my wife Theresa and I moved to South Lake Tahoe in 2012, it was the perfect opportunity for us to settle down here, continue in our careers with great organizations, and start our family. Tahoe is such an incredible place to live, work, and play. Its proximity to my wife’s family in the Bay Area, and the year-round recreation options here are just a few of the reasons we love it. I love living close enough to be able to walk to the lake, and catch a free skier shuttle bus to Heavenly. Raising 2 daughters who are 3 and almost 6 here is a lot of fun too, as this is such an awesome mountain environment and community.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
Yes, I participate on the South Lake Tahoe Earth Day planning committee, and am the South Lake Tahoe Community representative of the El Dorado County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and the South Lake Tahoe Renewable Energy Committee. I am one of the founding partners and lead coordinators of the LTUSD and Zephyr Cove Elementary 5th Grade Epic Promise Winter Adventure Program. This takes place on snowshoes at the top of the Tram. We just completed our 4th year of educational programing stations and served over 300 children and teachers/chaperones. Lastly I love helping out at the numerous community clean-up days that the League to Save Lake Tahoe and Clean-Tahoe put on.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Anything outside. Swimming and relaxing on the beaches at Lake Tahoe all summer, skiing and snowboarding with friends and family, Stand-Up Paddle boarding, and biking.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds
Nevada Beach, Round Hill Pines Beach, Ski Run Marina and Beach, and Fallen Leaf Lake.
My family I love and eating tacos at Chimayo’s, the Blue Angel Café, McDuffs, and Aleworx.
Do you know a deserving young professional? Nominate them here.