Industry Profile: Dinosaurs Will Die Co-Owner & Pro Snowboarder Sean Genovese

Name: Sean Genovese
Employer: Life
Years on snow: 20+
Days on snow: 100+
Currently Riding: Dinosaurs Will Die Genovese 157 and maeT 152, Bent Metal Binders, Comune, Elm, Timebomb.
Currently I am: Wondering what I should type here.

Shay: How has snowboarding changed your life?
Sean: I’m not sure how it’s changed it, but I’m not sure how my life would be without it.

Shay: How did you get your start in the industry, who or what opened up more opportunities for you?
Sean: In the video and editing part… Jesse Burtner and Jason Borgstede gave me a big opportunity in the beginning by letting me help with JB Deuce, and after that, being heavily involved with Think Thank with Jesse and Christina Burtner.

In the ‘Industry’ part of it… it was the opportunities that I didn’t get, that pushed the creation of an opportunity.

Shay: How has your previous education or work experience helped you in your current job?
Sean: Working labor jobs makes me appreciate my current ‘job’ and reminds me that people work very hard for their money, so I want to provide a product that is worthy of their hard earned dollar. Working at a shop helps me remember it’s easier to sell something that you believe in…so make something that people can believe in. Being a rider makes me know that there are a lot of fakes out there and promises thrown around… be true to yourself, listen to your gut and follow through on your word. Having been a customer at shops (like everyone else) you have to remember that there’s a lot of shit out there that is the same…What is going to make people want to by DWD? Would I buy it?

Shay: Tell us about your role at Dinosaurs Will Die and a description of the work you do?
Sean: It’s all encompassing. You name it and I probably have a hand in it.

Shay: If you had to make up a job title that most accurately described what you REALLY do, what would it be?
Sean: Stuff do’er.

Shay: Describe the craziest day/moment you’ve had at your job?
Sean: The best moment was the day that we surprised Bogart with his pro model board at SIA this past January.

Shay: What are some memorable experiences from working in the industry?
Sean: Bogart going pro. Deciding to make a team video. Getting our first boards. Asking Hupp to be AM for DWD. Brewster deciding to ride DWD. Every time I see Larson do something amazing with a Dino board under his feet. Riding at summer camps with the whole crew.

Shay: What do you think are the biggest challenges that the snowboard industry faces and what changes would you like to see for the future?
Sean: The biggest challenge the industry faces is itself. I’m not going to say what other people should do for the future, we’ll just guide DWD down the path that we’d respect.

Shay: What advice would you give to people wanting to work in the industry?
Sean: Do it because you have a passion for it. If not, get a job that makes more money and ride every weekend.

Find out more at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DinosaursWillDieSnowboards
Instagram: dinosaurs_will_die
Website: www.dinosaurswilldie.com