From driver to GM, Dan Garrison set to retire after 34 years at the Ridge Tahoe

A man who worked through the ranks from a driver to senior vice president/general manager at the Ridge Tahoe is set to retire in December, 34 years after first walking in the door at the mountain top resort on the South Shore.

In 1982, Dan Garrison started at the Ridge Tahoe, and climbed the ladder to success rung by rung. Promised the transportation manager job if he worked out as driver. He did, and within a few years doubled operations. His path included positions as purchasing manager, assistant resort manager, assistant general manager, vice president, and senior vice president/general manager.

“It’s going to be emotional and difficult to walk away from,” said Dan Garrison. “I’ve had an enviable career, it’s the epitome of the American dream.”

“With the resorts leadership group, I was able to experience every aspect of operations and work my way up,” said Garrison. “The staff are like family to me. I will miss the people, the owners and the guests.”

Garrison expressed that his proudest accomplishment was being made a partner in the management company, Resorts West.

“Seeing the dirt road transform and a foundation for our first building; the expansion and renovations; families returning each season; and weddings of individuals who grew up coming to the property; those are the memories I’ll cherish,” said Garrison.

Reflective of Garrison’s career, the Ridge Tahoe prides itself on a tradition of long-time employees many with 15, 20, 30+ years, leading to a family-type atmosphere. One of his favorite traditions is the annual Christmas party, an evening celebration with Santa, live music, dinner, and gifts for all children 12 and under.

The culture Garrison helped developed is predicated on impeccable customer service. This year, owner Lex Adams announced that the resorts’ top management award would be renamed the Dan Garrison Excellence in Customer Service Award.
Considered a local treasure and institution in the South Tahoe community, Garrison’s served as Douglas Chamber of Commerce president and lent his time and talent to numerous boards and non-profits over the years. His amiable personality, management style and people skills have been a winning combination throughout his career.

Garrison said once he’s retired the first thing he’ll do is float in his own pool in Florida. His wife Cathy, suggested he purchase a lawn mower to maintain their one-acre lot while she has their kitchen remodeled.

An avid golfer, Garrison is threatening to scatter crowds, break windows and have children diving for cover playing three to four times a week. Described by his closest friends as a long time sandbagger, he doesn’t claim a current handicap, a longtime ruse on the first tee. His new hobbies will also entail landscaping and rekindling his passion for carpentry: building benches, patio, horseshoe pit, etc. Dan and his wife have two adult sons, Preston and Troy, who both live nearby.