I want to talk about taking a long term perspective, unforeseen consequences, not learning from history and maybe confirmation bias. A couple of things have serendipitously come across my desk as the same time that made me renew by thinking on these issues. I seem to find my best business lessons everywhere but in business […]
The Wallons and Skate Longboards Read More »
I just saw what I guess passes for a hover board in action. But it had a single wheel, rather than the two I’ve seen before. It seemed like more of a kind of skateboard, but let’s not call it that. Let’s call it a rideable, which is the term the company uses in this
Just When You Least Expect It- The Onewheel Read More »
The Board Press published a really good interview with Ultimate Distribution founder Kevin Harris. It’s his description of what he learned visiting 55 skate shops in Western Canada. I didn’t know there were 55 skate shops in Western Canada. Kevin’s description of what he learned reminds us, or at least reminds me, is how important
What’s It Like Out There in the Real Skateboarding World? Read More »
You know, I always assumed/took for granted that skateboards you bought at Walmart or other large discount chains were not too good. I have to admit though that sometimes I thought to myself that maybe they weren’t a bad idea for a first deck if somebody was starting out. To be clear, I’m way too
Berrics Consumer Report Read More »
My wife uses Bobbi Brown cosmetics and I doubt most of you really care. Like me (and I’m guessing all the guys who read this), until right now, you’ve probably never heard of Bobbi Brown. Maybe some of my women readers know it. I care that my wife looks great but not what brand she chooses.
My Wife’s Cosmetics and Skateboarding Read More »
The International Association of Skateboard Company’s conference week was, as usual, well attended by the people you want to see there. That’s a lot of what makes it worth attending for me. I enjoyed the Hall of Fame awards. It was great to see and hear some of these people I’ve only read about. I left before the bitter
The IASC Skate Industry Conference Read More »
IASC and BRA did a great job putting on the annual skateboard industry conference this week at the Doubletree in Orange, CA. The attendance was good, the subjects all worthy of attention, and the beer sponsor much better than last year. Credit also has to go to Steve Van Doren and Vans for providing some food, some
Notes from the Skateboard Industry Conference and Hotel Lobby Bowling Event Read More »
I just found out I’d volunteered to facilitate the panel on distribution at next week’s IASC and BRA sponsored Skateboard Industry Summit. I had to spend some time getting my thoughts about distribution in order, and I know of no better way than to write them down. Distribution has always been a bit of a contentious
The Skateboard Distribution Model- It Never Was Broken Read More »
I can’t believe I’m doing this. Oh lord, how many people am I going to piss off this time? I mean, I could just lay low and let the slings and arrows fly back and forth but no, I just don’t have the intestinal fortitude to keep my mouth shut. Instead, there’s this almost pathological need to try
Can We All Please Just Calm Down? A Business Perspective on Blanks Read More »
Some month ago, I got a call from an actual skate retailer. “It said at the end of the article that you work with companies in transition,” he asked almost as a question. “It’s true,” I told him. “Okay,” he said. “Help me with mine.” The story unfolded like this. He’d been in business for a bunch
Conversations with a Skate Retailer; A (Pretty Much) True Story Read More »