Rick Torrey

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 passion for skiing and mountain biking led him to create businesses that reflected his love for outdoor activities. What began as a personal interest developed into a career rooted in dedication and long-term growth. Over time, he turned these ventures into respected operations that served the community for decades.

Before entering the retail world, he worked in programming during the mid-1970s at an insurance company. His technical skills quickly became evident, and he was promoted to a support role, where he played a key part in improving access methods for computer systems. His contributions were ahead of the curve, offering advanced solutions even by the standards of leading companies at the time. Although skilled in programming, his goals eventually shifted toward pursuing business ownership.

He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and moved to Ludlow as a child. From an early age, he showed a strong work ethic, taking on jobs like bailing boats, mowing lawns, babysitting, and painting. He also maintained two newspaper routes. These early experiences taught him the importance of saving and managing resources, especially from a household with limited means.

After completing high school, he juggled full-time jobs while attending as many classes as his budget allowed. He enrolled in a technical program for computer processing and participated in experimental engineering training while attending night courses at local colleges. During this busy time, he managed to coach Little League hockey, helping the team win regional competitions.

In 1975, he purchased his first home in Windsor, Connecticut, and transitioned into a programming role. After buying a second home in 1986, he began preparing for a shift toward business. In 1987, he lent money to a friend to buy a ski shop. When the company failed in 1991, he purchased it from the bank and took over operations. Despite having no retail experience, he committed to learning the trade and worked hard to grow the business.

His efforts turned the struggling shop into a top performer over the next 32 years. In 1996, he opened a snowboard shop and a bike shop. That same year, his daughter joined the company, and his wife, who had helped part-time, became the full-time CFO in 2010. He led six building projects and expanded the store’s size from 1,000 to 24,500 square feet, setting a standard for others in the industry.

His focus remained on steady improvement and forward-thinking business practices. When he sold the company in August 2022, it had become the leading ski retailer in the region. Now in retirement, Rick Torrey spends his winters skiing and his summers mountain biking and enjoys traveling. Reflecting on his journey, he values the consistent effort and determination that shaped his professional life.