Long before snowboarding became a globally-recognized Olympic sport, Donna Carpenter had been catching air on slopes around the world. After graduating from college, she and her husband, Jake – who founded what would become Burton Snowboards – moved to Austria where they grew their business and introduced Europe to the snowboard. Sales boomed overseas and eventually they moved back to the United States, where Carpenter took on the role as the company’s Chief Financial Officer and helped propel Burton Snowboards to the popular, almost cult-like, status that it has today.
A female executive in a male-dominated business, Carpenter has devoted the latter half of her career to creating an inclusive environment for both men and women at Burton Snowboards. As President of the company, she created a company-wide Women's Leadership Initiative and instituted career mentoring programs for female employees that led to a 30% increase in women in leadership positions. Her latest initiative, BurtonGirls, is an online destination dedicated to reminding girls that snowboarding isn't just for boys.
Here, the mother of three, shares the apps that help her find perfect hikes, and check run conditions.
To Connect: Yammer
We have a global community here at Burton, so it’s amazing to see what everyone is working on around the world. From international office travels, product news, global Flagship store events and garden parties, to recycling efforts, employee anniversaries, customer feedback, major climate initiatives we’re involved in and pro rider posts about their adventures – Yammer keeps us all connected and informed in a fun way.
To Stay Fit: MindBody Connect
When I’m on the road, I can easily find a local yoga class in the area to drop into. There are helpful studio and class descriptions, and I can conveniently book and pay online.
To Locate: Peaks
I love this for all of my backcountry adventures in winter and summer. I just point my phone up at a mountain, and it tells me everything about it so I can find the perfect spot to hike up or ride down. Plus it uses GPS, so I don’t have to be online.
To Keep Track: Anon
With Anon’s iPhone app, I can track my days on-snow and it’s also great to see what our Team Riders are up to with the Live Team Journal feed.
To Shred a Mountain: EpicMix by Vail Resorts
When I’m at Vail for Burton’s US Open, I can quickly access trail maps, lift status, run conditions, and weather reports, as well as track vertical feet in the Back Bowls, share photos and connect with friends on social media.
For more information and inspiration visit MariaShriver.com