Keith Van Velkinburgh, Chairman of the Board
Keith Van Velkinburgh is the chairman of the board for Christy Sports. Keith has been with the company since 1970, and as been an integral part of the company’s success and vision. It was under Keith’s vision that the company decided to sale patio furniture to extend its profitability during the spring and summer months. He also directed Christy Sports through several acquisitions and has capitalized on opportunistic growth that has helped shaped the company. He started his career with Eastman Kodak in 1965 in the statistical department and later got promoted to a technical sales representative. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in Economics and a Master’s degree from the University of Denver in Marketing. He is an avid skier, backpacker and mountain biker and loves everything outdoors.
Patrick O'Winter, CEO
Patrick O’ Winter is currently the chief executive officer at Christy Sports. He sets the vision and oversees the operation of Christy Sport’s 40 retail stores. He has been with the company since 1990 when he took the role of president of Sports Stalker and four years later formed Christy Sports. His extensive background includes executive positions in manufacturing, scientific research, and investment banking. He holds both a MBA and a Master degree in Science from the University of Paris. He is an avid skier and mountain climber.
Keith Liefer, Chief Operating Officer
Keith Liefer is currently the chief operating officer at Christy Sports. He oversees all marketing, purchasing and rental operations for Christy Sport’s 40 retail stores. He started with Sports Stalker as a rental technician in 1973, and worked his way up the ranks to vice president. When Christy Sports was formed, he took on the additional responsibility as chief operating officer. He attended the University of San Diego and Riverside Community College. He enjoys skiing, snow boarding and, all things outdoors.
Dan Fox, Front Range Operations Director
As front range operations director, Dan oversees 11 different stores from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, Colo. He is responsible for the appearance of each store, all of the promotions and marketing efforts, and purchasing of the ski and snowboard rental products. The lion’s share of his time is spent supporting and motivating the store managers who report to him and are held accountable for their store’s monthly sales efforts. Dan has been with Christy Sports for more than 18 years holding numerous positions including regional and store manager. In his free time he enjoys skiing, mountain biking and golfing.
Gordon Wade, Director of Internet Commerce
Gordon Wade has been with Christy Sports for more than 29 years. Currently as director of Internet commerce, Gordon oversees all aspects of the company’s online revenue stream. Under his direction, the company developed a rental reservation system that allows customers to rent ski equipment online. During his career with Christy Sports, he has been responsible for turning around several unprofitable product categories and retail stores. He has held numerous titles including director of mountain operations, vice president of operations, store manager, assistant area manager and hard-goods supervisor. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Journalism and Marketing. He enjoys Alpine and Nordic skiing along with water skiing, and biking.
Bob Dapper, Director of Mountain Operations
As director of mountain operations, Bob oversees the Christy Sports Utah and mountain locations expect for stores within Summit County, and Winter Park Colo. Having been with Christy Sports for over 21 years, Bob oversees the profitability, staffing and operations for each store. He has held numerous titles including store manager, area manager and regional manager. Prior to joining Christy Sports, Bob was the assistant to the president at Steamboat Ski Resort where he also taught skiing lessons. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver with a double major in Psychology and Physiology. He enjoys bike riding, running and snow skiing.
Brian Sullivan, Regional Manager of Summit County and Winter Park
As regional manager for Christy Sports covering Summit County and Winter Park Colo., Brian oversees 13 stores. His job responsibilities include: budgeting, staffing, training employees and day-to-day operations. He has been with Christy Sports for over 14 years and has held numerous positions including hard good supervisor, assistant manager and manager. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado in Geography. He enjoys skiing, cycling, snow shoeing and being with friends and family.