58 year old Jake Burton Carpentar just sent a letter to all the employees of his company, Burton Snowboards, explaining that he has been diagnosed with cancer and that he has been undergoing chemotherapy.
We are stoked to report that Jake’s cancer is curable. The cancer is testicular cancer and was caught early. Jake will continue with chemotherapy for 3 months and potentially have a surgery in the near future.
Burton Snowboards Facts:
– Founded in 1977
– World’s first snowboard factory
– Largest snowboard brand in the world.
– Burton goods in 4,348+ sotres worldwide. 1,536 of those stores in USA
– Over 950 employees worldwide. 600 in the USA.
– Burtons owns: Anon Optics, RED helmets & armor, Analog outerwear, Gravis footwear, Forum snowboards, and more.
– In 2009 Burton manufactured 61 different snowboard models.
– In 2008 the snowboard equipment industry grossed $487 million. Burton pulled in 40-70% of that, depending on the category.
Jake with one of the original snurfers in CO in 1981
Jake’s Letter to Burton employees:
To: Burton Global
From: Jake
Good News and Bad News
The bad news is that I have cancer. The good news is that it is as curable as it gets. What I have is called Seminoma, also known as Testicular Cancer (think Lance Armstrong). I have three months of chemo ahead with the possibility of surgery along the way.
Last week was a rough one for me and Donna in that for several days my prognosis looked far, far worse. What struck me and everyone around me as unusual during this time was the fact that I didn’t get that upset about my situation. I have come to the conclusion that this for sure is simply a reflection of the people I’m surrounded and supported by.
Starting with a perfect wife, 3 loving sons, and a stable of amazing friends, I am way ahead of your average bear in the support department. But the support that I feel from this company and all of you is what puts me on another level; starting with the best Senior Management Team I’ve ever seen here, on through to every Burton employee all over the world. I hope that, should any of you find yourself in a similar predicament, Burton can provide you with the same sense of peace and support.
I have no idea what my work schedule is going to be, but I assume it will have its ups and downs. I will keep you posted on Yammer and e-mail with my progress.
In the meantime, the best thing you can do for me is to keep kicking ass the way you have been.
See you all at the fall bash.
Jake.
Jake, we’re wishing you all the best here at Unofficial. Get back to shredding pow soon.
