Our Staff

 

Ahvo Taipale – Founder

• Born in Finland.
• Started Finn Sisu in 1978.
• Member of the Finnish Ski Coaching Association.
• Coached the University of Minnesota women’s team to two national titles.
• Numerous age class wins, including races like the Vasaloppet and Kortelopet.
• Started Team Birkie with Steve Gaskill.
• Takes a sauna every night.

• Retired junior high science teacher
• Started in the ski business in 1982
• 20 American Birkebeiner finishes
• Skied his first Birkie in 1976 on wooden skis
• Meet his wife while working at Finn Sisu
• Has a Finnleo sauna

Tom Novak - Co-Owner       

Started in the ski business in 1971. Started ski tuning in 1975 and working at Finn Sisu in 1992. Graduated from art school in 1980.

• Obsessed with accumulating stonegrinding machines.
• Obsessed with research and xc structure creation.
• Obsessed with grind conversation ... until customer's eyes roll back in head.
• Loves canoe and trailer camping with family and friends.
• Loves skiing, biking and hiking with wifey.
• Quietly continues to play hockey.
• Uses sauna religiously. 

 

 

Greg Weier

• Worked in ski business since 1974
• Finn Sisu staff member since 1997
• Head Coach Mahtomedi Nordic 20+ years
• Vakava Juniors and Masters coach
• Has a Finnleo sauna

 

Devin Arenz

• Finn Sisu employee since late 1990s
• Expert waxer
• Builds and races canoes
• Enjoys lake racing winter and summer
• Has a Finnleo sauna

Karen Weium - Co-Owner

• Works inventory and marketing
• Hobbies include kettlebells and violin
• Finished 35 Birkies
• Has a Finnleo sauna

Rebecca Kolstad

• Started working at Finn Sisu in 2017.
• Vakava Masters coach.
• Graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2019 with a degree in Recreation Administration and Health Promotion.
• Classic ski race enthusiast - Mora Vasaloppet above all else.
• Loves running around with her 4-legged best friend, Scout.
• Attempts to keep up with Nate on his bike.
• Enjoys the occasional s'more around a campfire.

• Started at Finn Sisu in 2014
• Skied for Irondale High School – 2013 graduate
• Graduated from the University of St Thomas in 2017 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Avid cyclist