The Blade Dive

Go outside the ropes, The Blade Dive Podcast, Episode 3, there’s no mistaking it, we are joined by an industry OG. SPT Co-founder,  X Games course builder and world renowned global operator... Mike Binnell.

• A California native, specifically from the 909 San Bernardino area.  Binnell grew up with ‘that mom”, we all wished we had, selflessly dedicated to driving the family up to Snow Summit, CA, Big Bear, CA  and Mammoth Mountain, CA for years, and from a young age,  getting Binnell time on snow and familiarization around resorts. It was here that over time, Binnells fascination and infatuation for Snowcats was born. Fast forward to young adulthood, with the Action Sports scene finding traction and reach, rapidly expanding in Southern California and its surrounds, Binnell and friends found access to Snowboarding through Instructor jobs at Snow Summit, CA and it was here that his obsession with Terrain Parks began. Showing a keen interest in the Parks and a shit load of initiative and drive,  Binnell and co., earned a rookie seat in a machine. It was from this moment on,  unless he was operating, Binnell never looked back.

• Staying with the craft and honing and perfecting skills, expanding his knowledge and expertise as he continued to spend more time behind the sticks, Binnell was given the opportunity to build the first X Games setup and went on to become one of the Co founders of Snow Park Technologies. Being tapped as “the operator” Mike went on to spend time at Mt. Hood, OR and establish a friendship with Jeff Flood, who Binnell claims was not only one of the best of the best, but the biggest influence on his career and a key personality within the industry to date. 

• Mike Binnell has travelled the world building state of the art Terrain Parks, competition and event venues, custom builds for some of the most high vis photoshoots on the scene, however Binnell calls out Red Bull Ultra Natural - Baldface Lodge, BC, as his all time favorite project, noting all elements that lead to this accolade.  Binnell has a passion for being in the machine and getting it done and because of that, parted ways with Snow Park Technologies, which helped him re-assess, realize and re-align new personal goals both in life and his career. Binnell has come full circle and couldn’t be happier with where he is currently at, getting time with his family, shredding his board and operating a Winch Cat at Kirkwood, CA. You could go as far as saying  that he has finally found his sweet spot and is happier than a pig in shit.

• Mike Binnell is family first - all the way and has a deep level of gratitude for his people. There’s no mistaking it, Binnell has sacrificed a lot for the sake of the industry and pushing the boundaries to be one of the most well respected and influential operators we have or will ever see. Binnell is as real as real, a genuine and truly authentic dude, whose not afraid of calling bullshit or how he sees it. A great storyteller, he allows us to indulge in his ‘o shit’ moments whilst sharing a snippet of a lifetime of stories, friendships and experiences.

Noteworthy, this is actually our first time ever speaking with Binnell. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did...so if you're in the machine, go ahead and TURN THE VOLUME UP
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Digging in... The Blade Dive Podcast, Episode 2, we are joined by an industry lifer, Mr. Ryan Gage .

• An Oregon native, Ryan Gage grew up in “Govy”; Government Camp, OR with enviable access to a resort, right outside his front door. Taking advantage of the mountain playground that Gage found himself in, from a very young age (literally, 12 years old) he saw and sought opportunities to build relationships with the resort operations teams, to not only get free go cart track laps, but to learn the ins and outs, why’s and why nots, cutting his teeth on resort equipment operating. This early access and interest in snow, showed no boundaries and at a very young age, Gages passion for ski racing and the skill and thrill that comes with that pursuit continued to engage and challenge him as both a competitor and later as an alpine race coach.

• Learning the ins and out’s of the construction industry from his father, Ryan Gage saw himself pursuing a career with family, within that field, however a man driven by passion, Gage soon found himself more interested in moving to Bend, Oregon where his career path would take a turn or perhaps lean into his true destiny? It’s here that Gage applied his on snow and ‘in the cab’ skills he had obtained in the early years, to a resume, and quickly sought out Grooming and Snow Removal positions, at the local resort. Successfully landing the job, which, if you’re fortunate enough to know Gage, one of the most determined and steadfast beings, there was no other option, Gage had finally figured out a way to combine his love for skiing and working construction, by operating equipment at night.

• Ryan Gage is like a fine Red Wine... left open to breathe and only getting better with age, over time, Gage continued  to combine his passion for ski racing  with his improved skill and expertise of operating Snowcats. Throw in his Snow Science knowledge and the man becomes an asset and an influencer within the industry! Traveling the region and the country as an athlete, coach and operator, Gages career continued to chug along like a trusty LMC 3700 , stacking street cred and skill, climbing the ranks to where he is today.

Ryan Gage is an incredible human being, both professionally and personally. A low tolerance for bullshit, calls it as he sees it and fiercely loyal, if you are fortunate enough to make his acquaintance or call him a friend or colleague, you would know just how much Gage treasures his relationships that he has inside and outside of the industry and as a leader in the industry says “he would never ask someone to do something he wouldn’t do himself” attitude and approach. In this heart felt- skill heavy- industry rooted episode, we are graced with Gages unique and engaging storytelling as we learn what it takes to be literally, one of the best in the business.

Enjoy...  and if you're in the machine, go ahead and TURN THE VOLUME UP!

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Kicking it off with a bang, The Blade Dive Podcast, Episode 1,  we are joined by legendary operator & Terrain Park builder Brandon Dodds.

• A Minnesota native, Brandon Dodds developed a passion for Snowboarding early on.   Realizing his interest in the construction of world class Terrain Parks far outweighed his pro snowboarding possibilities, Dodds quickly decided to pursue a career in operations, choosing the sticks instead of the board & bindings. No matter the method, Dodds holds true to his roots and love for the sport to this day.  

• Choosing Lake Tahoe, CA instead of Summit County, CO, Brandon Dodds was quickly graced with opportunity after opportunity and soon realized that failure was instrumental in moving towards his definition of success, though it didn't come without significant sacrifice - loss, gains and whole lot of life lessons. His biggest cheerleaders are his family and he is beyond proud to be a father, husband and an advocate for not only professional female riders and athletes but recognizing the skill of female operators and  leaders within a typically male dominated  industry. 

• Brandon Dodds has traveled the world operating a Snowcat and values the time that he's spent operating in other states and countries and the true friendships gained. He has contributed to world-class resort programs in California - Heavenly, Boreal, Squaw Valley. Idaho - Tamarack and Australia - Perisher. His list of projects dates back to builds such as but by no means limited to the Forum 8, Red Bull Double Pipe and X-Games . Dodds continues to  impact the industry by currently being an integral part of the innovative elite training  program and facility that is The Stomping Grounds in Saas Fee, Switzerland.

Brandon Dodds calls it as he sees it and that is truly a rare quality these days.  Dodds dives deep in both a captivating and hilarious account of a lifelong passion and career, as we  discuss his journey, advice he has both given and received, balancing act of work-life and parenthood, egos, travel, how to's, the value of team, the future of equipment and the overall industry and so much more. Noteworthy, this is actually our first time ever speaking with Dodds - the rumors were real... Brandon Dodds is an incredible human being.

Enjoy...  and if you're in the machine, go ahead and TURN THE VOLUME UP!

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