ROD ENGEL
Schweitzer Operations, Inc.
Sagle
40
years of professional experience
Strategic financial executive with 30 years of leadership in ski area operations, hospitality, and real estate development. Expertise includes resort master planning, financial management, and contract negotiation. Led organizations through acquisitions, debt restructuring, and large-scale capital projects, achieving significant results.
Work History
VICE PRESIDENT OF RESORT FINANCE
3 Years 2 Months- Oversee financial functions specific to Schweitzer Operations, ensuring alignment with accounting practices centrally managed by Alterra.
- Managed financial functions for Schweitzer Operations, ensuring compliance with Alterra's centralized accounting practices.
- Acted as key liaison between resort operations and corporate finance.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
19 Years 4 Months- Led financial operations for a parent company overseeing Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Stevens Pass Ski Area, and Mission Ridge Ski Area, collectively generating over 800,000 skier visits and $60M+ in revenues.
- Managed ski and hospitality operations during General Manager absence, ensuring continuity and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw business plans, financial analysis, and forecasting models.
- Oversaw development of business plans, financial analyses, and forecasting models to support strategic decision-making.
- Evaluated potential joint ventures in real estate development and operations.
- Managed all aspects of ski and hospitality operations in the absence of the General Manager.
- Played a key role in the 2004 sale of Mission Ridge Ski Area and the 2005 distribution of Stevens Pass Ski Area out of Schweitzer Mountain, LLC.
- Facilitated 2004 sale of Mission Ridge Ski Area and 2005 distribution of Stevens Pass Ski Area from Schweitzer Mountain, LLC, contributing to organizational growth.
- Implemented Great Plains accounting software to support growth.
DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
1 Year 11 Months- Executed dual role as CFO and Director of Real Estate Development, aligning financial strategies with development goals.
- Directed marketing and sales efforts for developed real estate inventory, enhancing visibility and buyer engagement.
- Negotiated contracts with builders, consultants, and legal counsel.
- Oversaw marketing and sales for all developed real estate inventory.
- Coordinated title work and managed title company relationships to ensure seamless property transactions.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
4 Years 10 Months- Directed accounting, finance, HR, and MIS for resort company, enhancing financial oversight across ski operations, property management, real estate development, and utility.
- Implemented JD Edwards, streamlining consolidation of accounting, finance, and purchasing processes.
- Collaborated with VP of Operations and VP of Real Estate on strategic planning and financial analysis, informing decision-making and resource allocation.
CONTROLLER
5 Years 7 Months- Managed accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, ticketing, risk management, and MIS for 400,000-skier-visit resort, ensuring financial integrity and operational efficiency.
- Prepared all financial reports for quarterly board meetings.
- Negotiated insurance premiums, achieving savings of over $150,000 while maintaining adequate coverage.
- Compiled comprehensive financial reports for quarterly board meetings, facilitating informed decision-making.
CONTROLLER
3 Years 1 Month- Oversaw accounting, cash flow, ticketing, MIS, risk management, and office operations for ski area with 250,000 skier visits.
- Boosted cash flow from operations by 20% through strategic financial management.
- Led month-end close, ensuring accurate financial reporting across resort operations.
- Directed budgeting and forecasting processes for seasonal revenue and expense planning.
- Strengthened internal controls for cash handling, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
ASSISTANT CONTROLLER
1 Year 4 MonthsGROOMING SUPERVISOR
2 Years 2 MonthsEducation
BBA - Finance
Skills
Budgets & Pro Forma Financial Statements | Contract Negotiation & Project Management
Financial management
Market strategy
Risk management
Risk assessment | Information systems management
Market Strategy & Positioning | Resort Master Planning
Team leadership
Decision-making
Relationship building
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
- Bonner County Economic Development Committee, Vice Chairman, 2016, 2022
- Schweitzer Mountain Community Association, Vice President, 2001, 2023
- White Pine Lodge HOA, President & Board Member, 2003, 2011
Timeline
VICE PRESIDENT OF RESORT FINANCE
Schweitzer Operations, Inc.
08.2023 - CurrentRead More
DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Schweitzer Mountain, LLC
05.2011 - 04.2013Read More
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Schweitzer Mountain, LLC
04.2004 - 08.2023Read More
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
Schweitzer Mountain Resort
06.1999 - 04.2004Read More
CONTROLLER
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort
11.1993 - 06.1999Read More
CONTROLLER
Loveland Ski Area
10.1990 - 11.1993Read More
ASSISTANT CONTROLLER
Loveland Ski Area
06.1989 - 10.1990Read More
GROOMING SUPERVISOR
Loveland Ski Area
04.1987 - 06.1989Read More
University of Iowa
BBA from Finance
Read More