NEXT SHOW:
Las Vegas
February 12-15th 2025
CHAMPS Trade Show pulls off Ft. Lauderdale Pg. 13
Ringing in the New Year Pg. 77
Part 2: Santa Claus andthe Snowball Showdown in the Wild West and the cover story:
By Kevin Dankman
By Kevin Dankman
By CHAMPS Magazine Staff
By Bernie Boulders
Claus
ISSUE 64 | DECEMBER
ADVERTISER
CHAMPS Trade Show Pulls Off Ft. Lauderdale
By Kevin Dankman
CHAMPS Trade Show: A Beacon of Resilience and Good Vibes in Ft. Lauderdale!
The sun may have been playing hide-and-seek behind the clouds lately, but the CHAMPS Trade Show in Ft. Lauderdale brought the sun and the heat! This wasn't just any trade show; it was a celebration of an industry that refuses to be dampened, even when Mother Nature throws her worst tantrums.
Forget hurricane season, this was hustle season! Ft. Lauderdale, aka "Fort Liquordale," rolled out the red carpet (maybe a little soggy, but who's checking?) for vendors and buyers who weren't about to let a little thing like torrential rain wash away their entrepreneurial spirit.
And speaking of "Fort Liquordale," let's raise a glass (or a shot glass, to be precise) to the show's debut in this vibrant city! With its legendary past and party-hardy reputation, Ft. Lauderdale proved the perfect backdrop for CHAMPS' signature blend of business and good times. Plus, with those sweet, sweet discount flights into Miami, getting there was half the fun!
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B2B Magazine
CannaAid
Coastal Cloud Crave Vape Demand Vape
DOZO Empire Imports
Fume
CHAMPS Trade Show Pulls Off Ft. Lauderdale
Buyers, Sellers, and a Whole Lotta Heart
The show floor was a whirlwind of activity, with serious buyers on a mission to stock up on the hottest products. It was heartwarming to hear buyer after buyer say they came specifically to support the vendors, knowing that many folks from storm-ravaged areas might not make it. Talk about having a community spirit!
But hold on, the regional crew wasn't about to miss out on the action! Shops from Jacksonville, Atlanta, and even Chattanooga (that's dedication!) rolled into town, proving that when it comes to CHAMPS, a little road trip is a small price to pay.
All of the pre-registered buyers had a chance to win $1000, but only three would go home with it!
The first Day Winner: Ahmad from 192 Market and Smoke from Kissimmee, Fl.
Second Day winner: James at the Emporium Smoke Shop in Rutland, Vt.
Final winner: Bardon from Apollo Beach Smoke and Cigar, Apollo Beach, FL
Got Vape’s Efren with his winners!
Jim with a set by Strawberry Glass
Jim from Zion showing o his winnings Jason from Boynton Beach
Troy from Kratomade
Tre House booth URB Magazine
The whole years worth of bracelets on one buyer!
Koi Style at the Koi booth
Smiles all around at the Party Nuts booth
CHAMPS Trade Show Pulls Off Ft. Lauderdale
Glass Games: Where Talent Meets Philanthropy
Of course, no CHAMPS show would be complete without the legendary Glass Games, and Ft. Lauderdale did not disappoint! These weren't just any competitions; they were a showcase of incredible artistry and a testament to the generosity of the glassblowing community.
Winners:
"Liquordale Shot Glass Grab" (who knew shot glasses could be so competitive?)
1st place 27 Unlimited
2nd Place Strawberry Glass 3rd Place Trouble The Maker
"Only-Florida" challenge (think gators, sunshine, and maybe even a few flamingos)
1st Place Charisma Glass
Stamped his ticket to the Masters with his amazing Cinderella Castle re-creation!
2nd Place Skoeet Glass
3rd Place Trouble the Maker
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“Ft. Liquordale Shot Glass Grab” 1st Place - 27 Unlimited
“Only-Florida” 1st Place - Charisma Glass
CHAMPS Trade Show Pulls Off Ft. Lauderdale
“Floridamentals” Challenge (An ornament for any holiday)
Ottone Glass, Longneck Glass, Nitro Glass and Trouble The Maker all got awards in this category and a $250 check.
But the real highlight? The incredible $1,000 raised for local glassblower Ray WhamsleySeaShakes Glass who is currently recovering from a stroke. Proof that this industry isn't just about business; it's about supporting each other through thick and thin (and maybe a few broken pipes along the way).
CHAMPS: More Than Just a Trade Show
So, there you have it. The CHAMPS Trade Show in Ft. Lauderdale was a resounding success, a testament to the resilience, creativity, and sheer determination of everyone who was involved. It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit – and the entrepreneurial spirit – can shine through.
A huge shout-out to all the organizers, vendors, buyers, and glass artists who made this event so special. You showed the world that the CHAMPS family is
“Floridamentals” Danny Ottone
“Floridamentals” Nitro Glass
“Floridamentals” Trouble The Maker
“Floridamentals” Long Neck Glass
Local glass legends Lost Boys booth
Viva La Hemp booth
A Pipemaker's Legacy: A 50-Year Journey of Craftsmanship
Unveiling the Mystery:
Steve, we're eager to hear about your life before Hawaii. Can you finally reveal the secrets of your past and shed any light on that enigmatic period between the Air Force and that fateful September day? Or is that a story we will have to wait for in your memoirs?
"Yeah,
this story is
a bit complex, and will be waiting for the memoirs…"
Steve's story picks up in Hawaii, where he crossed paths with Tom Moffatt, a prominent figure in the Hawaiian music scene and the man who brought Elvis to the islands. Moffatt commissioned Steve's brother, Jeff, a talented ceramic artist known for crafting unique face mugs, to create a collection of mugs for Christmas presents.
and Celebration
This commission sparked an idea in Steve's mind. He decided to use the remaining clay to craft a unique gift: a pipe. This simple act of creativity ignited a passion that would burn brightly for the next five decades. One of these pipes still resides with Steve in his personal Collec tion. He owns a pipe as old as I am, a concept hard to grasp.
Steve's pipes quickly gained popularity, and he soon found himself crafting them for a growing clientele. His creations became synonymous with celebration and camaraderie, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. But how did he achieve such success?
“Don't ever let anything out of your shop that you wouldn't want to keep,” Steve advises aspiring artists. “It took a while to figure out consistently… and you can't live off mistakes as easy as living off the finest work you can turn up.”
He also reveals the secret behind his pipes' unique texture: “In order to texture and shape the stem of the pipe and give it a contrasting appearance to the smooth and shiny, gold plated bowl, I used a lava rock that I found.”
These lava rocks, integral to Steve's craft, carried a deeper significance. In Hawaiian culture, it is considered bad luck to take rocks off the islands. To respect this tradition and maintain good karma, Steve sought the blessing of a local Hawaiian priest for the rocks he used. "It's bad luck to take rocks off the island," Steve explains. "So I had a local Hawaiian priest bless the rocks... and then before I left Hawaii... I had them blessed again."
This act of reverence for nature and local culture speaks volumes about Steve's character and his commitment to creating his art with respect and intention. He plans to return the rocks to their original locations once his pipe-making journey is complete, ensuring his "karma will be good with Madam Pele, whose rocks they really are."
A pivotal moment in Steve's career came with the publication of his work in High Times magazine. "First issue of High Times... with the with a PVY floating aircraft on the cover and inside," Steve describes. "High Times gave me a story... right on the editorial page. That came out in April of 1974." This exposure catapulted his pipes into the national spotlight, leading to a surge in orders of over 200 pieces, and establishing his reputation as a premier pipemaker.
Steve's dedication to quality and his passion for his craft led him to cross paths with a constellation of stars, including Tony Bennett, Elvis, and even the gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. “We got to meet Hunter Thompson,” Steve recounts. “He was as crazy as all the stories.”
His pipes became an instant favorite of rock bands like Santana, Fleetwood Mac, and Aerosmith, once the received those backstage gifts, further solidifying their place in music history. Steve fondly remembers presenting his creations to these music icons: "Tom would have me present pipes... and we'd go to the green room before the concert. Never knew who you'd meet there, and we'd present pipes to everybody in the band, whoever they were."
Continues On Page 74
A Pipemaker's Legacy:
As Steve reflects on his 50-year career, he acknowledges the challenges he faced, from not being able to find an apprentice as well as navigating the stigma surrounding marijuana use. “I've tried to find an apprentice,” he admits. “I've taken the pipes to a professional ceramic company to make molds and try to copy the pipes that way. But that didn't work either. Nothing ever
By CHAMPS Magazine Staff
Ringing in the New Year: Best Practices for a Successful Retail Transition
The holiday season rush is fading, the shelves are looking a bit bare, and you're likely facing a mountain of returns. While it might be tempting to just coast into the new year, this period between the holidays and the first quarter is actually crucial for retailers. It's a time for reflection, analysis, and strategic planning to ensure the next year is even more successful than the last.
This is your chance to not just close out the year properly, but to lay the groundwork for a profitable future. Here's how:
1. Take StockLiterally and Figuratively:
• Inventory Assessment: Before you can plan for the year ahead, you need a clear picture of what you currently have. Conduct a thorough inventory count, identifying bestsellers, slow-movers, and any lingering holiday stock. This data will be invaluable for future purchasing decisions and sales strategies.
• Analyze Sales Data: Dive deep into your sales figures from the past year. Which products performed well? Were there any noticeable trends or patterns? Identify your peak sales periods and any external factors that may have influenced buying behavior.
• Gather Customer Feedback: What better way to understand your strengths and weaknesses than by hearing directly from your customers? Send out surveys, offer incentives for feedback, and pay close attention to online reviews.
Ringing in the New Year: Best Practices for a Successful Retail Transition
2. Clearance Strategies
that Don't Sacrifice Profit:
• Strategic Markdowns: Don't just slash prices haphazardly. Implement a tiered markdown strategy to maximize profits while still enticing customers to purchase remaining inventory.
• Bundle Deals: Combine slow-moving items with popular products to create attractive bundles and encourage larger purchases.
• Repurpose Holiday Stock: Get creative! Can any holiday items be repackaged or marketed for other occasions?
3. Spruce Up Your Space:
• Refresh Your Store Layout: A new year calls for a fresh perspective. Reimagine your store layout to improve customer flow and highlight new merchandise.
• Deep Clean and Organize: Take advantage of the post-holiday lull to give your store a thorough cleaning and reorganize your stockroom. A clean and organized space is essential for both employee morale and customer experience.
• Update Displays: Remove outdated displays and create eye-catching visuals that showcase your upcoming collections and promotions.
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4. Plan for the Year Ahead:
• Set Realistic Goals: Based on your sales data and market analysis, establish clear and achievable goals for the coming year.
Ringing in the New Year: Best Practices for a Successful Retail Transition
• Develop a Marketing Strategy: How will you reach your target audience in the new year? Plan your marketing campaigns, promotions, and any special events you want to host.
• Review Your Budget: Analyze your expenses from the past year and allocate your budget effectively for the upcoming year, taking into account any planned investments or expansions.
5. Invest in Your Team:
• Employee Feedback and Training: Conduct performance reviews and gather feedback from your employees. Identify any areas where additional training or support might be needed.
• Team Building and Motivation: After a busy holiday season, it's important to show your appreciation for your team. Organize a team-building activity or offer incentives to boost morale and motivation.
• Plan for Staffing Needs: Anticipate your staffing needs for the coming year, taking into account any planned expansions or new initiatives.
By following these best practices, you can effectively wrap up your retail year and set the stage for a successful and profitable year ahead.
Santa Claus and Snowball Showdown in the Wild West
Chapter 4: The Snowball Showdown
The townsfolk, cowboys, and Native Americans alike watched in amazement as the desert was transformed into a winter wonderland. Snow piled up quickly, covering the ground in a thick, white blanket. The tension that had hung over the town melted away as the unexpected snowfall brought out the childlike wonder in everyone.
Santa, now back in his element, laughed heartily. “Let’s settle our di erences with a good, old-fashioned snowball ght! The losing side agrees to sit down and talk things out.”
The cowboy leader looked skeptical, but the sight of snow in the desert was too much for him to resist. “Alright, old man. You’re on. Cowboys versus Indians. Last team standing wins.”
Chief Thunderhawk nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Agreed. Let the snowball ght begin.”
What followed was a spectacle unlike anything the Wild West had ever seen. Cowboys and Native Americans alike began to scoop up the freshly fallen snow, forming snowballs with eager hands. The town erupted into a urry of white as snowballs ew through the air, people ducking, dodging, and laughing in the unexpected fun.
and the Showdown West
Santa himself joined in, his belly shaking with laughter as he hurled snowballs with surprising accuracy. The reindeer, freed from their harnesses, frolicked in the snow, adding to the festive chaos.
The townsfolk, who had initially taken cover, soon joined in the fray, caught up in the sheer joy of the moment. It was a wild, joyous battle, with no real animosity, just the thrill of the game and the shared experience of something truly magical.
Chapter 5: A Christmas Truce
As the snowball ght raged on, the cowboy leader found himself standing face-to-face with Chief Thunderhawk, both men holding snowballs, their breath visible in the cold air. They stared at each other for a long moment, the weight of their people’s histories between them.
But instead of throwing their snowballs, both men lowered their arms. The ght slowed, then stopped, as everyone realized what had happened. The snowball ght had brought them together, if only for a brief time, in a shared moment of laughter and joy.
Chief Thunderhawk was the rst to speak. “Perhaps there is another way to settle our di erences.”
The cowboy leader nodded, wiping snow from his mustache. “Yeah… maybe there is.”
Santa, watching from nearby, felt a warmth in his heart that had nothing to do with the magic he had just used. He stepped forward, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom.
“You’ve shown that you can come together in the spirit of play,” Santa said. “Now, why not try to nd a way to live together in peace?”
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Santa Claus and the Snowball Showdown in the Wild West
With that, Santa cracked his whip, and the reindeer took o into the sky. The townsfolk and Native Americans watched in awe as the sleigh ascended into the night, the sound of jingle bells fading into the distance.
As Santa soared through the sky, the magical vortex reappeared, pulling him back into its swirling depths. The ride was just as wild and disorienting as before, but this time, Santa felt a sense of calm. He knew he was heading back to where he belonged.
When the sleigh nally emerged from the vortex, Santa found himself back at the North Pole, the familiar snow-covered landscape stretching out before him. The Northern Lights danced over head, and the warmth of the workshop beckoned him home.
Santa landed the sleigh with a satis ed sigh, pat ting the reindeer on their heads. “Well done, my friends. We’ve had quite an adventure tonight.”
As Santa entered the workshop, the elves greeted him with cheers, unaware of the incredible jour ney he had just taken. Mrs. Claus handed him a warm cup of cocoa, her eyes twinkling with curi osity.
“You look like you’ve had quite a night, dear,” she said.
Santa chuckled, taking a sip of the cocoa. “Oh, you wouldn’t believe it, my love. But let’s just say that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well, even in the most unlikely of places.” Continues On Page 103
Santa Claus and the Snowball Showdown in the Wild West
And with that, Santa Claus settled back into his chair by the re, ready for another year of spread ing joy and peace to the world. The snowball showdown in the Wild West was a story he would cherish, a reminder that no matter where or when, the magic of Christmas could bring people together.
As the re crackled and the snow fell softly out side, Santa Claus closed his eyes, a contented smile on his face. Christmas was a time for mira cles, after all, and this year had been no exception.
Epilogue: The Legend Grows
In the years that followed, the story of the myste rious snowball ght in the desert spread far and wide, becoming a legend in its own right. Some said it was a tale of peace and understanding, others called it a Christmas miracle, but all who heard it felt a warmth in their hearts.
The town, once divided by fear and prejudice, became a place of harmony and cooperation, thanks to the unlikely intervention of a jolly old man in a red suit. And as the legend grew, so too did the belief in the magic of Christmas.
For in that small town in the Wild West, the spirit of Christmas was not just a story, but a living, breathing part of their lives. And every year, as the snow fell softly on Christmas Eve, the people would gather together, remembering the day when Santa Claus came to town and turned a desert into a winter wonderland.
And somewhere, far away in the North Pole, Santa Claus would smile, knowing that the magic of Christmas had found a new home in the most unexpected of places.
