Whether hitting the dance floor or getting her team riders to hit the slopes, Susie Floros is the perfect example of a team manager. She is always on time, straight forward and she has one of the best qualities; SHE ALWAYS ANSWER HER CALLS BACK - "ALWAYS". For me this is very important, when we work in an industry where people dont even answer their cell phones. Susie is improving and giving great ideas to Burton's female riders....
Name: Susie Floros
Home Town: Rhinebeck, New York
Current Location: Bolton Valley, Vermont
GEAR:
Boards: Burton: GTwin 50, Blender 51, Malolo 49 for powder
Boots: Burton Supreme Heat
Bindings: Burton Lexa EST
Jacket: B By Burton Rapture Jacket
Pants: B By Burton Residence Pant
Gloves: B By Burton
Goggles: Anon Majestic / color: white
- Tools of the trade
Hello Susie, How is life?
Hello Ed. Life is good!
What have you been up to this summer?
This summer I spent a lot of time at home in Bolton Valley, Vermont. Hiking, bbqing with the roomies and neighborhood crew.
Visited family in New York. Went to New Zealand for the New Zealand Open. Saw a lot of Radiohead concerts, which was amazing!
And took a few trips out to So Cal to get some surfing and friend time in.
How is life as the Burton Women's team manager?
Solid.
How do you choose a girl to put on to the Burton Snowboards program?
Talent, potential, motivation, creativity, style & progression. Someone who brings their own unique style and skill-set to the table.
How do you like working with the group of girls you are working with?
I am thankful for the crew I get to work with. Super excited for this season to start.
If you had an unlimited budget what trip would you put together and what girls would you bring along?
A team trip to Alaska with unlimited heli time followed by a trip to Tavarua to reward ourselves for all of our hard
work on snow.
Do you find it difficult to make decisions based budgets?
No, not in this economic situation the world is in! Budgets are an important part of the equation, that's for sure.
-Surfing Hanalei
What is the most difficult thing about the job?
Letting go of team riders.
How many hours do you spend dedicated to focusing on this per day?
Thankfully not many.
How many days do you still shred per season?
As many as possible. Luckily I can walk out our backdoor and strap into my snowboard and instantly get some turns in. Bolton Rules!
How many boards do you use per season?
I usually have three I switch between. 2 park/all-around boards and a powder board.
What are the top five songs in your ipod right now?
1. "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" - Radiohead
2. "20 Dollar" - M.I.A.
3. "Starstruck" - Santogold
4. "All I Need" – Them Jeans. Stevie Nicks/Radiohead remix
5. "The Boney King of Nowhere" - Radiohead
- Tobes
What is your typical day like in the winter working for Burton?
Taking care of our team riders, making sure everyone has what they need and is stoked.
I also spend a lot of time in the airport traveling to all of the major contests and photo shoots in between.
On snow... Shredding to the slopestyle course, pipe, or whatever feature we may be shooting.
A lot of emailing on the road, caching up on the workload from 80 Industrial.
Then trying to sneak in some snowboarding whenever possible and make sure I get my yoga on.
Followed by a healthy dinner. There really is no typical day. An untypical day is typical!
What is your favorite thing about the job?
Working with the riders, helping them achieve their goals. Being a part of the creative process is fun too!
What were you doing before you got this job?
I was working at Snowboarder Magazine as an associate editor. Living in San Clemente,
making mags and surfing everyday. Would be in the office Spring – December. Then out on the road all winter.
Not a bad life at all!
Did you ever imagine yourself in this position?
Yes and no!
- Sunset in Chile
What is the most important thing you believe each rider should achieve each season to maintain team status?
It's not so much an issue of keeping status. Each rider should ride to their fullest potential and make the most of the opportunities
they have so they achieve their goals. Then once those goals are met, set new ones! Progression is key. As is refining style.
How do treat team rider injuries? Do you continue with the rider, or temporarily release them?
Injuries, unfortunately, are a part of snowboarding at a professional level and a hazard that may come with the job.
It is important to support riders through their injuries and encourage them to take the time they need to heal properly so they
will be that much stronger when they can ride again.
How much experience is you gaining working with rider contracts?
A lot. This has been the most challenging part of my job... An aspect I hated at first, but the more I learn how the process works,
the more comfortable I've become with it. Rene Hansen & Chaka (Michael Gardzina) have been valuable mentors for me here.
Do you ride a lot of powder with Victoria Jealouse? How do you feel?
I wish! Victoria is usually in Whistler, BC backcountry or AK. I've gotten to ride with Victoria at Mt Baker when
we've been there for the Baker Banked. But haven't had the opportunity to heli with Victoria yet.
Can you tell us about your trip to Baldface with the girls?
Baldface was my favorite trip of the season! A lot of powder was had there. Donna Carpenter was the mastermind behind this trip, bringing an amazing crew of women together to shred pow and grow women's snowboarding.
- Shredding in Baldface -
Dave Thomas photo
How is your relationship with Jake Burton?
Awesome. I have so much respect for Jake. Jake has done so much for snowboarding. He's the man.
Since Jake is the man, I don't mind "working for the man" as the saying goes!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of snowboarding?
So many.... seeing live music, hangin' with friends and family, cooking organic healthy breakfast and dinners, yoga, learning to skate the mini,
shooting photos, reading, writing, relaxing, watching movies, listening to music, surfing, climbing, hiking, exploring the world, living!
Do you ever picture yourself working outside of the snowboard industry and if so what would you like to be doing?
I like working in snowboarding. I picture myself in the snowboard industry for a while to come. I'd like to expand to work in snow/surf/skate/music/film/art one day. But for now snow is my main focus.
Where do you see the industry going?
Growing into a more conscious industry, one that respects the mountains and environment that allow us to do what we love.
Do you feel an impact with the current economic situation?
Of course. I think every person feels it.
How often do you visit tropical destinations? Do you prefer the warm weather or the cold?
Not too often. I've been to Kauai and Bali. That's the extent of my tropic excursions. I like all weather. I am a seasonal species hailing from upstate New York. There's nothing wrong with a good, rainy art day! I like being cold because it make you appreciate being warm that much more.
- My Journal 2008
Do you miss the good ol Mammoth days, working at base camp or are those days long gone?
I don't miss them, but am thankful I got to live in Mammoth the time I did. I made some of the best friends of my life there. Now that I have such an intense job and travel schedule, I definitely look back at those days and appreciate the simplicity and how special that time was. There's something to be said for snowboarding with friends all day and waiting tables at night. That's mountain livin'!
Top five pro snowboarders of all time
I don't think I can break it down to a cut and dry top 5. So many riders have brought so much to the table.
Be it style, creating new tricks, new ways of looking at the mountain... Below are 5 I have been inspired by.
1. Nicolas Müller
2. Jamie Lynn
3. Peter Line
4. Terje
5. Kevin Jones
... Such a loaded question. I also like the style and energy of riders like Danny Davis, Mason Aguirre & Kevin Pearce.
Tara Dakides & Janna Meyen were my biggest inspiration when I started shooting photos
and working in this industry. Tara and Janna helped me so much. I owe a lot to them.
The girls on the team I've gotten to work with I've been inspired by for different reasons.
The 1st snowboard I bought was Victoria Jealouse's Burton Freedom 51. The graphic was of a dog named Charlie in front of a trailer on the topsheet
and chasing a frisbee on the base. I loved that board! Being from the east coast Victoria was a huge inspiration as the mountain she rode seemed so unattainable and like nothing I had ever seen before.
Kelly Clark has been another icon in my eyes. It has been awesome to know Kelly as a friend and get to work with her and see her grow into the person and rider she is. The women's pipe final at the X Games last year was out of hand with Kelly, Gretchen & Torah upping the ante.
Kelly's focus and determination is unparalleled.
Natasza Zurek continues to awe me as well. I like the way Nat transitioned from winning pipe contests,
to slopestyle and now concentrating on filming. Each aspect of snowboarding Nat has made her mark on and refined,
which is the mark of a true professional in my mind. Nat is like a little buddha!
Hannah is a true philanthropist. I love the way she was raised by her family in Vermont. Hippie-style! Hannah grew up snowboarding and being conscious of the bigger picture of the world. Hannah brings a good vibe and now that she is healthy again this season, I'm excited to see her shred and challenge herself some more.
Ellery, Gabi & Spencer are the changing of the guard. At 16, Ellery is a Juno-esque character with a mature, quick-witted sense of humor that always cracks me up. Ellery is a strong all-around rider with great style. Gabi has her own flavor as well. Gabi got some unique shots last season and this year will be adding some more slope comps in the mix. Spencer has been stepping it up on the slopestyle comps this past season, with a 3rd at X Games and 3rd at the NZ Open. Not to mention an honorable 2nd place at the Baker Banked Slalom. You have to be a bad-ass rider to power through that course!
I have so much fun hanging out with that crew!
- More Baldface shredding - Dave Thomas Photo
Do you prefer to live on the East Coast or the West Coast and why?
They are completely different and there are elements I like about both. Fall on the east coast is amazing. I like coming home to Vermont. It's relaxing and I like that it's a conscious, green state. I like living in the mountains and nature. Trees, green grass, clean water & fresh air are key to my survival! All in all I just prefer to live in the moment.
Do you play additional roles at Burton other than team management?
Yes. We wear many hats here at Burton! I shoot photos still and write as much as possible. I also enjoy making journals while on the road and want to film more this year. I get to work with all the product crews, marketing and design teams too which is radical!
- The job has its perks -
Dave Thomas photo