BELL ❤️‍🔥

Bell’s previous VP, Andrea Pankow, once said “everyone has their Bell Helmet story.” For some, it’s their first helmet as a kid, what their dad used to race in, or the helmet that saved their life. For me, Bell was the company that took a chance on me and I am so thankful they did.

After working as a raft guide, I was determined to find a full time role in the action sports industry. As much as I loved being a river rat, I wanted to be on the other side of it working for a company whose product enhances sport. So people like me can send it. I had always felt like a bit of an outsider, and it wasn’t until rafting that I realized my people were out there—just REALLY out there, trying to surf some obscure rapid. Action sports are so special because of the communities that come with them. When I accepted the job, I didn’t know what to expect from the bike community, but it far exceeded my expectations.

Turns out, inherently dangerous sports bond people faster than any other hobby. The people I’ve met through this job have made a huge impact on my life in more ways than I could ever fit in one post. So many people took me under their wing and showed me what life on 2 wheels is all about. They took a girl who didn’t even know you shift motorcycle gears with your feet when she accepted the job and turned her into what they call a “moto enthusiast.” I got to learn about a sport I didn’t even know existed, right from the pits. When I was standing on the track watching my first Supercross race, getting pelted by the dirt after the gate dropped, I knew there was no going back. I got to experience everything from international trade shows in Italy and Germany to grassroots events on family properties.

Since entering the workforce, I gained experience in marketing, strategy, sales, product development , event management and the pros and cons of big corp. But because I worked at Bell, I also learned how to honor brand history while pushing the boundaries through innovation. I got to work with the best athletes in their fields and saw firsthand what it takes to be a winner. On top of that, I now know more about engines, trailers, chains, and energy drink brand lore than I ever thought I would in a lifetime—thank you, Bell brothers and sisters.

The past three years have been about finding my purpose through Bell stories. Nothing brought me more joy than when someone came into the booth and showed me photos of their Bell helmet from back in the day, or pictures from a crash they survived because they had a Bell on, or the 80-year-old who wears a Bell on his stationary bike "just in case."

There wasn’t a day that went by that I wasn’t proud to introduce myself as Erin from Bell. But now, it’s time to simply be Erin. I’m excited to begin this new chapter, though I’ll deeply miss my coworkers, who I’m lucky to call friends. I’ll forever be grateful to have been a small part of this legendary brand.

For those of you that get the honor and the privilege of working with my absolutely ridiculous previous team members here is your cheat code:

-Dan the Man: Our Patriarch. Nothing makes this man happier than a fire, cold beverage, and an easy pack out. You will never catch him without long john’s on under his pants. He knows all and has lived 12 lives. Do not send him to get groceries for the airbnb, unless you want to have to ration food all weekend.

-P.C. JC: Reigning from the midwest, JC was the glue of our dysfunctional work family. He was always the level headed one in the group but somehow also the dreamer. He is the best at impersonations and can make anyone laugh even in the most stressful environments. Just what ever you do… do NOT hand him keys or anything else of value, they will be lost almost instantaneously.

-Brittany WOULD: The hype girl of the group. I have never seen someone run the room during karaoke better than Britt. She is the RV mom and most fashionable. She keeps everything moving. Sometimes she speaks through sounds but you eventually learn her language. She is YOUNG and fun! And I will never be mad at her.

-Gish: We could all learn a thing or two from Cameron Gish. He is in a league of his own. He keeps his head down until the right moment arises for him to pull out his harmonica. He is the calm one that found solutions when I still was processing the problem.

-Full Salary Kyle: Fueled by zyns and baptized by monster, Kyle lives and breathes racing. He might be the coolest person I have ever met but also a softy when you peel back the layers, kind of like an onion. He is incredibly talented but also very strategic about when/if he lets you know those skills. He goes out of his way to help even when he has no obligation to and doesn’t expect anything in return.

-Boss Ben: This coffee loving Italian might have my favorite laugh on the planet. I am convinced this man is friends with everyone and knows no enemies. I have never seen someone so committed to a brand and its products. I have also never seen someone look out for me quite like this guy. You know he likes you when he insults you atleast 2 times a day. He is the reason I am humble.

-SJ or Sarah Jane but not Sarah: She matches all the Australian stereotypes. She is a vegan who casually eats ribs for lunch. She is a fashionista with some Devil Wears Prada tendencies, and she would be proud of that statement. Because of her I am no longer a push over.

See you at the races,


Erin… also known in the Bell building as JR Burger, Ernie, AIR-n, Annoying Little Sister