“I hire about 50 employees every winter and over the past two years was asked to build our transportation department from inception to implementation.”
As the Manager of Base Area Operations of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Ryan Smith oversees all 4 base areas of the resort and managing their ecologically responsible snow mitigation and removal plan. Beyond his work at Heavenly, Ryan also volunteers with Bubbles and Bowties, an adult prom to benefit the Nevada Diabetes Association.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Ryan Smith!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
I oversee parking, snow removal, receiving, and transportation for Heavenly’s 4 base areas, and also manage the sign shop for Heavenly and Kirkwood. I hire about 50 employees every winter and over the past two years was asked to build our transportation department from inception to implementation.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Walking out of my office and watching as the bus line at the end of a busy Saturday cleared one full hour quicker than the previous year.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
“He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone.”
Who is your role model?
A small business owner named Fred Wachter from the town where I grew up. He not only had a successful business that provided employment for many people, but he is also extremely involved in the lives of his five children, and 10 grandchildren, while surfing every morning and competitively racing vintage motocross on the weekends. His impact on his community is unquestioned, and his city is stronger because he is there.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
My grandparents built a home here 44 years ago and I was lucky to take advantage of spending time here as a child. When the opportunity to move here with my family was presented, I came up as a sabbatical from my previous career as a pastor for one winter. One winter turned into two, at which point I was offered a position that grew into my current role.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I am a member of the South Tahoe Transportation Management Association, and volunteer for fellow 40 under 40 Honoree, Angie Zajic’s, Bubbles and Bowties adult prom to benefit the Nevada Diabetes Association.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Wakesurfing with my wife and two daughters.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
During the summer you’ll almost always find us spending our afternoons and weekends in Whiskey Cove, and riding Western Perimeter together in the Winter.
I’m also regularly DJIng at Montbleu on Friday and Saturday nights!