Jalynn Bosley & Sam Dear

ALIVE Outdoors Directors

Hank and Tanya, owners and founders of Winterdance Dogsledding have an incredibly inspiring story. It encompasses so many of the key life skills and values that create the foundation of a successful life. Their story and message touches on the power of perseverance, the importance of resiliency, teamwork and how each person and dog plays a unique and vital role in making it to the finish line. This finish line is not just the finish line of a dogsledding race, but also the successful meeting of any hard fought goal. Their story is about triumphs, how failure can be our best teacher, and placing the care of others at the forefront of mind. Their story is also about love, connection, following your dreams and the undying bond between humans and dogs. It is an emotional story, that time and time again has left the students and teachers that we work with inspired and engaged.

We highly recommend Winterdance for dogsledding adventures. As well, if you are looking for speakers for a conference, a workshop or any group where you are looking to motivate your team, Hank and Tanya will unquestionably deliver a story that touches on endless lessons in a manner that is fueled with heart and spirit."

Susan O'Dowd

Vice President, Human Resources – LifeLabs

I had the honour of having Tanya and Hank speak at our management meeting on September 21, 2011. The feedback that received was unprecedented: our team was overwhelmingly positive about the presentation; everyone found it interesting and were able to see the clear linkages between what we do as leaders in times of challenge and that of Hank assessing and developing his leaders, creating a team that can work in alignment, and then through a relationship of trust, leading that team 1,000 miles across Alaska and the Yukon. Hank and Tanya's easy and down-to-earth style really resonated with our audience. I will be having them back to deliver the same presentation o another group of our leadership team in November.

The following quotes round out the sentiments of some of the audience members: "Fantastic, very genuine and from the heart. Directly applies to what we have learned [about leadership]. We should use them in other meetings". "Genuine, passionate presenters who were able to relate their business to our corporate environment". "Excellent presentation – Hank's charm was that he was 'real' and had the direct experience". "The content is excellent – Hank is accessing a very visceral part of the human experience and there is no such thing as a boring story or one that takes 'too long'; we love hearing about it. Tanya, you are a great natural presenter and the parallels you draw to corporate life are very pertinent. You and your team have a winning formula and boardrooms everywhere will benefit from your presentation".

The Canadian Forces Language School

Tanya is an inspirational and knowledgeable speaker who is able to share details of her and her husband’s journey of raising huskies. This is no ordinary story. Huskies are central to it. Tanya tells of their races with insight into the human condition and shares poignant moments which reveal how much trust exists between them and their dogs.

As a speaker, Tanya is informed. She is passionate. She is committed and she breathes life into her story naturally because in telling it she is telling you who she, her husband and their dogs are.

Gary Brohman

Principal of Haliburton Highlands Secondary School 1993-2010

Trustee for Trillium Lakelands District School Board 2010-2020

It is my pleasure to write a testimonial message about the team Winterdance Dogsled Tours. I’ve had the privilege to hear their presentation many times and each time I come away filled with new knowledge that has helped me personally and the organization I work within. Their message is about grit, honesty, enthusiasm, joy, fear, passion and will bring out all your inner emotions.

If your organization needs a breathtaking team building presentation then book Winterdance Dogsled Tours now I guarantee you will not be disappointed. My last point would be to check out their web site-"its mandogs trying to conquer nature" unbelievable adventure that captures real life experiences.

Murray Fearrey

As past Mayor and Warden of Haliburton County for over 30 years, I am pleased to know the McCready-DeBruin family and the entrepreneurial strengths they have displayed. Of the many careers Hank and Tanya have mastered, successfully I might add, was the idea of a live presentation to demonstrate how to strengthen teamwork and leadership roles in an organization.

Dysart Township Council and Administrative Staff were privileged to enjoy this verbal and live action demonstration. In talking to Council and Staff, it was well received to show leadership and how working as a team, challenges although difficult can be overcome. I found this presentation was versatile and could benefit everyone as members of Government, Service Clubs, and small and large Corporations. I highly recommend any organization having an opportunity to participate.

Lee Watros

Your presentation is one that I see of hope and of dreams and a great deal of leadership. I totally believe that any military organization around the world would be honored to listen in on this.

I was in the United States Air Force for just over 24 years; I know a little bit about leadership, about motivation, about the sheer will to get to that next ridge. All of the things you portray. A journey of 1,000 miles on a dog sled is a LONG trip; until you start breaking it into smaller rest/run cycles. We do much of the same within the military – get to that next ridge that you can see with binoculars, get around that next ,hostile city without being detected, go just a little farther than you ever thought you could.

The motivation that you have to lead your troops or in your case the motivation that you all instill in those dogs to get to that next checkpoint and vice versa, the dogs motivating Hank enough to continue on. It’s a journey that so many in this world have to travel. I think you all are well inclined to be able to tell your story within military circles; another level of motivation for the troops out there! I greatly thank you for all that you do and honestly wish you nothing but success in the years to come.

You are all on a very different path; not one of just running a business and hopping on a sled with dogs pulling you into the cold darkness. You’re on a trail to motivate others to lead their own way through this crazy life that we live!

Autumn Wilson

Manager, Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce

This presentation was like no other. Tanya and Hank provide such an encouraging and inspiring message in the most heartfelt way possible. Their stories are captivating on their own, but their ability to take those experiences and apply them to the everyday, real life struggles of being a business owner is truly amazing.

Their presentation gave everyone the courage to face the next challenge head on and overcome it no matter what. What is more, their insights on teamwork are unparalleled. Everyone in the room couldn’t wait to run back to their organization and start building up their team, implementing all of the wisdom Tanya and Hank were kind enough to share. We never wanted the presentation to end.

I highly recommend this presentation to any association, business, or organization – you will not be disappointed.

M Ruthven

President, 4Seasons Probus Club, Collingwood

On behalf of the 4Seasons Probus Club, Collingwood, Ontario, I would like to thank you for taking the time to speak to our group via Zoom. Your presentation was really amazing. It was interesting to hear how you started your business and the challenges you over came. The story of the races, what the dogs are capable of doing and what they and the Musher must endure is truly impressive.

I could tell by the resounding applause at the end (something we have never done on Zoom before) that everyone was touched by your story and truly enjoyed it.

Bret Richardson

President, Polson, Montana, USA Rotary

Your passion for life, family and for your dogs is amazing! Our members came up to me as they left our meeting, either thanking me for getting such a engaging program, or to ask if I recorded the program so they could share with their family. Your message was clear and the presentation flowed very well. Thank you!