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James
Wisdom Bartlett
WORDS OF
‘JB’
INDUSTRY
Icons James Bartlett is one of those renowned managers whose
from
entire career has been in ski area operations. While attending
Western Michigan University, Bartlett became a professional
ski patroller first at Boyne Highlands Resort in Michigan
and then at Big Sky Resort in Montana. Coming back to
Michigan in 1977 he took the area manager position at Nub’s
Nob, where he worked closely with the general manager, Jim
Dilworth, to develop and patent the Nub’s Nob fan gun,
The ski industry, a microcosm and reflection which led to faster and more efficient snowmaking. Ten years
of the overall demographics in the US, is under- later, Bartlett took over as general manager of Nub’s Nob,
going an exponential transition in leadership a position he held for 30 years. He was a founding mem-
ber and the first chairman of MSIA (Michigan Snowsports
as a large generation of Baby Boomers reaches Industries Association). He is also a gubernatorial appointee
retirement age. More and more of the people and chairman of the Michigan Ski Area Safety Board.
Bartlett also takes time to provide leadership for
who for decades have guided and given so much the Michigan High School Athletic Association as a
of themselves to our sport and to the NSAA Ski Committee member. He has served on the board
community are beginning to step down from of the Little Traverse Conservancy, Harbor Springs
Harbor Commission, West Traverse Township Planning
their roles. Commission, Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce,
We are highlighting on these pages a small Petoskey Chamber of Commerce, HARBOR Inc.,
group of industry icons who have shared some Little Traverse Sailors, and Little Traverse Yacht Club in
addition to being a West Traverse Township Trustee.
of their insights as they transition into a new JB’s words of wisdom: “It’s all about people. Whether
chapter of life. you are a shift manager encouraging your front-line employ-
Please join us as we celebrate them—and all ees, a supervisor rallying shift managers for another day of
customer service, an area manager looking to motivate salary
the other individuals you may know who have staff prior to a busy weekend, or a general manager laying out
made a difference either to you personally, to the plan for the upcoming winter or the owner passing along
your ski area, or to the industry as a whole. the vision for the business—this philosophy really works. If
all the employees recognize how important the customers are,
We are grateful for their leadership and contri- and every manager and supervisor treats every employee as
butions, which will be felt for years to come. they would like to be treated, everything works. Take care of
your customers. Take care of your employees. If you do this
at every opportunity you, and your business, can’t help but
be successful.”
JB’ favorite band/musician: “Who else but the Eagles!”
32 | NSAA JOURNAL | CONVENTION 2019
