episode Twelve
Ep 12 – Building Faction, Forward & Candide Skis ft. Tony McWilliam
From Falls Creek liftie to global ski brand founder, Tony McWilliam shares the raw truths of the snow sports industry.
Tony McWilliam’s journey is one for the ages: starting as a lift attendant at Falls Creek, moving to Verbier, and founding Faction Skis without permits, prototypes, or a business plan. In this episode, he shares the behind-the-scenes reality of building outdoor brands, the challenges of growth, and the resilience needed to survive.
Now directing Forward Apparel and Candide Skis, Tony reflects on:
The rise and lessons of Faction Skis
Industry debt, VC funding, and growth myths
The power of community and luck in business
What’s next for Candide and Forward
An honest and inspiring conversation with one of skiing’s true innovators
#OnlyFriendsOnAPowDay #FactionSkis #CandideSkis #ForwardApparel #SnowSports #SkiIndustry #SkiCulture #Entrepreneurship
