sual impact .” This balance of creativity and technical execution is a crucial part of her job , ensuring that every design works harmoniously with the board ’ s shape and function .
One of the most rewarding parts of Wassick ’ s work is collaborating with Rome ’ s pro riders , including Ståle Sandbech and Rene Rinnekangas , to create their signature board models . “ Working with those guys is really awesome ,” Wassick says . “ They ’ ll come to the table with a few loose ideas , and we just have cool , casual conversations to try to bring them to life .” This process often starts with a rough sketch or concept from the rider , which Wassick then refines into fully realized board graphics .
Wassick ’ s ability to work closely with the pros allows her to capture their unique personalities and riding styles in the designs . “ It ’ s cool that the riders have input ,” she says , emphasizing that these collaborations help create boards that perform at the highest level , while reflecting the ethos of the athletes who ride them . Some of her proudest work includes the Heist — a women ’ s park board designed with a unique , collage-inspired aesthetic , as well as the signature pro-model boards for Sandbech and Rinnekangas .
For Wassick , working at Rome Snowboards is more than just a career — it ’ s a continuation of her deep connection to Vermont and the world of snowboarding . Her parents both worked as product designers for Burton in the early 1990s . At the time , the Burton office was still headquartered in Southern Vermont . As key staff members , they helped to shape the aesthetic of the sport during its formative years . Growing up , Wassick was surrounded by snowboarding culture and gear . She recalls that Rome Snowboards , which entered the market during her early days on the Vermont slopes , was always a big part of that experience and culture . “ I pretty much grew up on Rome gear ,” Wassick says . “ It was what all the cool kids had .”
Following her graduation from college , Wassick returned to Vermont and found a welcoming place at Rome . She says that her work at Rome has allowed her to blend her artistic passion with her lifelong love for the sport that defined her childhood .
“ When I moved back to Vermont , I wasn ’ t necessar-
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