Engineering for Ski Performance

Lou went to Penn State and Oregon state where he completed his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also has a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary where his research was based on foot orthotics. Lou is the owner and operator of Lou’s Performance Center in Calgary. He specializes in adapting ski equipment to fit individual needs for skiers. This is through his technical knowledge of biomechanics and engineering. He also has published in numerous journals, magazines, and has presented to leaders in this industry. The company’s website hosts an array of articles and videos pertaining to this topic as well. In this interview, Lou indicates that he had a passion for skiing. He takes us through the experience he had in the U.S. Navy where he discovered he was very technically proficient. Upon completing his services, he discusses the experience he acquired working at a ski shop where he witnessed the modernization of ski boots going from leather to plastics which, then initiated a better understanding of the foot leading to work with orthotics. Though this was seasonal work, he wanted something more substantial, he talks about how he made the decision to do a degree in Mechanical Engineering and the experience with this. Upon completing this endeavor, this opened various employment opportunities that he discusses. In essence, he did do many things, gaining knowledge in many areas, meandering for a while. However, he ultimately realized his passion was skiing and opening a ski shop, and working with the foot. He goes through his journey from moving from the United States to Canada to further his education. And through some trial, tribulation, and goodwill how he opened his store, Lou’s Performance Center. He describes over a twenty-year period how he has grown his business into a very reputable store with many resources that can enhance the skier’s performance. This is an interview for anybody that is interested in entrepreneurship, especially retail, as he does describe how this sector functions. Also, highlighting how research is conducted at least from his experience for those that may consider such an avenue. He illustrates that education; sound knowledge and mentorship are what assisted him in his success and he passes the same advice on to others as well. Above all this is a very informative and inspirational interview complemented with a very good story. https://lous.ca/