For the Madshus service crew, the 2014 season started before the snow melted from the factory roof. By the end of June, all World Cup skis need to be selected, the summer snow camps start next week, and Madshus service rep Stian Groenaas is knee-deep in skis, grinds and testing. But the jovial Norwegian ski tech doesn’t mind. If Groenaas has it his way: the busier, the better.
“Right now is some of the busiest time for us, actually. This is when we pick skis for all the national teams for the upcoming season, and in a few days we leave for on-snow testing at Sognefjellet,” Groenaas says with a big grin.
Right on schedule
The Norwegian national team skis are already picked. The Russians are here now, and the German national team is coming next week along with the Swedes. Groenaas is also picking skis for Thomas Alsgaard who just launched his own new marathon team, which includes 3-time Vasaloppet champion Joergen Brink.
“The work we do now is crucial for the next season. The spring and summer testing provides a lot of insight on what we can tweak in terms of flex and the camber, and how we can fine-tune the skis come race season,” Groenaas explains.
REDLINE excitement
“The new REDLINE skis became a total hit as soon as they launched. There is a lot of demand among the skiers, and I’m super excited to continue the process and optimize the details,” Groenaas says zealously.
“And the snow camps with the racers are always great. That’s when we really discover if the job we do is up to snuff,” Groenaas says, adding that the feedback from the racers contributes to improve the products.
“There is always something we can do better, and that’s really exciting. The racers give us feedback and challenges. It’s really fun to make it happen, and I’m always looking forward to that.”
Quality and commitment sells
For Madshus, the job the service crew does is worth its weight in gold.
“The job our service techs do in providing perfect skis and solid craftsmanship every day of the year is invaluable. We are confident that Groenaas and the guys deliver, and we totally appreciate the efforts they put in and their commitment to the team and the community,” says Per Wiik, who is the Global Marketing Director at Madshus.
When the tech reps deliver, the racers perform at their best, and that moves products. Performance is the best selling argument.
“The service techs are our ambassadors. They are on site where our customers are. They build and cultivate our relationship with the racers and the consumers, and contribute immensely to promote our brand and earn the street cred we have, both in the racing community and among recreational skiers.”