John George-Wheeler

38 | President, Skirack and Patagonia Burlington
Residence: Chittenden

Career highlight: I most proud of launching Patagonia Burlington in May 2011, prior to walking at graduation from George Mason University. However, I am most proud of employing thousands of people over my career while stewarding a locally owned family business.

Community involvement: I’ve been an active contributor to Burlington’s business community, serving on the Burlington Business Association’s Board of Directors from 2021 to 2026. Since 2022, I’ve served on the Downtown Action Group, collaborating with local businesses, nonprofits, and community partners to strengthen communication, address shared challenges, and help build a more connected and vibrant downtown.

Through work, we champion a philosophy that places community investment and environmental stewardship at the heart of responsible business. Philanthropic partnerships with Vermont nonprofits, including King Street Center, the Intervale Center, and Run Vermont are prime examples of longstanding partners that share our mission of inspiring people to experience the outdoors while protecting the natural environment. Whether it is outfitting student mentors, planting and stewarding thousands of trees or helping host Burlington’s biggest annual event in the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay, I, through my work at Ski Rack Inc. know that we only win when our community wins.

Motivation for living and working in Vermont: Vermont is one of the most naturally beautiful places I’ve been, its home, and I’ve always felt a responsibility to steward Ski Rack Inc.

Favorite part of your job: Working with people who have a shared sense of purpose. Working with people who care about protecting the outdoors.

Most inspiring mentor: My most inspiring mentor is a professor from school named Al Fuertes. He helped me understand that it is my responsibility to be the change I want to see in the world.

Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Prior to working full time at Ski Rack Inc. I worked for the DREAM (Dominican Republic Education and Mentoring) Project during a gap year in College. Later in school I did a summer in the Philippines and studied mediation and peace building under Al Fuertes at MPI (Mindinao Peace Building Institute) and Silliman University.