Alumnus Jake Treadwell '06, G'08 Values Leadership Lessons Learned at Springfield College and East Campus

By: Damon Markiewicz

For alumnus Jake Treadwell ’06, G’08, the leadership lessons he learned as a student-athlete at Springfield College have molded him into the successful professional he is today. Treadwell currently serves as the senior director of mountain operations for Snowbird Resort in Snowbird, Utah. Treadwell’s time on Alden Street was completed with life lessons that he continues to lean on during his time as a leader of today.

“I came to Springfield College as a Physical Education major, ready to play football for Coach Mike DeLong ’74, and that was just the beginning of a great experience on campus,” explained Treadwell. “I also got very involved in being a leader at East Campus, taking part in Outdoor Pursuits, and helping facilitate team-building experiences as part of programming at East Campus. I learned so many leadership lessons working at East Campus, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without having those opportunities in my life.”

Having grown up in western Maine, a love for the outdoors just came natural for Treadwell, so having connections to East Campus was a perfect fit. For Treadwell, it was the combination of his love for the outdoors, passion for competing on the field, and striving to be the best leader possible, that reinforced his decision to come to Springfield College.

“The opportunity to be in a leadership role, and have such a supportive community, is what did it for me when wanting to be a part of Springfield College and East Campus,” explained Treadwell. “Being a part of the learning culture at East Campus, and learning from people like Director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs Ben Taylor ’99, G’16, and Associate Director of East Campus and Outdoor Programs Angela Veatch, G’07, it truly has had such a positive impact on my professional life.”

Prior to his last seven years at Snowbird Resort, Treadwell started his professional career at Sunday River Resort in Maine for 17 years. It was during his time at Sunday River where he started gaining valuable experiences in the world of race timing. Treadwell would travel all over the East Coast, running races and timing races, which got him involved in the events portion of the ski industry.

“Being a part of the ski industry came natural to me because I had grown up taking ski trips with my family,” explained Treadwell. “It was at Sunday River where I had a boss that introduced me to the idea of the mountain manager program, and that was kind of my next step as a professional.”

Treadwell’s journey would take him from the comforts of his home in New England, to the beautiful scenery of the Mountain states in the western United States. He was prepared and ready for his next challenge and chapter in his life. 

“I was looking to grow in my career, and the opportunity of moving to Utah and be a part of Snowbird was a natural fit, very similar to arriving at Springfield College,” described Treadwell. “I currently oversee all of the day-to-day operations, and lead a team of about 500 employees in the winter. I love working with people and working with my staff. We are always stressing to have a culture that is built on being open to try new things. I love developing a team. That’s something I really fell in love with during my time at Springfield College.”

Whether it was being a part of summer programming with Professor Ted France ’91, G’93, or facilitating a group at East Campus, or working with student leaders as a residence assistant, Treadwell always enjoyed the feeling of trying something new and seeing if it works.

“Now, sometimes it might not work, but that’s ok, because you have the experience to learn from it and develop new leadership opportunities,” explained Treadwell. “That’s really a great foundation I learned at Springfield College, the ability as a leader to be willing to try new things, knowing that you have the support of others, and it will be a great learning and growing experience. I carry that with me when leading my staff.”

And when thinking about what lies ahead for his team at Snowbird, Treadwell takes time to truly appreciate the experiences that have helped down a path of success that continues grow.

“This is a place (Snowbird Resort) where you come for a lifetime,” explained Treadwell. “The person that had the position before me was here for 40 years, so that type of longevity speaks for itself. I do love it here in Utah, it’s such a great family place, and it’s certainly a place that will be fun to be around as we get ready for the Winter Olympics returning to Salt Lake City in 2034.”

Similar to the many connections linking the Olympic Games to Springfield College, Treadwell also stays determined to remain attached to the Humanics philosophy.

“Springfield College is full of leadership opportunities, and that was always something that excited me as a student,” described Treadwell. “Whether it was exploring the outdoor adventure education experiences, or taking part in team building experiences with the Athletic Administration program as a graduate student, it was the opportunity to take part in experiential learning that always was my favorite part of my educational experience.”

And when thinking about what leadership lessons specifically he learned from Springfield College and East Campus, he doesn’t hesitate to pinpoint what sticks with him the most as a professional leader.

“The ability to listen is such a key to being a good leader,” explained Treadwell. “To build a culture that stresses the ability to try something, and then talk about it. I always try to lead by listening to our people, followed by making the best decision for all of them. These are great lessons I learned during my time at Springfield, and I am proud to carry them with me today.”