JEB Gorham
Favorite Part of Job? I really enjoy working with students to help them realize their full potential. Challenging students to work outside their comfort zone and watching them become confident in their work is very rewarding.
Most Inspiring Mentor: I have had the opportunity to have business, educational and personal mentors, but the most inspirational guides in my life have been my parents and now my children. It is wonderful how my children can help me put the most complex decisions and problems into perspective.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: This past year my family started a large garden. I spent this summer home with my kids running my version of daddy day care. It was amazing working with them in the garden and just having fun.
Favorite Downtime Activity: With three young kids at home, the term downtime does not really exist. However, I manage to get out and cycle with the Bennington Cycle Club a few days per week to burn off energy.
Favorite Vermont Escape: My favorite escape is my bike. I can hop on and reach some of Southern Vermont's most beautiful views within minutes or ride for hours with access to three states.
Favorite Social Media: I try to stay up-to-speed on FaceBook and manage to do so somewhat consistently, but I cannot seem to get moving on Twitter. My wife loves Pinterest and insists I check it out more often.
Favorite Website: I have to admit that I really enjoy Youtube - It is amazing what goes viral these days.
Vermont Business Person you would most want to Network with: As a sports management junkie I would have to say Jake Burton. Burton started an industry segment that thrives today. I can just imagine some of the stories about the early days of snowboarding.
Career Highlights: For many academics it is a choice to pursue a faculty position or private sector industry work. I have had the privilege in my career to work as both an industry practitioner and educator. After ten years of professional work in the health, fitness and wellness industry I shifted gears and re-entered academe. In the industry I was recognized as an industry innovator and presenter. In two years teaching, I have received three college awards (2012 Faculty Athletics Award, 2013 Outstanding Faculty Service Award and 2013 Outstanding Faculty Award from students.) In my time at SVC I have developed a program that challenges my students and integrates with the community in innovative ways.
Community Involvement: In five semesters my classes at SVC have worked with 30 local business clients on management, marketing, philanthropy and/or event/fundraising plans. I am a Board of Trustees member and Development Committee Chair for the Village School of North Bennington and sit on the Business Management Advisory Committee for the Southwest Vermont Career Development Center. I also enjoy networking with and engaging in offline community work with the Bennington Cycle Club, Vermont Arts Exchange, Bennington Young Professionals and other local organizations. These days I find myself acting as a connector - where I use my time and energy to support the collaborative learning of my students and the community.
John Boutin, Publisher of VBM, Lisa Gosselin, VT Dept. Economic Dev. and Rising Star Jeb Gorham.