Erich Podjaske

Erich joined the Cross Country Ski Shop in 2000. His neverending knowledge of nordic skis combined with his personalized customer service makes him our main man. For Eric, it's all about the details and finding the perfect fit, wax, and ski apparel to make a skiers experience more enjoyable on the trails. He is a Fischer and Rossignol guru and highly believes in both products.

Erich enjoys biking and canoeing in his spare time. He has finished seven AuSable River Canoe Marathons, raced the General Clinton Canoe Race, and has dabbled in adventure racing.

Being a true native of the Grayling, Erich has a great appreciation of all that is good about our small northern Michigan community. When not at the store he spending time with his wife, Penny and his two young boys.

Bob Smith

"Biker Bob" started working at Cross Country Ski Shop over 17 years ago. With over 21 years in retail experience and the owner of the Bicycle Shop in town, he is the team's most recognizable service man in the shop. An avid skier, biker, runner and paddler, Bob is always participating in the race scene. A multi-sport athlete, he has a wealth of knowlege about anything adventurous outdoors. Need your skis waxed for the big race? Bob is your man. Not only will you have the perfect formula applied, he will provide friendly conversation about everything and anything. Bob considers himself a Rossignol man, but also thinks Fischer is a super product.

Bob's racing resume is too long to list. He has competed many times in the Iceman Cometh, Ausable River Canoe Marathon, the Noquemanon, the Birkenbeiner and all the local races that the area has to offer. If there is an event, Biker Bob is there.

When not racing and busy with work, Bob spends time with his wife Chris and his two sons.

Craig "Jake" Jacobs

The Cross Country Ski Shop is extremely happy to have Jake return after his eight great years at the Hanson Hills Recreation Area. Jake is our everything man-a jack-of-all trades. His ever expanding role entails everything from cheery greetings and personalized customer service to finishing the store off to make it most efficient.

Jake has knowledge and experience in all of the outdoor activities which makes him a great guy to come to with questions on clothing, shoes, gear and beta on where to use all of that stuff!  An active paddler and kayaker he is very familiar with where to go on the local lakes and rivers. If you are on the local roads, you will see Jake and his family biking and he loves to cross country ski. Although Jake has competed in the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, many adventure races and trail marathons, he prefers to go out his back door and make his own adventure. He loves the fact that he can paddle the AuSable River, hike back to his car, bike back to his canoe and not run into anyone. He loves Wenona and Mountain Hardware products and he has a wealth of knowledge about both.

Jake is married to Fran and they have two boys in high school. He loves to collect Blues CD's and Tiki Mugs.

 

Lisa Kelly

Lisa is the brains behind the scenes at the Cross Country Ski Shop. She's our inventory girl: responsible for receiving all deliveries and placing special orders for customers. If you need something specific, Lisa is your girl. You can expect that when your product comes in, you will hear from her with a friendly call or email. She also likes to work on the floor helping customers to get geared up for the winter season, while still looking good, of course. Lisa is partial to Patagonia and Columbia as it monopolizes her closet.

Her passion is living an active lifestyle. Lisa is an avid walker, runner and snowshoer, but also loves to sit down and read a great book. She has ran the Mackinaw Island 1/2 Marathon, along with the local Grayling 10K.

Lisa has been married to her husband Chad for 24 years and they have three kids that are in college.