About Brent

Name: Brent Sass
Residence: Fairbanks, Alaska
Place of Birth: Excelsior, Minnesota
Age: 28
Family Members: my 35 four legged friends
Occupation: cabin builder, landlord, sled dog tourism
Hobbies: hunting, fishing, and camping.

How many years have you been running dogs? 5

What brought you to Alaska?
Brent: "I moved to Fairbanks in 1998 to attend UAF and ski on their Nordic Ski team."

How did you get started running dogs?
Brent: "I saw a neighbor mush by and told myself I was going to do that some day. That neighbor turned into a good friend and he got me started with my own dog team. I spent the first couple of years going on long camping trips with the dogs and having all kinds of adventures. Later I got an opportunity to train with Susan Butcher and David Monson and I learned how a large successful kennel operates- this gave me a great start."

Why do you run dogs?
Brent: "Mushing is a way of life, it is my life. It gives me a chance to get out and explore Alaska, go places that I have never been, and places that I probably would never be able to go without dogs. Most importantly it is all about the dogs and the relationship I have with each and every one of them. Getting to know each dog’s behaviors and personality is what makes it such an adventure. Everyday is exciting, whether it is traveling on a new trail or just learning something new about the dogs, there is never a dull moment. This is what makes it easy for me to keep moving farther and faster down the trail."

Tell me what sets you apart from other mushers?
Brent: "I am a dreamer who makes his dreams come true. Tons of people dream but not very many people actually go out and make their dreams happen. Not a day goes by that I do not move forward toward accomplishing one of my many goals. I bring this same mentality to mushing. I feel like I want it more than anybody else and will do whatever it takes to be the best. I am also young and ambitious. I feel I can and will bring a lot to the sport of dog mushing— both on and off the trail."

What are your mushing goals?
Brent: "My goals are endless, there seems to be a new one on my list each morning. This is what keeps me driving forward. Goals are very important to have and even more important to carry out. My main mushing related goal is to someday win both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod, but there are many things to accomplish before those. Setting and accomplishing my goals is what drives me everyday."

What else are you involved in outside of Mushing?
Brent: "I own a small business- Brentwood Enterprises. We specialize in construction, three-sided log buildings, custom cabins and woodworking. We also maintain a rental cabin neighborhood in Alaska's Goldstream Valley, currently, there are five rental cabins, with several more planned for completion in the future. In the summer I do a sled dog presentation at Trail Breaker Kennel in Fairbanks, AK"

To learn more about Brentwood please go to our website: http://brentwoodalaska.com