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Dave Ryan, mountaineer and ski instructor, in the Grand Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole, Wyo.
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Mountaineer, Ski Instructor and Santa Barbara Olive Co. (112)When his marriage ended, Dave Ryan was left longing for an extended outdoor adventure. After eight years spent working 80-hour weeks under the harsh artificial light in electronics labs, the electrical engineer finally began to realize what he truly valued in life.
Ryan, who had spent years as a weekend ski instructor, decided to try his hand at it full time. He moved to Jackson, Wyo., and traded in his cubicle for the great outdoors. Ryan now spends his summers guiding tentative doctors and lawyers up the Grand Tetons—and teaching those same people how to ski during winter months.
Next, get a glimpse into the world of Craig and Cindy Makela. There was a time when the two were so busy in their marketing careers that they felt they were sacrificing precious time with their infant daughter. Then, a friend with a fledgling olive company approached Craig with an offer to sell. The Makelas jumped at the opportunity, selling their cars and personal belongings and cashing out their savings to purchase the Santa Barbara Olive Company name. Both eventually quit their day jobs to build a life of quality time with their children, a legacy to pass on... and one of the ten most successful olive companies in the US.
Mountaineer Facts:
- Many peaks in the Teton Range exceed 12,000 feet. The highest is Grand Teton with an elevation of 13,770 feet.
- Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps, rising 15,771 feet.
- Dave Ryan taught rock climbing while attending college.
- El Capitan ("El Cap") and Half Dome are peaks in California's Yosemite National Park.
- A mountaineering guide teaches people how to travel safely in all types of Alpine terrain.
- There are more than 25,000 members of the Professional Ski Instructors of America.
Contact Information:
Dave Ryan
daveryan@wyoming.com
www.exumguides.com
Professional Ski Instructors of America
9709 Hwy 267
Truckee, CA 96161
530-587-7642
www.psia.org
Olive Company Facts:
- Olive trees can produce fruit for hundreds of years.
- Historically, olive oil has been associated with wealth and prestige.
- Some cultures use olive oil as currency.
- The Santa Barbara Olive Company also sells salsa, sauces, vinegars and condiments.
- The company's products are sold in Japan, Mexico and Canada.
- Southern Spain is the world's leading producer of olives and olive oil.
Contact Information:
Craig and Cynthia Makela
Santa Barbara Olive Company
12477 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
800-624-4896/805-562-1456
www.sbolive.com
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