Five years ago our publisher's son and co-founderElliott Bisnowstarted his own company,Summit, which has mushroomed into a conference series for top youngentrepreneursfrom around the world, called byForbes"The Davos for Generation Y." Last week Summit also took its place inreal estate: It bought amountain.
Not just any, but 10,000-acrePowder Mountainoutside Salt Lake City, the largest skiable mountain in the US, and one of the few in private hands. It hadpreviouslybeen bought by a private equity firm--which proclaimed it would build the next Vail with 10,000 homes, but then came therecessionand opposition from the low-key local community.Enter Summit, with a verydifferentvision.
For those of you who rememberElliottfrom his earlier days, here's an update: He's now CEO of Summit, with50core colleagues and300ski resort staff. Plus, a cadre of engineers, architects, and contractors who help craft its plan to preserve the public side's five lifts, improve its four restaurants and other amenities, yet maintain theold-fashionedatmosphere andlower pricesthat lure folks from around the country to whatSki Magazinehas ranked as #2 for snow and # 1 for value in the US.
At the same time, it will gradually develop another side of the mountain into aneco-friendlygathering spot for its community of "innovators"which not only include company founders, but non-profit executives, writers, musicians, actors, financiers, futurists, and others engaged increative work. They expect in coming years to develop around 500 affordable homesites, a mountaintop village, a couple boutique hotels, and activities in all four seasons.
When the group gets together, they like to hear from all generations of entrepreneurslikeTed Turnerand TOMS Shoes founderBlake Mycoskie.
OrRichard Bransonand early Google employeeChris Sacca.
And get involved in helping the world. The plan forSummit Eden, as it's called (Eden is the apt name of the unspoiled town at the base of the mountain), isyear-roundinteraction: sports, conferences, music, brainstorming. We are inspired and excited to see it unfold. Read more.
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