OUR TEAM

JIM BARR

– Founder, President, and Writer

From slopes to hiking trails, for over 20 years Jim Barr has been exploring Alberta and British Columbia. For several years, Barr shared his adventures as a travel writer in both newspaper and magazines, becoming an expert on the slopes, resorts, festivals, cities and everything in between.

Founding SnowSeekers.ca was a dream come true. “My whole goal in life is to inspire people to get outside and experience the epic destinations we have in this part of our world.”

His strong people skills and acute business sense have given Barr the tools to helping others, especially not-for-profit groups. Barr has worked with a number of major charities, raising both funds and support—including Big Brothers, Big Sisters through its Climb for Kids program. Through this initiative, Barr travelled to some pretty lofty heights, including Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro.

"FestivalSeekers was a no-brainer as far as it being the next 'Seekers' brand, because so many die-hard snow fans are also big time events folks. Last summer, at the Edmonton Folk Festival, it hit me upside the head as I looked past the stage and saw the Edmonton Ski Club sign. It was a sign I couldn’t pass up.”  

BRANDON BOUCHER

– Director of Photography

Through his work with Seekers Media, Brandon Boucher has mastered the art of short-form video (2-3 mins). He's shot and edited over 120 segments since joining SnowSeekers two and a half years ago and has amassed a library of approximately six hours of B-roll.

Most recently, his work was nominated for a Digital Alberta award for "Best in Cross-Platform" for The SnowShow Presented by SnowSeekers.

Boucher has been a major force behind three seasons of SnowSeekers TV and now our newest series, FestivalSeekers.com Takes You Behind the Scenes, which pulls back the curtain on some of Alberta's best festivals.

"It’s exciting to move into more of a production role with this new FestivalSeekers series," Boucher said. "Not only do I get to edit and shoot, but working to craft who and how the story is going to be told is awesome. I know the shows are going to generate excitement around some stellar events.”

RICK MACDONNELL

– Manager of Communications

Originally hired as a researcher and writer, Rick MacDonnell's responsibilities have increased exponentially since joining the team in the fall of 2009.

Most recently his work with the SnowSeekers Go-Guide (our mobile apps across BlackBerry, Android, and iPhone) was nominated at the Digital Alberta awards for "Best in Cross-Platform".

This Ryerson University grad now wears more than a few hats within Seekers, serving as the primary web editor, lead writer, and community & mobility manager. 

With FestivalSeekers and its sister company, SnowSeekers, MacDonnell has finally been afforded the opportunity to blend his two greatest passions: writing and the great outdoors. Still a relative newcomer to Canada’s greatest destinations, MacDonnell is nonetheless throwing himself headlong into the deepest adventures Seekers Media can provide. 

"What really excites me is making connections with people, be that with an article, the FestivalSeekers smartphone app, or a social media conversation. Seekers Media has allowed me to connect with people all over the world, while exploring the best that Western Canada has to offer. I'm not sure it gets any better than this."

JEREMY SMEREKA

– Web and Mobile Developer

In an extremely short time period, Jeremy Smereka has become a major asset to the FestivalSeekers team. 

Primarily self-taught through seven years of experience, Smereka has developed a keen eye for both programming and web design. Utilizing these skills, he has brought a fresh new approach to Seekers web developments. His sense of art and design has allowed Seekers Media to take its online offerings to the next level.

"Working with Seekers Media has helped hone my skills in website development and mobile applications, as well as open the doors to new people and experiences. One of the things I enjoy the most is being able to say, 'Why, yes, I did create that website.'” Judging from the testimonials we keep receiving from our fans, Jeremy’s doing a fine job.

JONAS BROOK

– Digital Marketing Specialist

Jonas Brook has always found a way to have the work-life balance tip towards life. He has been combining his love of recreation and work since he was very young. This started during high school when he worked at local golf course and ski resort. University was no different; he began his apprenticeship as a CPGA golf professional.

In 2003 Brook started working in the advertising industry as a digital producer. He worked on brands such as Adidas, Tide, Downy, and eTrade Canada.

After taking a sabbatical season in Whislter, followed by three months in Hawaii, Brook headed to Sydney Australia’s Northern Beaches to continue his career. Sandwiched between 5:30 a.m. and late afternoon surf sessions, he worked at Y&R Brands—one of Australia’s largest advertising agencies. Now based out of Toronto, Brook continues to evolve his talents in getting noticed on the web for some of the world’s leading brands.

Seekers Media offers an unprecedented opportunity to combine Brook’s passion for digital marketing with festivals, skiing, and snowboarding.

Randy Thompson

– Advisor

For ten years Randy Thompson has been the owner and CEO of Venture Alberta (an angel group of companies and investors that fund over 100 tech companies), venture capital advisor to the Alberta Government (Alberta Innovation and Science), and board member and investor for five technology-based start-ups, while serving as an advisor for three more.

Thompson was the founder of Khyber Pass Entertainment (a digital content distributor and publisher) and CEO of Alberta SuperNet (an internet service provider, sold to NorSat Communications).

David Nedohin

– Advisor

For seven years David Nedohin has been the executive vice president for Statusfirm, a digital media company with Core Catalyst, a cloud-based publishing platform designed for simple and rapid delivery and management of content, in particular video (Live and On Demand). Statusfirm was responsible for the development and operation of online channels including CurlTV.com, RawVegas.tv, and HockeyOT.com.

He also served as part of Randy Firby's rink from 1997-2010, a team that won three World Curling Championships & four Briers (Canadian Championships).