The Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce and the Revelstoke Mountaineer are partnering to share our new Young Professionals Series in late May and June. We’ll be profiling select under-35 Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce members to highlight the dynamic new wave of chamber membership and their contributions to local commerce and the community of Revelstoke. The weekly series culminates in a workshop and social event on June 23, featuring displays on small business technology innovations and a networking event. Welcome to our first Young Professionals Series profile:

Izzy Lynch

Professional Skier & Sales and Marketing Manager, Mica Heliskiing

What is Mica Heliskiing and what do you do for them?

Mica offers exclusive small-group heliskiing based out of our heli-access luxury lodge that is located on the north side of Kinbasket Lake (150 kilometres and a short helicopter flight north of Revelstoke). My job is to manage the brand and marketing initiatives for the company.

I am also a professional athlete and ambassador, representing Arc’teryx, Giro Snow, Salomon, Dissent Labs and Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

What’s your advice to an ambitious newcomer to the Revelstoke private sector who’s looking to move up?

At first glance small towns like Revelstoke can seem like a super challenging place to build a career, but the potential for growth in this community is huge in so many different realms. As a newcomer, your ideas and fresh perspective on our community are invaluable. Contributing to committees and organizations that interest you are a great way to showcase your skills and connect with people that can help you achieve your goals. Be patient, be creative and make sure to tap into the resources that are available for support and education, such as the Columbia Basin Trust, the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce, and with time you will be exactly where you hope to be.

Do what you’re passionate about and you can’t go wrong. Izzy skis in Mt. Yotei, Japan. Photo: Robin O’Neill

Through your professional involvement in Revelstoke, what positive benefits do you deliver to the community?

The community of Revelstoke has given me so much inspiration and support over the years, and I hope to give back by spreading the word about this amazing place, and creating collaborative work opportunities for locals as much as possible through the work that I do. I am also working on developing a corporate social responsibility program for Mica, and giving back to the community is a big part of that.

More than anyone, what individual (outside of your family) inspires you the most?

It is so hard to pick one individual! I have been inspired by so many different people in various stages of my life — from athletes to artists to coaches to entrepreneurs and CEOs. I could more easily pinpoint the individual quality that inspires me the most and that is having undeniable passion for whatever it is that you do. The fire I see in other people wholeheartedly pursuing their goals is very motivating to me.

What’s your biggest accomplishment in your professional career?

I would say the accomplishment I am most proud of is co-founding and directing the Live It! Love It! Foundation, a non-profit that provides outdoor adventure opportunities for people with disabilities. It was established in 2011 and I spearheaded fundraising, marketing and operations for three years. The foundation has since relocated to Victoria, B.C. with co-founder Jeff Scott, but I believe its roots will always be in Revelstoke. A large portion of the funds that helped it get off the ground were raised here, and the community has always stood behind it in a really incredible way.

Share a secret with our readers about doing business in Revelstoke.

We live in a passion-driven community, and the people that thrive here value authentic experiences and relationships above all else. There are many of us working towards the common goal of balancing our lifestyle and having a successful career. In a small community that often requires wearing a number of different hats and a lot of collaboration. Being flexible and creative is key to success.

Some perks of the job. Izzy Lynch on a pillow set while out with Mica Heliskiing. Photo: Mike McPhee

What are some passion projects you’re involved with outside of work?

Almost every job I have ever had started as a passion project. I have always believed if you do what you love you are automatically successful, regardless of what you are earning, or your title. I followed my passion for skiing and the outdoors to Revelstoke, and it has opened doors for some really amazing opportunities.

When I first moved here it was really important to me to connect with the families and youth in the community and share my love for the sport. I spent a season coaching a community freeride program — we called ourselves the Revelstoke Mountain Freeriders. It has been amazing watch some of those kids grow into amazing athletes who I now get to chase around the mountain!

I have also coached for Girls Do Ski Camps for many years, and this past winter my sister and I hosted our own Backcountry Ski Camp at Amiskwi Lodge — the backcountry lodge that our parents built when we were kids.

The work I did with the Live It! Love It! Foundation definitely changed my life, and inspired the Revelstoke Adaptive Ski Program, which I helped establish with a group of awesome individuals in town.

My love for skiing and travel has also led me to filming and working with Sherpas Cinema, Solos Productions and Unicorn Picnic Productions. I love the idea of turning a mountain adventure into an inspiring work of art, and continue to scheme up ways I can explore the world on my skis to capture the beauty of far off mountain ranges in words and on camera.

Why do you choose to be a member of the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce?

The chamber does a great job at supporting initiatives that are in the best interest of our community and offers great benefits to its members.

What’s your go-to saying?

Live what you love.

When I’m not at work I’m:

Outside! Skiing, running, biking, climbing, writing, travelling, doing yoga.

How can Revelstoke Mountaineer readers connect with you?

www.izzylynch.wordpress.com

Instagram: @izzy__lynch

Twitter: @izzylynch

Facebook: facebook.com/izzylynch