Born and raised in Southern California, Ely has been skiing in and around Lake Tahoe since childhood. Diamond Peak holds a special place in his heart—it's where his dad and grandpa first taught him to ski. After spending many summers and winters in the area, Ely and his wife, Briana, made Incline Village their permanent home in 2024, along with their three boys: Wes (8), Miles (5), and Wilder (3).

Ely is passionate about the outdoors and can be found skiing, mountain biking, trail running, and, more recently, attempting to improve his wakesurfing skills. While the majestic mountains and serene lake initially drew his family to Incline Village, they’ve stayed for the remarkable sense of community.

Professionally, Ely has worked in the outdoor industry since 2009, when he founded Retrospec. His mission has always been to make the outdoors accessible to everyone by creating high-quality, beautiful gear at prices people can afford. He is deeply committed to breaking down barriers and helping more people find joy outside.

Ely is also the president of Burnt Cedar, a property development company, and looks forward to supporting the ski team’s real property needs and long-term planning. He holds a degree in real estate finance from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in construction management from USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering.

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