Ross Schatz is both an entrepreneur and a Winter at Westminster alumnus. Ross attended Winter at Westminster in 2007 and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. He is also the owner and founder of the growing clothing line Chazer Clothing.
Winter at Westminster Program Director, Liz Rogers, recently had to opportunity to talk to Ross about his experience at Westminster and his clothing line. Here are excerpts from their conversation:
Liz: What was your favorite aspect of the W@W program? Did you have a favorite activity?
Ross: Honestly I just loved having access to the mountains and being around people who has the same passions as me. I loved trying split boarding. I never thought I would ever do that. Just having access to stuff you normally wouldn’t do like snowmobiling and learning about avalanche safety. It seems so out of reach but it’s just right there.
Liz: What would you tell someone considering attending the program?
Ross: Don’t forget your snowboard! No, it’s definitely an experience that people might overlook because it’s advertised as an alternative study abroad program in Utah. People might not realize how awesome it is. Getting to take part in the winter activities, just embrace it get the most out of it.
Liz: Do you feel that attending the W@W program help you get where you are today?
Ross: It did in the sense that I’ve been able to create long lasting relationships. I’m still close friends with a lot of the people I met through Winter at Westminster. Also, it helped with contacts and just spreading the love. Somebody knows somebody else and it grows from there.
I started hitting full stride with the Chazer clothing when I was out there. I started it as a junior in high school but the Winter at Westminster program gave me contacts with real depth. I worked with local shops and talked to buyers and what they look for in purchasing a line. I got to see the back end and curtail my design based on buyers’ feedback.
Liz: Tell me a little more about your business and how you got started.
Ross: I was actually sponsored when I turned 15 for snowboarding. I had a snowboard and goggle sponsorship but not clothes. I decided to make my own stuff. I started out with a logo. I got 25 t-shirts made and then printed more. From that point on I thought I would stick with it – designing and printing and trying to get as much exposure as I can. I am getting national distribution next spring which is really exciting.
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