Aaron Barsanti is the guy you see at the races that usually has a huge smile on his face. For the last 13 years he has been involved in Sales and Marketing at Mica Sports. Since you’re seeing more and more riders wearing Scott Goggles and Scott Gear, Aaron has a lot of reasons to smile. We caught up with him to see how his winter is going and how he is enjoying fatherhood.
Q: Hey Aaron, how is your winter going so far?
A: Things are good, obviously with my job there isn’t much downtime; each season just blends into the next. I do wish it would snow and stay like that until March. I know everyone would be happy with that.
Q: I know, the skiers and the sled heads deserve a good season. Since Scott Sports has so many divisions, you guys have all the bases covered.
A: Well yes and no. We have bikes, snow and motorsports, so between those three we cover a lot of ground, but we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature. A bad snow season here and all of a sudden there’s no need to buy new gear and then dealers get backed up with inventory. If you compare it to motocross, no snow all winter or very little would be like it raining for four months straight during the summer. It’s tough but Scott Sports has done such a great job with all of their products that we’re doing okay. Also, you have to remember that just because it isn’t snowing here in Ontario doesn’t mean there isn’t ten feet of snow out West. They’re having a great season out there.
Q: Can you give us a little background on yourself. When did you first get into the business?
A: Well, I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and did a year of college there before moving away. I then attended to Sir Sanford Fleming for two years and did a sporting goods business course. From there I got a job with Vaughn Goalie Equipment for just over six months. As much as I love hockey I quickly realized that I didn’t want to be in that industry, it just wasn’t for me. After that I just sent a bunch of resumes out and eventually I got on with Mica Sports. That was 1999, so I am just going into my 14th year with the company.
Q: How long has Mica Sports existed and how long have you been at your present location?
A: They’ve been in business since 1991 and we work out of Bracebridge, Ontario. We have the office, showroom and warehouse all under one roof so it works really well. As I mentioned, I am a Northern Ontario kid at heart so being based here is perfect for me.
Q: We see you at shows and at events and you’re always smiling. What is it about this industry that you love so much?
A: Well, like everyone, I am a huge fan of motocross and its athletes. I just enjoy hanging out with the people who live and breathe this sport every day. The men and women who work in the Action Sport community are a very unique bunch and when they all get together it’s like one big happy family. I have always had a big attraction to motorsports in general, but motocross and supercross are just amazing to watch. I can see why so many people are drawn to it. Another thing that we at Scott Sports like about this sport is that it is such a grassroots sport. All you have to do is go to the Parts Canada TransCan and see all the families and see how they support the sport. As a company, we could help out a 50cc rider and watch him eventually get to the pro class. That is pretty amazing. You can’t do that in most sports.
Q: That is very well said and I agree completely. There is just something about this sport that attracts people from all walks of life. Speaking of life, you and your wife just welcomed a brand new life into the world in the form of a beautiful baby girl. How is the Barsanti Family doing?
A: We are all doing very well. She was born just after Christmas on December 28th. She is healthy and beautiful. As much as you think you’re prepared for it, you never really are, you just go with the flow. All I know is that hopefully she won’t want to get into this crazy sport and I won’t have to turn into a crazy moto parent.
Q: Well, congratulations. You thought you were busy before, now you’re really busy. It seems like Scott Sports has been growing each and every year. What can we expect from you for 2013?
A: Over the past 10 years Scott Sports has changed so much and continues to each year. Product wise, this is an easy question, but as a brand globally, that is hard to answer unless you have an hour or two. Since bringing bikes back into North America seven years ago, our company has doubled in size. Now more recent acquisitions of Syncros Bicycle products and Garmont North America, we are very diversified as a company and brand. It is very interesting watching the brand grow dramatically year after year in every division. As for product, you will have to wait until August to see what is new for 2014, but you can bet we will push the envelope with Innovation, technology and design. The feedback we have been getting from our athletes and consumers is incredible. Everyone is really happy with all of our products.
Q: We love what you guys are doing with your motocross gear, the new stuff looks amazing. In your line of work you obviously travel a lot. What is your favorite city to visit?
A: That is a catch 22 question (laughs). In Canada it is definitely Whistler, and in the USA it is Las Vegas. But both are cites that I love to go to, but and after a few days I can’t wait to leave, if you know what I mean.
Q: Yes, we get your point. People are always saying that they need a vacation after their Vegas vacation. We’ll let you get back to work. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Do you have any parting words?
A: I would actually like to thank all of the Scott Dealers for their continued support, and also to MXP for doing this. You guys are awesome and we’ll see everyone at the track. Cheers!