Ira Riklis credits ski instructor Mike Bartasuis with helping him achieve his goal of becoming an expert skier. And over time, their relationship changed from one of teacher to student into a deep friendship and business partnership. When they first met, Mike was an instructor working for the Lionshead Ski School at Vail. But such jobs really only work for young enthusiasts willing to work for low pay while they pursue their passions. Mike eventually left that job and took other positions in Vail before deciding that he wanted to operate a ski shop.
Unaware that Ira Riklis had sent money to purchase a shop that’s now part of the Charter Sports chain, Mike went into partnership with another group of people. It was a confused situation, but since Ira wasn’t interested in getting into the ski business without Mike’s involvement, he eventually got his money back. And Mike had his first shop, which he called Tech Sports, in the Lion Square Lodge in Lionshead.