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For some, life’s journey is defined by the pursuit of a singular passion. For Ian Compton, it has been about evolving that passion into something new. As a former professional skier turned carpenter, Ian’s story is a testament to embracing change and finding fulfillment in unexpected places.
“Before I was a carpenter, I was a professional skier,” Ian explained in his recent Dickies Work Hard, Play Hard exposé. “I was an 18-year-old kid, hungry for skiing, dressed in bright, baggy clothes, listening to Wu-Tang. That’s what I lived for.” Similar to many who live and breathe action sports from an early age, the thrill of being in the mountains defined him and offered a sense of purpose.
Injury and the Turning Point
But, the intense physical demands of skiing eventually began to take a toll. Aches and pains started becoming more prevalent as he got older, and by the time he was 27, his back gave out.
Many athletes in this situation struggle to return to their former glory, but Ian saw the injury as an opportunity. “Instead of fighting to get back to where I was, I asked myself, ‘What’s next?’”
That pivotal question marked the start of a new chapter in Ian’s life, one he couldn’t have anticipated. “I had this really awesome neighbor who was a carpenter. One day, he just pulled up and said: ‘Hey man, you used to do some badass stuff on skis.’ And from that moment on, he became my mentor,” he remembered fondly.
Finding a New Passion: Carpentry
Learning the art of carpentry from a seasoned New England tradesman who took immense pride in his craft gave Ian a new sense of purpose. “He taught me everything,” Ian reflected. “I was lucky to learn from someone who loved the work and was always trying to be better at it.”
Carpentry began to captivate Ian in the same way skiing once had. “It had my attention like skiing did. … I went all in, just like I was with skiing.”
Much like finding the perfect line down a mountain, Ian discovered that carpentry could also provide moments of pure flow state. “There’s this magic that exists when you’re working, and everything clicks,” Ian said of his craft. It’s a similar feeling to the one he experienced on skis — that zen-like state where the world fades away, and it’s just him, his tools, and the task at hand.
Building a Home, Building a Life
Today, Ian’s focus has shifted from professional skiing to building something more permanent — a home in Vermont. His daily tasks range from trimming windows to strapping beams, each step bringing him and his wife closer to their dream home.
Working alongside his partner on such a major project has brought them closer. “It’s definitely bonded us,” Ian noted. “There’s no room for any bullshit. If we have something we need to talk about, we stop, fix it, and move on.”
Building a home together has tested their limits and strengthened their relationship. But despite the potential stress, Ian finds immense fulfillment in the process. “Knowing that the two of us, with some help from friends, created a home — it’s really cool, to be honest.”
Embracing the Flow
Both skiing and carpentry offer Ian the same feeling of being present, fully immersed in the task at hand. “Work hard, play hard” has become a philosophy that transcends both of his passions. Whether cutting wood or carving down a mountain, Ian’s approach remains the same: dedicate yourself fully to the moment, embrace the challenges, and enjoy the magic that follows.
Reflecting on his journey, Ian is grateful for the direction life has taken him. And while he may have started out as a skier, his journey into carpentry has opened new doors and given him a sense of meaning he never anticipated.
A Life Rebuilt Through Hard Work
Today, Ian stands as an example of how life’s greatest challenges can lead to its most rewarding transformations. Whether he’s speeding down a mountain or building a dream home, Ian Compton lives by the mantra: Work Hard, Play Hard. His story reminds us that with the right mindset (and a little bit of work), we can find fulfillment in unexpected places.
This post was sponsored by Dickies.
