Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Wallace.
Mark, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Parlor skis were founded on the idea that there is a better ski experience out there for everyone, both on and off the hill. We started with humble beginnings in a funeral Parlor in Cambridge, which is where we got our name, but we have always had big aspirations.
We worked tirelessly for 4 years in the basement of a funeral parlor fusing the highly engineered but often unforgiving construction of a race ski with some of the more progressive all-mountain shapes to create a line of skis that can handle whatever you throw at it.
We learned very quickly that just making great products was not enough and that we wanted to create a totally different way of buying a pair of skis. With that in mind we build a process where each ski is made to order and given custom graphics, we also are very transparent about what we do and love having people in the shop, both for events and our build your own ski classes.
Has it been a smooth road?
Growth is never smooth. We have really learned a lot along the way… one notable moment early on was that we were committed that it was going to be “Parlor Handmade Skis” I polled a room of MBA students and all but 1one chose “Custom” over “Handmade”… we had to change a lot of our marketing…. but the rest is history. It really helped to shape and inform our marketing.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Parlor Skis – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Parlor builds Custom Skis. We founded the company based on the idea that just making the highest quality, most tailored skis on the market wasn’t enough. We felt New England needed a laminate construction ski that could hold up to the sometimes less than ideal conditions we have – one that was informed by a wider platform and some of the more progressive all-mountain shapes.
In addition to the product need, we quickly learned that before Parlor, there wasn’t a brand that represented with it means to be a New England skier. Parlor has a passionate group of skiers – some travel the world, some move out west, and some ski every weekend at loon, but they identify as Eastern skiers.
We really pride ourselves on providing the best experience and highest quality product possible. When you come to the shop or call us on the phone you are part of the family… just give us a call and see.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the passion that people here have, sports, food, culture skiing….. the people can also be the thing I like least as well….. saying hello on the street is not a crime!
Pricing:
- Limited Edition Skis $950
- Custom Graphic Skis $1,200
- Build your own skis class $1,500
Contact Info:
- Address: 175 William F McClellan Hwy.
East Boston MA 02128 - Website: www.parlorskis.com
- Phone: (617) 918-7308
- Email: mark@parlorskis.com
- Instagram: @parlorski
- Facebook: @parlorskis
- Twitter: @parlorskis
Image Credit:
@truckieloo Brooke Kalstas
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
