Rick Torrey Male • United States of America

Rick Torrey of Killington, also known as Richard Torrey, is the retired owner and CEO of Basin Sports, Out Of Bounds Snowboard Shop, and True Wheels Bike Shop. His interest in skiing and mountain biking led to the creation of these businesses, which were built from the ground up through his hard work and passion for the outdoors. Throughout his career, he demonstrated steady focus and determination, which helped him grow each business into a respected name in the community.

His professional journey began in the mid-1970s as a programmer at an insurance company, where he later transitioned into technical support. During that time, he was key in improving system access methods and creating more efficient solutions for developing computer systems. These innovations were considered ahead of their time and contributed significantly to the organization’s operations. Despite his success in the field, he later chose to pursue a different path and began laying the foundation for his future as an entrepreneur.

He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and moved to Ludlow with his family early in life. From a young age, he worked several jobs, including bailing boats, mowing lawns, babysitting, painting houses, and maintaining two newspaper routes. Growing up with limited financial resources, he learned the value of saving and developed a strong work ethic that would remain with him throughout his life.

After finishing high school, he worked full-time, taking as many courses as he could afford. He studied computer processing at a technical school and trained in Experimental Engineering while attending night classes at nearby colleges. Between 1973 and 1975, he also coached Little League hockey, helping a local team win regional competitions, even while managing a demanding work and study schedule.

In 1975, he purchased his first home in Windsor, Connecticut, and left his engineering role to join the insurance company full-time. A decade later, he started preparing for a career shift after acquiring a second home. In 1987, he lent a friend money to buy a ski shop. When the business failed in 1991, he purchased it from the bank and began running it himself. With no background in retail, he devoted time to learning the industry and slowly built the store into a thriving business. Over the next 32 years, it grew steadily, winning awards and recognition for excellence.

In 1996, he opened a snowboard shop and a bike shop soon after. His daughter joined the company that year, and his wife, who had been helping part-time, became the full-time CFO in 2010. He oversaw new construction projects every two years, eventually managing six major expansions. Under his leadership, the business grew from 1,000 to 24,500 square feet, becoming dominant in the local retail market.

He continued to seek ways to improve and innovate, often setting trends that others in the industry followed. When he sold the business in August 2022, it was recognized as the top ski shop in the region. Now retired, Rick Torrey spends his winters skiing and his summers mountain biking. He also enjoys traveling and reflecting on a life shaped by commitment, discipline, and the willingness to take on new challenges. He looks back with pride on the accomplishments achieved through years of dedication and perseverance.