Corinthian Jones
Rental Shop Director, Ski China Peak, Calif.
Age: 28
Hometown: Lake Shore, Calif. (from age 5)
Six-Word Bio: Young mind. Wild heart. Free soul.
Fun Fact: Newly married; met his Brazilian wife through the J-1 Visa program.

Corinthian Jones was 19 and running a lodge in his hometown near China Peak when his boss suggested the ski industry might be a better fit. Jones heeded the call and jumped ship, first working in janitorial and maintenance before moving into the resort’s rental shop the following year. Now he manages the ski shop and serves as director for three other departments.

Did you know you wanted to work in the ski industry?
At 19, I didn’t know what the hell I wanted. I didn’t care what job I got at the resort, I just needed some money. But working at China Peak was probably the best decision I ever made.

What’s a typical day on the job?
I direct the rental shop, repair shop, and facilities (trash, restrooms, chairs, signage). I clear snow from decks, start morning set up, deal with customer service all day, and then put everything away at the end of the day. Customer service is the number one thing I deal with.

Describe your style of leadership.
Close to 40 people report to me, and I’m a big believer in leading by example. If I’m not the one working hardest, there’s a problem. Usually that motivates others to work hard. If not, there’s a bigger problem at hand. Also, rewarding hard work: buying drinks after work or having a company barbeque. A little goes a long way as far as company morale.

What’s your biggest challenge?
I’m kind of a perfectionist, so anytime someone’s unhappy it bothers me, and I try to make him or her happy. Often they’re stuck and don’t get over it, so I’ve learned to let that roll off and not get hung up on one person’s bad time.

Who’s your professional mentor?
Bruce Gillett, who ran the rental shop here for 43 years. I was a supervisor for him for four years. I let him know I wanted to be a supervisor my second year under him, and he kind of trained me to take his spot when he was done. That’s how this mountain is—we’re ready to make the leap from old generation to the next generation.

In 10 years?
Hopefully doing the same thing in the same position, but with more snow.