Whistler is not only a haven for nature and adventure, but it is also a hub for remarkable businesswomen.
Whether born and raised in the community or drawn from across the globe to make Whistler their permanent home, the seven local business leaders profiled in this year’s Women in Business feature embody curiosity, talent, and ambition. Fueled by their passions and driven by their innovative and worldly mindsets, they have all carved their niches in Whistler's dynamic business landscape, from the thriving hospitality and real estate sectors, to retail business ventures that range from curated culinary delights to cozy knitted apparel.
Beyond their individual successes, these women in business have formed a collective force that fosters supportive environments where fellow women can shine and thrive in their industries.
Katelyn Spink Real Estate
Born and raised in the Pemberton Valley by two successful realtor parents, Katelyn Spink was introduced to real estate sales and property development at a young age. At the age of 21, she completed the build and sale of her first home and soon after, turned her passion for property sales and her involvement within the Pemberton and Whistler communities into a career as a realtor under The Whistler Real Estate Company.
Specialising in assisting diverse clients, from first-time buyers to seasoned investors, she prioritises smooth transactions and enjoyable experiences. Valuing personal connections, Spink has earned the distinction of being a top realtor in Pemberton and Whistler for five consecutive years. Cherishing the trust of her clients, she feels privileged to pursue her passion in a community she loves.
Keeping the real in realtor, Spink strongly believes that being professional and being personal can go together in real estate, and she strives to always put the person before the transaction.
“I'm privileged to be a leading woman in business in our community, because of all of the trust my clients and community have put in me,” says Spink. “I'm forever grateful to be able to do what I love for a living in a place I love the most.”
Visit www.katelynspink.com for more information and don't forget to ask her about her referral program!
Harmony Whistler
In the days before Airbnb was well known, vacation seekers in Whistler started moving away from travel agents and hotels, searching for their own accommodations online. Emma Goodman saw an opportunity in the local property management market and, coupled with her real estate experience, launched Harmony Whistler Vacations in 2014.
The boutique-style vacation rental company works with home owners to create a profitable investment and facilitate a seamless stay for their guests by handling all of vacation rental management. “We understand that Whistler is a lifestyle choice, and not just an investment for our owners,” Goodman says.
Goodman started by running all business operations on her own, including marketing, bookkeeping, cleaning, maintenance - being on call 24/7. “It was a tough few years that brought many challenges, but I would not change it for the world,” she reflects. “The experiences and struggles as a solo woman starting a business (without business experience) led me to where I am now.”
Today, Harmony Whistler Vacations is run by a team of twelve employees, allowing Goodman to focus on scaling the business and additional projects. "I empower our team to pursue their goals fearlessly and believe in their potential. Challenges are opportunities for growth, and I firmly believe in overcoming obstacles to achieve success."
Goodman is the co-founder of Mountain Linens, a commercial laundry facility in Function Junction. She also spends time with her husband taking care of their 8-acre farm in Pemberton where they live with their two young children.
Learn more about Harmony Whistler Vacations at www.harmonywhistler.com.
Amos & Andes
Hilary Davison travelled from her homeland, England, to the scenic landscapes of Whistler in 1988. Transitioning from her days as a 'ski bum', she founded Amos & Andes three decades ago. Affectionately known as The Whistler Sweater Shop, the store embodies a captivating fusion of personal history and entrepreneurial spirit.
Davison’s passion for handmade knits is rooted in her upbringing in a drafty old farmhouse, where her grandmother handmade sweaters for her. Today, this heritage remains at the core of her business philosophy.
At Amos & Andes, customers are welcomed into a haven where tradition meets contemporary style. Davison’s commitment to showcasing authentic, meticulously crafted sweaters from their countries of origin is a tribute to timeless elegance and enduring quality. Each garment holds a narrative, evoking a sense of nostalgia and becoming a treasured heirloom for generations to come.
Davison's commitment to heritage craftsmanship shines as the shop eagerly anticipates the launch of its new ladies' linen collection this spring. This expansion to include linen clothing underscores their dedication to providing customers with timeless fashion choices.
Discover finely crafted knitwear and upcoming linen attire at Amos & Andes. Visit whistlersweatershop.com and subscribe to the newsletter for exclusive updates on collections and store news. Don't miss out on experiencing Hilary's timeless collections that honor tradition and embrace innovation.
Metronomics
Shannon Byrne Susko, a proud Whistler local of 34 years, initially found her passion in the mountains as a ski instructor, but soon turned her focus to building her career here. With over two decades of experience building and leading high-growth technology companies within Canada’s financial services industry, Susko has earned a reputation as an entrepreneurial extraordinaire.
As a serial tech entrepreneur, Susko co-founded, served as CEO for, and led the sale of two companies in less than six years: Subserveo Inc. and Paradata Systems Inc. Leveraging her experiences, she developed a strategic execution framework called Metronomics, which helps guide CEOs to integrate critical business components for predictable profit, rapid growth, and successful exits. Susko authored four books detailing her methodology, including her latest title, “The M Game: The Metronomics Monograph.”
Among her numerous accolades, Susko has received the 2022 Universal Women’s Network "Game Changer" award, was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2018, 2020, and 2022, and was inducted into the WXN Top 100 Hall of Fame after winning for a 4th time in 2023. She was honoured with the Sarah Kirke Award for Canada’s Leading Women Entrepreneurs in 2006 and named Deal Maker of the Year in Vancouver in 2011, ranking among the top three midmarket deals on Wall Street that year.
Susko still resides in Whistler today alongside her husband and three children.
Discover more about Shannon Byrne Susko and Metronomics at www.metronomics.com.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Katie Thompson, a Whistler local for nearly a decade, has integrated her dedication to women's leadership seamlessly into her role as People and Culture Director at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler.
With a decade of experience as a Whistler local and as a mother, she understands the challenges women face in balancing career and family. Thompson has spearheaded employee benefit overhauls emphasising holistic wellness, expanded housing options, and robust wellness programs. These initiatives, including weekly Pilates and yoga sessions, a new employee gym, and complimentary ski passes, underscore the commitment to employee well-being. Thompson's leadership emphasises flexibility, open-mindedness, and inclusivity to create a supportive workplace culture where all employees, especially women, can thrive. Her efforts shape the future of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler and set a powerful example for women in leadership.
Learn more about Four Seasons Resort in Whistler at www.fourseasons.com/whistler.
Flute & Fromage
As a proud member of Whistler community for 30 years, Tara May followed through on the opportunity to become a business owner and work for herself with her passion project, Flute & Fromage, an idea which was inspired by her world travels and love of cheese.
“I had a desire to open up a cheese shop in the heart of Whistler Village,” says May. “Living abroad and travelling allowed me to experience great food and to see that we have limited access to great international cheeses here in Whistler.”
Flute & Fromage was created for everyone that craves an aprés treat that consists of a delicious cheese and wine, which can be shared and enjoyed on the patio, in your hotel room, or at home.
Offering items that are carefully curated and not currently available in Whistler, May has taken the time and research to find delectable accompaniments inspired by her travels. Items may include a perfect preserve from England, charcuterie selections from Italy, or the perfect bite of rich dark chocolate from the Dominican Republic – all of which pair perfectly with their thoughtfully-selected BC natural wines. For Flute & Fromage, the focus is on making sure the guest experience elevates the beautiful cheese they carry.
Flute & Fromage’s online store is open for pre-orders prior to their Whistler storefront opening in May 2024. Visit www.fluteandfromage.com to reserve a gift box today.
Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa
Family is at the core of Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa's origins and values. Their love of the Whistler lifestyle compelled them to find a way to bring their vision to this mountain town, enabling them to live and work in this wonderful community.
Anna and Keltie Holdsworth, sisters-in-law, are one half of the ownership team of Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa. Both arrived from the UK to Whistler for a working holiday ski season and were captivated by the area’s adventurous lifestyle and mountainous surroundings. Keltie and Anna each decided to make Whistler their permanent home.
Having first arrived in Whistler without any career goals in sight, The Holdsworths soon pursued a new business catering to seasonaires within their new community, allowing them to build their skills and experience in the local hospitality industry. Their combined talents and ability to work together as a family led the women to reinvest their profits into a brand new venture in 2023. They undertook the monumental task of designing and constructing a breathtaking 12,000 sq ft lodge and spa, addressing a gap in Whistler's offerings: a fully serviced lodge capable of accommodating large families and other groups.
Tucked away in the Whistler mountains, Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa is designed to bring people together for occasions such as family celebrations, corporate retreats and weddings. Fully serviced and private, guests have exclusive access to the entire lodge for their group. The lodge offers a suite of luxury amenities, including a private chef, private Nordic-style spa & pool, movie theatre, and tailored packages to suit individual needs and ensure an intimate and personalised stay.
The leadership team at Wedge Mountain Lodge has rapidly grown to include eight members, with six of them being women.
For more information, visit www.wedgemountainlodge.com.
