ABSF Board Candidate: Mick Endersbe
Hometown:
Cable, WI
Years of ABSF Membership:
3
Occupation:
Retired
Why are you interested in being a member of the ABSF Board of Directors?
The Birkie has been an integral part of our family’s lives for 20 years. Our family businesses, The Rivers Eatery, The Ideal Market and Tilly’s Pies were built to serve Birkie participants and other like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. As an event host, a volunteer, a consultant, a fundraiser, an advocate, a fat-bike groomer and participant I have had a front row seat to the success of the American Birkebeiner and the impact it can have on people’s lives and the community.
Now that we have retired and transitioned our businesses to new owners, I would like to use my business experience and the relationships I’ve built to help the Foundation navigate and thrive in the future.
What knowledge and skills do you possess that can benefit the organization?
Prior to creating and operating The Rivers Eatery, The Ideal Market and Tilly’s Pies, I was an instructor of Commercial Recreation and Tourism at a state university in Minnesota, and was a financial planner and consultant for 16 years. I helped build and grow many businesses during that time.
The most successful businesses I worked with had a clear vision, an inspirational leader, a talented and dedicated staff and story that was compelling. The American Birkebeiner has all of those qualities.
The continuation of the success of the businesses I worked with came down to the development and disciplined use of a strategic plan. As a board member I would encourage and support a comprehensive strategic plan that incorporates and articulates with all aspects of the organization.
In addition to enhancing the chances of financial success, it provides transparency to members, supporters and sponsors, as well as a framework for diligence. In essence, it makes it easier to do more good things.
Finally, I’ve served on numerous boards. I live in Cable and consider myself a member of the community and the Birkie “campus” is a big part of my life.
How do you see yourself helping to fulfill the ABSF vision, mission and values?
Vision: I’ve had great success sharing the Birkie vision over the last 20 years. It is one of the most organic and genuine stories in the American outdoor recreation industry. I will continue to support the Birkie leadership and staff in sharing and living that vision.
Mission: I would keep the mission in the forefront. In the end, we are stewards of the trail. Every great story needs a great place. The Birkie’s place is an uninterrupted ribbon of trail through a pristine northern forest. In the Spring it is a bike trail, in the summer a hiking trail, in the fall a running trail and in the winter the greatest ski trail and host to the greatest nordic ski event in the world. And every day it is a canvas that an individual’s dreams of wellness can be built upon.
Values: I believe the Birkie staff represents the organization’s values. They are critical. I would work to support their success in their personal and professional lives so they can continue to demonstrate what is possible.
