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.

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.