ISSUE 1230 JULY 23, 2012
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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Group Publisher Editor In Chief James Hartford james@sportsonesource.com 704.987.3450
ISSUE 1230 JULY 23, 2012
Senior Business Editor Thomas J. Ryan tryan@sportsonesource.com 917.375.4699 Contributing Editors Fernando J. Delgado, Mackenzie Lobby, Charlie Lunan, Matt Powell Creative Director Teresa Hartford teresa@sportsonesource.com 704.987.3450 (x105)
The Weekly Digital Magazine for the Sporting Goods Industry
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Graphic Designer Sebastian Restrepo Camila Amortegui camila@sportsonesource.com 704.987.3450 (x103) Special Projects Manager Dao Huynh dao@sportsonesource.com 704.987.3450 (x109) President, Sports & Outdoor Paul Gagner pgagner@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302 VP Business Development / East Barry Gauthier barry@sportsonesource.com 774.553.5312 VP Business Development / West Barry Schrimsher bschrimsher@sportsonesource.com 503.784.6267 VP Marketing / Product Development Gregg Hartley ghartley@sportsonesource.com 561.543.7789 Chief Information Officer Mark Fine mark@sportsonesource.com 561.615.0240 (x224) Advertising Sales Account Manager / Northeast Buz Keenan buz@sportsonesource.com 201.887.5112 Advertising Sales Account Managers / Midwest Barry Kingwill & Jim Kingwill bkingwill@sportsonesource.com jkingwill@sportsonesource.com 847.537.9196 Advertising Sales Account Manager / Southeast Katie O'Donohue katieo@sportsonesource.com 828.244.3043 Circulation & Subscriptions Subs@sportsonesource.com SportsOneSource Publications Print Magazines: SGB, TEAM Business Digital Magazines: SGB Weekly, SGB Performance TEAM Business Newsletters: The B.O.S.S. Report Sports Executive Weekly Weekly Updates: SGB, Footwear Business, Outdoor Business, Sportsman’s Business, TEAM Business SportsOneSource Research SportScanInfo, OIA VantagePoint, SOS Research
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FORTY UNDER FORTY SGB HONORS THE INDUSTRIES BEST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS.
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Copyright 2012 SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors to SGB WEEKLY are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. SGB WEEKLY is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB WEEKLY may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. SGB WEEKLY is published weekly by SportsOneSource, LLC, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Send address changes to SGB WEEKLY , 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450
JULY 23, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com
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THE SGB 40 UNDER 40 AWARDS now in their fifth year, once again honor the best and brightest young professionals shaping the future of the sporting goods industry. 4 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
THE SGB 40 UNDER 40 HONOREES FOR 2012 Simon Atkins Randy Benedict Jaime Bethke Jake Brandman Nicholas Brayton Callum Brown Charlie Bruder Jay Custard Jarka Duba Mark Eggert
Sean Finucane Mark French Kip Fulks Matt Geske Sally Grimes Peter Ha Jonathan Hart Petra Hilleberg Bob Holding Brett Jordan
Jeremiah Mackmiller Ann Vernon Malik Damian McCusker Rob Morales John Naekel Matthew Navarro Mary Cecile Neville David Oksman Mike Olsen Theresa Palermo
Steven Regenold Eric Rubel Matt Schwartz Troy Sicotte Lee Silverman Michael Hauge Sørensen Henry Stafford Matt Tingler Edward Van Wezel Nick Vu
JOB
.COM
SIMON ATKINS ADIDAS / HEAD OF SPORT STYLE DIVISION, NORTH AMERICA AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 18
My career began in 1994 at Agron Accessories, a licensee of adidas U.K, where I learned the basics of running a business. I transferred into the running department as a tech rep selling to more than 60 Run Specialty accounts. I moved to Germany to establish a global training program for adidas tech reps worldwide. Wanting to broaden my experience, I moved to Portland, OR and into brand marketing for adidas NA working on Basketball, World Cup, the X-Games and brands like Impossible Is Nothing. When I moved into Sport Style, I led many adidas Originals advertising campaigns in the last five years and have broadened my business role reframing the adidas Originals business. EDUCATION & DEGREE ACHIEVED: B.A. Sports Management,
University of Northumbria, Newcastle, UK
MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Lead by example and do what
you say.
Invest in your team to improve coordination and communication and that they know their role and their goal. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Success comes from discipline, focus on doing a few things extremely well. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? A dedicated team, and leadership that gives us the freedom to make “end to end” decisions. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Loyal and Driven MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: Jack Buckner, for teaching me the fundamentals as a young marketer in the U.K.; Patrik Nilsson, for helping me become a better leader; and Hermann Deininger, for pushing me with trust, insight and support. FAVORITE QUOTE: “Imagination is more important than knowledge” - Albert Einstein BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN:
6 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
RANDY BENEDICT SECOND SOLE RUNNING SPECIALTY STORES CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AGE 36 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 13
I’m happy to say that I’m on this list surrounded by these industry influencers because I stuck to what I loved from a young age. Running and track and field was a passion in high school that opened the door for a successful collegiate career in track and field but also taught me how to combine it with an intelligent business atmosphere. We have an ever growing and expanding company existing in a market of unpredictable changes. I find these realities stimulating, and I constantly test myself to find potential rather than disaster. EDUCATION & DEGREE ACHIEVED: Marketing/Economics,
Ashland University
MOST IMPORTANT THING I HAVE LEARNED: Things always change. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Find balance in your life and work. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Passionately driven
My father and Steve Hixson, owner of our company, who has a work ethic like no other. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. FAVORITE QUOTE: Know where you’re going; otherwise, you’re going to end up somewhere else. MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER:
JAKE BRANDMAN DECKERS OUTDOOR CORP. / SANUK BRAND PRESIDENT AGE 37 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 15
I was born La Mirada, CA as the middle child of five boys. I learned from my older siblings but I also pushed the boundaries. At UCLA I grew up and met lifelong friends including my wife, Melissa. Ready to break away, we moved to Berkeley, CA and started our family. Missing the Southern California beaches, we moved back to Seal Beach where we currently live and are surrounded by family and graced with a wonderful community. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Economics, UCLA;
M.B.A., Marshall School of Business at USC
The process of building a plan is more important than the plan itself. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Angel Martinez told me "give your entire self away every day." It helped me to stop basing success on the number of things I check off and focus on the number of people that I can positively impact. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Don't let your fear of the outcome stop you from dreaming. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Passionately driven MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My Mother, she told me to do everything with compassion and be grateful for every day; Michael Tebrich, showed me the importance of business relationships; Christopher Archer, made me realize that there are different ways to do things; Steve Munn, showed me how to use my ‘velvet hammer’; Jim Van Dine, how to be in the moment; and Pete Worley, the power of building great teams. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: “Good to Great” by Jim Collins MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
JAMIE BETHKE ELAN-POLO INTERNATIONAL / VICE PRESIDENT AGE 39 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 15
Jamie began his career with Elan Polo International in 1997 as an Assistant Line Builder in the Women's division, and after a brief period was promoted to Line Builder in the Children's division. In 2001-2002 Elan Polo International purchased brands Daniel Green and L.B. Evans and obtained the license for Woolrich Footwear. He was promoted to Division Head responsible for all genders of branded and private label footwear designs and merchandising. In 2009, Jamie was promoted to VP of the Women's Division and in 2012 headed Elan Polo's launch of a new fashion brand, Vogue Footwear. With 15 years of international travel in footwear manufacturing, design and sales, Jamie has helped Elan Polo International impact the footwear industry. He resides in Kirkwood, MO with his wife and daughter. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: Attended Baker University and
Penn Valley Community College
MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Winning isn't everything. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Moderation, Priorities, and Consequences BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Hard work never goes out of style and
honesty with kindness goes a long way.
WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My family DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Rooted and Spirited
MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My Grandmother FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: The Art of War by Sun Tzu
FAVORITE QUOTE: "The only way out is through" - Robert Frost
JULY 23, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com
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NICHOLAS BRAYTON WOOLRICH, INC. / PRESIDENT / AGE 33 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 7
Brayton is a seventh generation descendant of Woolrich founder John Rich. He is the first descendent since his father, Roswell Brayton,Jr. to lead the company. Brayton spent the majority of his childhood at Woolrich. In 2006, after completing his law degree, he joined the company. His career began in the licensing department, where he rose to Director of Domestic Licensing before taking the role as President. Brayton is an avid soccer player and lives just outside of Woolrich,PA with his family. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A., Miami University;
J.D., Salmon P. Chase College of Law I COULDN’T DO MY JOB WITHOUT: The Woolrich team MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: The more perspectives the better BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: "Honey is sweeter than wine" - to get what you want you have to act with respect, honesty and integrity. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Don’t be afraid to go after what you want. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
My family
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Confident and Driven
My father - he has been a very important influence in my life and the lessons I learned I take with me everyday. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne FAVORITE QUOTE: “The best way out is always through.” -Robert Frost MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER:
CALLUM BROWN PRO FEET, INC. / CO-OWNER & EXECUTIVE VP AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 8
As a boy growing up in North Carolina, I was consumed with sports. I owe so much of who I am to the experiences I had playing sports, and I know first-hand the values young people can learn through team sports. My athletic career ended after playing small college basketball, but I now have the opportunity to work in the sporting goods industry and help young athletes to have experiences like mine. I coach youth soccer, basketball and softball and know the value of a sporting goods dealer and being able to find quality, innovative products for our teams. Partly because of this we’ve rebranded Pro Feet over the last year to help our dealers provide these types of products in their sock offerings. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Business Administration, Catawba College BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Invest in the people who will always stand beside you.
WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? I have a willingness to work
hard and to use the gifts I've been given to their fullest. Life is about relationships and Pro Feet is exceptional at building relationships with and partnering with our dealers. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Determined and Loyal MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My wife, my Mom and Russell Wilson, Pro Feet’s founder FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOKS: Business By The Book by Larry Burkett
8 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
CHARLIE BRUDER
JAY CUSTARD
WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE / VP GLOBAL RETAIL MERCHANDISING AGE 33 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 11
FINISH LINE / VP DIGITAL MARKETING AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 6
I grew up in beautiful, remote area of New Hampshire that ignited my love of the outdoors. When most of my friends from college went into banking or to law school, I accepted a job at Abercrombie & Fitch. I spent five great years in Columbus, OH learning the retail business and it’s where I met my wife. Within a few years, we decided to head back east, got married and started a family. I was fortunate to land a job with Timberland and developed a passion for the footwear industry. In 2010, I accepted a position that took me back to retail working with the leadership team at Wolverine Worldwide. My wife and I now enjoy everything that West Michigan has to offer along with our children.
Jay’s responsibilities include leading and directing Finish Line’s corporate strategies involving digital customer acquisition, retention and customer satisfaction, as well as developing new strategies to support future omni-channel growth. He comes to Finish Line following four years with Crocs, where he served as VP, E-Commerce, Global. Prior to Crocs, Jay was the Senior Online Marketing Manager for Crispin, Porter & Bogusky Texturemedia, an award-winning digital agency in Boulder, CO, where he worked with clients, including Microsoft, American Express, Volkswagen and Pearl Izumi. An avid cyclist and skier, Jay enjoys the outdoors with his wife and children.
EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED:
Colgate University
B.A. Economics/Philosophy,
How the consumer shops, the products they want and what motivates them to purchase are constantly evolving. If you don’t anticipate and react, they will find somebody who did. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Listen first. Always. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: The worst thing you can do is nothing. Test, measure, react, and when you find a great idea, don’t be afraid to push its limits. MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
My family
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Creative and Strategic
In life, my family. In my career, Mike Jeffries at Abercrombie & Fitch. His relentless pursuit of perfection is something that I attempt to emulate every day. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Think Big, Act Small by Jason Jennings FAVORITE QUOTE: “It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER:
10 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: Studied Marketing,
Westminster College
MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: There is no such thing as
perfect - be willing to course-correct. If the game is designed for you to lose, don’t play. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Move fast and break things. You can’t build anything amazing without having dangerously ridiculous ideas from time to time. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Hang out with people that get things done and don't ask what's in it for me. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? Flexibility, resourcefulness and being relentless. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Curious and Dedicated MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My parents, my wife, Andrew Davison, and Chris Ladd, FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford FAVORITE QUOTE: “Talent does what it can, genius does what it must.”
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JARKA DUBA POC USA, LLC. / PRESIDENT & CEO / AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 17
A former ski racer from New York, Jarka Duba has been involved in the sports industry for the last 17 years. Following a dream ignited from his earliest experiences as a ski racer on the East Coast, Duba’s passion for sports is driven by a desire to live and work in an environment that not only pushes him professionally, but mentally and physically. After graduating from Cornell University in 1995, he embarked on a career in snow sports as a successful ski racing coach, then moved to marketing and product management positions with Dolomite and Elan Skis. In 2006, after a brief stint in pharmaceutical sales, a small Swedish company named POC drew Duba back into the ski racing industry. Recognizing POC’s potential in the U.S., Duba opened POC USA from his garage, shipping gear and making sales calls as a one man show before hiring a full team to fulfill requests nationwide. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.S. Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University I COULDN’T DO MY JOB WITHOUT: A trusted staff that believes in the brand MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
Listen
A host of mentors in the outdoor industry have reached out and helped. When I am traveling for more than a week, I line up a tour of an outdoor company. Every tour has taught me something that has helped further my business or myself. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Driven WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
MARK EGGERT FILA / VP FOOTWEAR DESIGN & ADVANCED CONCEPTS AGE 39 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 15
I grew up in New Jersey, where I spent a lot of time drawing and playing music. When I graduated from Carnegie Mellon in 1996, I took a job with a small audio company, a/d/s/, designing speakers and audio components. I made the move to footwear with New Balance, working on its running line, where I learned about building athletic shoes. In 1999, I moved to NYC to work for Puma in a small design studio in Soho reinvigorating the brand. I had a brief stint with Ralph Lauren Footwear, and from there I went to Fila, where I’ve been able to contribute to an incredible turnaround of a historic brand. Once again I live in New Jersey with my wife and our two children. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.F.A. Industrial Design, Carnegie Mellon University MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Keep an open mind.
BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: It’s not about working harder, it's about working smarter. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: No one is going to give you anything.
I respect all of the work it takes to get a product out there, and I try to learn from and value the different team members who contribute to the process. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Diligent and Inscrutable MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: There are many, but in particular Joe Preston, Phil Russo, and Jon Epstein FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard FAVORITE QUOTE: “I’m like a duck. On the surface everything seems calm, but if you look underwater, the legs are going like crazy.” WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
12 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
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dope
SEAN FINUCANE REEBOK / HEAD OF CLASSICS, BASKETBALL & KIDS, U.S. AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 20
I have been fortunate to spend the past 20 years working at Reebok. I have seen my share of ups and downs. While the ups have been enjoyable, it is the downs that have provided me with the most growth and have taught me the most valuable lessons. I recently took on the challenge of turning around Reebok’s Classics Lifestyle business for the U.S. that had been struggling for years. Initially there was little progress, but today Classics is rising steadily and we are landing product with accounts that have never carried our brand before. Consumers are also looking to purchase Classics, camping out overnight to be the first to buy a pair of our sneakers. There is work to be done, but Classics is expected to grow for the second consecutive year. I am honored to play an integral role in the team effort that includes our global counterparts. B.A. and Masters of Education/Sports Management, Springfield College
MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
to the best of your ability.
BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: From my Dad -
110 percent commitment.”
Develop a plan, stay the course and execute
“Whatever you do in life, do it with a
BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Lead and communicate with your core values. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
Working for Reebok and
EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED:
associating with passionate people with high levels of integrity. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Honest and a Leader FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: “Winning” by Jack Welch
MARK FRENCH
Mark is the inventor and entrepreneur responsible for the development of COURT GRIP™ a proprietary formula designed to increase traction on dusty, worn out courts. After selffunding extensive research and product testing, French secured the coveted “Approved For Play” status from all major basketball governing bodies. He merged his business and patents with MISSION Athletecare™, one of the fastest growing companies in the sports sector. With help from NBA superstars Dwyane Wade, Brandon Jennings, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, along with the NBA, The NBA Trainers Association, and NCAA coaches like Jim Boeheim and Bill Self, Mark and MISSION executed one of the most successful basketball product launches in retail history. French now oversees corporate development, product innovation, and strategic partnerships for MISSION Athletecare™, as well as manages the MISSION Basketball Division. Prior to venturing into the sports business world, Mark was a media entrepreneur who was most recently recognized as the Founder and GM of NBC Universal’s alternative media division, NBC Everywhere. Mark was responsible for NBC’s venture into the digital OOH sector, where he managed a national organization which delivered NBC content to captive media environments including; taxis, trains, gas pumps, college campuses, supermarkets, fitness centers, etc.
MISSION ATHLETECARE / PRESIDENT, BASKETBALL DIVISION & CORP. DEVELOPMENT COURT GRIP / M&A INVENTOR AGE 37 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 2
EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A., Ithaca College MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Give Back
BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: “Plan your work. Work your plan.”
BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Surround yourself with people you believe in and
people who believe in you.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Diligent and Collaborative
FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne
14 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
“Whatever you do in life, do it with a 110% commitment.” – Jim Finucane
Sean Finucane
2012 SGB 40 UNDER 40 HONOREE Reebok wants to thank you for the commitment you have given our brand for the past 20 years… It takes hard work to make a Classic and you live this quote every day.
Congratulations on this achievement.
KIP FULKS
MATT GESKE
UNDER ARMOUR / COO / AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 16
LIDS TEAM SPORTS / EXECUTIVE VP / AGE 36 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 10
The son of a U.S. Marine, gave me the opportunity to live in 11 different states. I found my way after high school to community college in Baltimore, MD to play Lacrosse and was lucky enough to play at The University of Maryland and then professionally for eight years. I met Kevin Plank at The University of Maryland. He had a crazy idea to make tight-fitting shirts for athletes. I decided to jump in and have never looked back. Sixteen years at Under Armour is like 40 somewhere else. Rapid growth and doing every job under the sun has been a blast - but I'm best at Operations!
Matt Geske joined Hat World, Inc. in 2010 as Director of Operations, Western Region. In 2011, Geske was promoted to Executive VP of Sales and Marketing. Prior to joining Hat World, Inc., Matt was GM and Partner of Brand Athletics, the largest sporting goods team dealer in the Western U.S., a company which he co-founded in 2002. He also worked at Pacific Seafood, Inc. in mergers and acquisitions. Geske is an active member in his community serving on the board of the LIDS Foundation, Autism Speaks NW, Portland Public Schools Great Fields Fund and several other organizations. He has spent 14 years coaching high school and college football, where he has received multiple honors and awards. He resides in Zionsville, IN with his wife and two children.
EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A.,
University of Maryland College of Behavioral and Social Science MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Your team is everything and you are only as strong as your weakest link. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Always sit in the front row. You learn more. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Easy things are wrong and right decisions are hard. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
My wife and Dick Edell, the head coach of my college lacrosse team. He grounded me in hard work. And dedication is the only way to win. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Organized Chaos FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Simple Questions Give Brilliant Answers by Antti Eklund and Minna Isoaho
16 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.S. Social Science,
Portland State University
MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Attitude and persistence cover
a lot of ground.
“Do what you love and take chances.” - Frank Dulcich, president Pacific Seafood Group. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Set high expectations. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My family DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Driven and Attentive MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My father. He is the best example of a highly principled man. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner FAVORITE QUOTE: “How you do one thing is how you do everything” - Unknown BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN:
SALLY GRIMES
PETER HA
OUTDOOR INDUSTRIES WOMEN’S COALITION FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 17
D.A. DAVIDSON / ASSOCIATE AGE 31 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 3
Sally is driven by a steadfast belief that with enough people bringing enough passion to the table, anything is possible. This led her to a career in nonprofits, where she first focused on getting more people on trails (Director of Communications, American Hiking Society), then going up against well-funded motorized groups to protect backcountry areas for human-powered recreation (Executive Director, Winter Wildlands Alliance), and until most recently, working towards respect, inclusion and gender equality at all levels in the workplace (Executive Director, Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition). With a love of the outdoors that stems from Girl Scouts, Sally feels fortunate to be a part of the outdoor industries, meeting and working with industry peers who share her passion.
After receiving my undergraduate degree, I had a potpourri of finance experience working at a large Fortune 100 company (Washington Mutual) all the way to a small Angel/VC organization (Alliance of Angels) helping small businesses, including those in the outdoor industry, raise capital. After getting my MBA, I sought to find a job that would combine my professional skills with what I enjoyed personally. That opportunity came at Silver Steep Partners - a boutique investment bank, that made a name for itself by working with some the best brands in the outdoor industry. Since then, I’ve assisted outdoor and active lifestyle companies raise capital and complete mergers and acquisitions. Recently Silver Steep Partners was sold to D.A. Davidson where I currently work in the same capacity serving the outdoor industry.
EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.S. Outdoor Recreation & Resource
Management/Minor Biology, Certificate in Environmental Studies, Indiana University MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Everyone brings something valuable to the table. Listen and respect others opinions and it will give you all the answers 99 percent of the time. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: My father said to always hire people you feel you can trust and who are smarter than you, give them the tools they need to succeed, then stand back and let them do their jobs. I’ve stuck to that and it’s paid off in spades. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Keep things in perspective and remember what is really important. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My parents and family. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Focused and Loyal MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My husband, Chris Chesak FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: StrengthsFinders by Tom Rath FAVORITE QUOTE: “There will only be one of you for all time; fearlessly be yourself.”
EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Business Administration/
Finance, University of Washington; M.B.A. Foster School of Business, University of Washington MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Brand is everything. Damage to a company's brand can often be difficult to repair. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Follow the right people. Recognize good managers and mentors that are willing to take a chance on you, challenge you, and treat you as their peer. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Companies come and go, but the relationships you build are what last forever WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
Know when to lead, know when to follow.
All of my past managers have been helpful to refine, change, and teach me the skills to get to where I am at today. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell FAVORITE QUOTE: "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." – John Wooden MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER:
JULY 23, 2012 | SGBWeekly.com
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JONATHAN HART
PETRA HILLEBERG
SITKA GEAR / FOUNDER & PRODUCT SPECIALIST AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 7
HILLEBERG, INC. / PRESIDENT AGE 37 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 12+
I was born and raised north of San Francisco and grew up playing in the ocean and charging in the Sierras. U.C. Davis was selected for a degree in Economics because it was less than two hours to Squaw Valley, a short hop to the coast, and in the middle of our state’s great duck hunting. After college, work opportunities were based on contributing to building a broad education of a business’ core functions and time for travel and outdoor enjoyment. In 2005, this education was tested with the co-founding of SITKA Gear. We quickly established ourselves challenging many of the tenets that characterize the hunting category for decades. We've raised the bar and will continue to do so.
I was born and raised in northern Sweden, and grew up alongside my parents’ company, Hilleberg the Tentmaker, which they founded 4 years before I was born. My childhood was filled with family and a passion for the outdoors. On a trip to the OR Show when I was 13, I told my Dad that I wanted to sell tents in the U.S. Following a high school exchange year in New Hampshire, I enrolled in in Seattle University as a business major.During my last quarter, I set up Hilleberg, Inc. I graduated on Friday, June 10th and shipped the first tent on the15th. Today, after 12 years of running Hilleberg in the U.S, I still look back on that whirlwind with astonishment - but I wouldn’t change a thing!
My path was set from an early age. Growing up, I worked for our family company in Sweden before starting my own business in 2000. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Economics / Minor EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A., Seattle University Geology MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: To not put things off because MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Don't assume I’m waiting for the “right” time; and as long as I fill my life with things I am all people are capable of making great decisions. Pick your passionate about, I can do anything. battles. Focus. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: "We are not here for the company, the company is BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Deliver on time. here for us" this advise came from my Father and gives excellent perspective BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Aspire to be a remarkable mentor. on balancing life and work. Cherish your team’s successes, and own the failures. Seek out BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Don’t listen to people who tell you what you can’t do. and work with people that inspire you. Listen well and ask good WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My parents questions. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Focused and Passionate MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: Jack Gilbert, MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My parents Justin Faggioli, Erik Gregory FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: “How To Win Friends And Influence People” by FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Let My People Go Surfing by Dale Carnegie. Yvon Chouinard FAVORITE QUOTE: “The goal is to keep the goal the goal.” - Dan John
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BRETT JORDAN BOB HOLDING WAYPOINT OUTDOOR / PARTNER & PRINCIPLE AGE 38 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 18
Growing up on the coast of North Carolina I developed a passion for water sports. In high school I discovered the mountains. And at 16, I became addicted to whitewater kayaking. My first job in the Outdoor Industry came in college when I was hired as one of the original team members to open the Great Outdoor Provision Company. In my senior year a friend was doing PR for Patagonia and invited me to interview with the company. The next thing I knew I was working for the company and with some of the most widely respected people in the outdoor industry. My first job as technical products coordinator. When Patagonia bought Lotus Designs in 1999, I moved back to North Carolina and managed acquisitions, manufacturing and small business development. I met my wife at Patagonia, an incredible product person, and together we left in 2001 to join Arcteryx where she took on the role as designer and I the Senior VP overseeing global sales, marketing and product line management. We moved to Bainbridge Island in 2008 where I partnered with Jim Purdy to create Waypoint Outdoor in Seattle. Today we live on Bainbridge with our three children. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Psychology/Business,
Wake Forest University
Give the customer what they didn’t know they wanted and everything they need. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My father. He instilled in me a passion for doing what’s right and taught me that integrity doesn’t have a price, nor does it expire. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Opportunity Evangelist FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Built To Last by Bill Collins MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
20 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
AMERICAN RECREATION PRODUCTS CEO, EQUIPMENT GROUP / AGE 37 YEARS IN INDUSTRY 3
Brett Jordan is currently the CEO of the Equipment Group at American Recreation Products, a leading manufacturer of equipment and apparel in the outdoor industry. Before coming to American Rec, Brett enjoyed a career that included various sales and marketing roles at the Hardware and Home Improvement Division of The Black & Decker Corporation. Brett got his first taste of the outdoor industry as a student at The University of Colorado, Boulder, where he graduated with a degree in business. He currently resides in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two sons. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Business,
University of Colorado
I COULDN’T DO MY JOB WITHOUT: My CFO
MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Nothing can take the place of hard work and nothing is more satisfying than achieving as a group something you could never achieve as an individual. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: Brit Reich, my VP of Sales, who has been a mentor throughout my career and continues to coach me everyday. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: “Built to Last” by Jim Collins FAVORITE QUOTE: “A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new” - Albert Einstein
JEREMIAH MACKMILLER SIERRA TRADING POST / GMM AGE 35 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 16
Growing up at the base of the Wind River mountain range in Lander, WY, I found my passion for the outdoors. In college I worked as a fly fishing guide and buyer. After graduation, I went to work for Sierra Trading Post where I have been responsible for buying across multiple channels including backpacking, outerwear, cycling, footwear, fly fishing, skiing and optics. In 2008 I was promoted to Buying Manager and then GM after proving my ability to build categories and relationships globally. Our buying team has been able to push beyond the traditional sporting goods categories and is a Top 100 Internet Retailer. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.S. Business Admin/Marketing,
Montana State University
MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: A person’s success is defined by the meaningful relationships they have built. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: If you don’t manage your time, someone else will do it for you. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Be thankful and put life’s daily trials into longterm perspective. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Driven and Passionate MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: Ken Walter and Keith Richardson from Sierra Trading Post FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen Covey FAVORITE QUOTE: “You cannot control the wind but you can set your sails.”
ANN VERNON MALIK FUELBELT, INC. / COO & CFO / AGE 38 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 11
Ann is the COO and CFO of FuelBelt, Inc., a 5-time Inc. 500/5000 Honoree and has held senior roles at the company for the past 11 years managing annual compounded growth of over 28 percent. In addition to directing all operations and finance, she has been involved in all major decision-making including strategic partnerships with Gatorade, Ironman and the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon Series. She has expanded the company’s retail network to over 4,000 stores and more than 40 countries. She recently founded Jasmine Seven, LLC and launched a new product collection called Fresh Feet Wipes. The mother of three, Ann is a role model and leader for today’s hard-working women. B.S. Miami University; continuing education at Rhode Island School of Design and Harvard University MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Align yourself with good people, empower your team, and treat everyone well. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Relationships are everything and you’ll never know what is possible unless you ask. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Do something you are proud of. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My parents and family. FAVORITE QUOTE: Go big or go home. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED:
DAMIAN MCCUSKER
ASICS AMERICA / RUN SPECIALTY SALES MANAGER / AGE 31 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 6
I am currently the Running Specialty Sales Manager for ASICS America and responsible for coordinating internal departments to develop and execute channel initiatives. Prior to my current job, I was the Assistant Marketing Manager for Running Events and organized and managed multiple running event expos. At the University of California, San Diego, I was a four-year letter winner for the Triton Track and Field team while completing my Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and U.S. History. I received a Masters of Arts in Sports Management at Cal State University, Long Beach. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Political Science and U.S. History,
University of California, San Diego; M.A. Sports Management, Cal State, Long Beach MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Prioritize the balance between career and family BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: If you can’t find a way, create a way. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: The journey you take towards your goal will often define you more than the goal itself; respect, enjoy, and learn from the process to build a better path. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? Clear and effective communication - it’s not how many you use, but the importance of using the right ones. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Team player MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: Terry Haffey taught me the value of integrity, perseverance, confidence, and preparation; and my collegiate track coach, Joaquim Cruz, taught me that the pride and dedication you take in your approach to training should be the same approach you take in life. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo FAVORITE QUOTE: “Be quick, but don’t hurry” – John Wooden
JOHN NAEKEL NIKE / GLOBAL PRODUCT DIRECTOR, BASKETBALL APPAREL AGE 35 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 12
ROB MORALES BACKWOODS / DIRECTOR OF PURCHASING AGE 36 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 10
Born and raised in Texas, I graduated from Texas A&M in 1998. My career in the outdoor industry began in 1999 as a sales associate for Whole Earth Provision Company’s Dallas, TX store. I moved to Austin, TX to join their buying department as an assistant and then equipment buyer. I later became a GM of one of their Austin, TX stores. In 2009 I joined Backwoods as its equipment buyer and was later promoted to my current role as director. I married my high school sweetheart in 2000 and we have 3 daughters. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Philosophy, Texas A&M
The vision of our CEO, Jennifer Mull, and the constant contributions from our team. MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: At the end of the day, if I can say that I’ve done my best to be fully accountable to everyone I work with, I can go home feeling fulfilled. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Find something you enjoy doing and do it passionately. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My Father. He instilled in me a strong work ethic, the value of relationships, to lead in a way that builds trust and accountability, to take pride in what you do, and hold yourself responsible for your actions. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Profoundly fortunate FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard FAVORITE QUOTE: “Keep Moving” - Hunter S. Thompson I COULDN’T DO MY JOB WITHOUT:
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I grew up obsessed with Baseball and Basketball, and always wanted to work in sports. I benefitted greatly from eight years of Jesuit/ Liberal Arts education - graduating from Loyola Sacred Heart High School and Gonzaga University. I landed my first job in the industry out of sheer coincidence when a staffing agency brought up my resume by accident and thought I would be a good fit for a temp job at adidas. Five years later I was recruited to interview at Nike and began a dream job creating basketball apparel. Outside of Nike, I’m co-owner of a neighborhood pub in North Portland -The Old Gold. Being part of a small business has given me invaluable perspective on my work at Nike. My wife and I spend our free time enjoying everything Portland has to offer, and laughing at our two dogs Lloyd and Harry. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A., Business
Administration- Finance/Marketing- Gonzaga University I COULDN’T DO MY JOB WITHOUT: Being addicted to the game of basketball, and fascinated with the business surrounding it. MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Great relationships make all the difference. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Best Advice I Would Give: Communication is everything. Express your opinions thoughtfully, effectively, and be open to evolving those opinions. Consensus is built, not given. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Communication is everything. Express your opinions thoughtfully, effectively, and be open to evolving those opinions. Consensus is built, not given. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Passionate and Loyal FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson
MATT NAVARRO WILSON SPORTING GOODS / REGIONAL SALES MGR., TEAM SPORTS / AGE 36 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 14
Matt oversees sales initiatives and operations for the East Region for Wilson Sporting Goods Team Sports Division. Prior to his current role, Matt was a territory manager in the Carolinas for Wilson Team Sports. A Connecticut native, Matt grew up in Atlanta, GA, where a major part of his childhood and young adulthood was spent playing baseball, football, basketball, golf, and tennis. It was through athletics and the guidance of his parents, that he learned life lessons and a love of sports. Matt coaches youth sports, loves attending Georgia Bulldog football games, and is an avid golfer. He currently resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife and their three children. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A., Presbyterian College
You can have a successful career and maintain a healthy work/life balance. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Return all correspondence within 24 hours and take time each day for critical and strategic thinking. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: To be effective, maximize verbal communication and in-person contact. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My wife DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Passionate and Loyal MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My grandfather, John Navarro, taught me by example the importance of family, friends, and the value of hard work. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: The 25 Sales Habits of Highly Successful Sales People, Stephen Schiffman. FAVORITE QUOTE: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” - Stephen R. Covey MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
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MARY CECILE NEVILLE SNOWSPORTS INDUSTRIES AMERICA, U.S.A. / ASSOC. DIRECTOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS / AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 19
Mary Cecile started skiing at age three on family vacations to Vermont, Colorado and Utah. After falling for the mountains, she headed West to Telluride and worked as a ski instructor and rental tech. In 1998, she sent her resume to SIA chronicling her passion for snow. It got her the job of Membership Coordinator. From there she moved onto Marketing and is now the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications. Mary Cecile works as an integral part of SIA’s successes; maneuvering through industry fluctuations, trade show location and date changes; developing the move from traditional marketing to digital to social; and crafting structured brand strategies of a non-profit trade organization. After 13 years, it is the committed passion and love for the industry that keeps her in it. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Political Science/Minor In Spanish,
Gettysburg College; Center for Cross-Cultural Study, Seville, Spain MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Be true to yourself, support those around you, and treat others as you want to be treated. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Be honest, trust your intuition and when something goes wrong, you always learn more from it than you expect. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Stick with your passion and be truthful in all you do. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Passionate and Committed MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: David Ingemie, SIA President and my parents FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead: What Every Business Can Learn from the Most Iconic Band in History by David Meerman Scott and Brian Halligan FAVORITE QUOTE: “Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” - Julia Child
DAVID OKSMAN LIFE IS GOOD / HEAD OF MARKETING AGE 31 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 5
David Oksman is Head of Marketing at The Life Is Good Company, a lifestyle apparel brand whose mission is to spread the power of optimism and help kids in need through its nonprofit, Life Is Good Playmakers. In this role, David leads the Marketing and E-commerce functions. Under his leadership, the company has accomplished milestones including raising over $1million for kids in need at the 2011 Life Is Good Festival, reaching over 1.4 million Facebook fans, and being honored for its social media and philanthropic efforts. Prior to his current role, David ran U.S. E-commerce at Reebok and played a leadership role in their global replatforming, which included managing E-commerce operations in eight countries and launching Reebok.com in over 20 markets. Other roles included digital marketing management with Digitas and Staples, Inc. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.S. Business Management, Babson College
MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Building meaningful relationships
with those you work with are the foundation to a successful business. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Enjoy the journey or the destination won’t be as fulfilling. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Don’t knock something, build something. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My wife has been the biggest supporter of my career and is also my most trusted critic. She keeps me grounded and focused. MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: John and Bert Jacobs FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: “Customers First” by Boliviar J. Bueno
MIKE OLSON JOHNSON HEALTH TECH NA / EXECUTIVE VP RETAIL AGE 36 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 12
Mike jumped into the fitness industry in 2002 as a product manager for Horizon Fitness and learned the intricacies of product design, development and manufacturing rising quickly to VP of marketing driving brand strategies to grow Horizon’s business ten-fold in five years. When the company consolidated its North American businesses in 2008, Mike assumed the role of VP of retail sales and secured the LIVESTRONG® brand license from the Lance Armstrong Foundation marking the first time that a fitness equipment company brought a full line assortment to the market in partnership with a not-for-profit cause. In addition, Mike started its rapidly growing e-commerce business. An avid road cyclist, Mike lives with his wife and three children outside of Baraboo, WI. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.S.
Sports Management, University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse; M.B.A., Colorado State University MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Honesty, integrity and timely communication WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My faith and my family DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Ultra competitive MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My parents FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar FAVORITE QUOTE: “Unity is Strength, Knowledge is Power, Attitude is Everything” Lance Armstrong Foundation
THERESA PALERMO FOSSIL, INC. / GLOBAL MARKETING DIRECTOR AGE 37 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 7
From her very first lemonade stand, Theresa has always understood what drives consumers. Her professional career began in advertising with a small marketing firm in Rockville, MD. After chasing a dream to Boston and with a newly minted MBA, she moved to the business side of consumer marketing first at Polaroid and then at Timberland where she found her passion for the outdoors and became an avid runner. At Timberland she built a multi-channel and multi-discipline consumer marketing and PR team that effectively launched its rebranding campaign in North America, building consumer momentum and new distribution. She later joined Collective Brands as its Senior Director of Marketing for Stride Rite where she led a team to build the brand and drive growth. As Global Director of Marketing at Fossil, Inc., she loves the challenge that comes with a portfolio of brands and a global consumer. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A., Auburn University; M.B.A.,
Simmons School of Business Management BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: “Some people bring oxygen into a room and some take it away. Make sure you bring oxygen into every room you enter.” BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Never underestimate the value of saying “thank you”. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My family. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Creative and Driven MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: Hilary Chasin - the ultimate creative. She taught me to approach everything with an eye to reimagine and redefine. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Freakonomics by Staven D. Levitt
28 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
ERIC RUBEL STEPHEN REGENOLD GEARJUNKIE.COM / FOUNDER & EDITOR AGE 35 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 12
Stephen is the founder and editor-in-chief of GearJunkie.com, a top publication for outdoor news and gear reviews. Regenold, a journalist and former writer for the New York Times, founded The Gear Junkie in 2002 as a nationally syndicated newspaper column. The website launched in 2006, and today it sees hundreds of thousands of page views each month. He resides in Minneapolis with his wife and three children. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A., Journalism, University of Minnesota
Founder and Editor, Vertical Jones Magazine, in college with a fellow student I COULDN’T DO MY JOB WITHOUT: A passion for the subject matter and an obsession for all things outdoors. MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: Love what you do and success will follow. Push yourself every day. Be creative but then work hard to make those creative ideas come to life. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Do something to scare yourself every day. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Journalist-adventurer MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My high school and college poetry teachers. They taught me the economy and power of words written in the right way. FAVORITE QUOTE: "The energetic rule the world." - Ralph Waldo Emerson FIRST JOB:
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PIC CORPORATION / COO AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 7
Eric Rubel represents the third generation of ownership at PIC Corporation. He has been with PIC Corporation for 18 years. Since joining the company he has worked/ participated at every level of the organization and currently has the position of Chief Operating Officer. In addition to his role at PIC Corporation, Eric holds a Board of Director’s position at EZX, Inc, an electronic trading platform developer. He also is a member of Vistage International, the leading CEO Leadership Organization. Eric attended Skidmore College and majored in Accounting and Finance. He is married to Sara Rubel. They have three children and live in New Jersey. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED:
Skidmore College
B.A., Business,
BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Set big audacious goals.
BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Anyone can have a great job, but to
have a great business you need to surround yourself with great people. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
Ruthless consistency across all of our organization DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Outside thinker MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: Bob Duncan FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: 5 Dysfunctions Of A Team by Patrick Lencioni
MATTHEW SCHWARTZ AETREX WORLDWIDE, INC. / EXECUTIVE VP AGE 38 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY
Matt Schwartz is the Executive VP of Aetrex Worldwide, Inc., one of the fastest growing companies in the footwear industry. Before entering the industry he earned a Masters and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Matt currently oversees Aetrex’s global wholesale and retail sales. He lives in Closter, NJ with his wife and three daughters. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED:
B.A., University of Vermont; M.A. and
Ph.D., University of Chicago BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: A music teacher once told me “The way you practice is the way you play.” Over the years and in many contexts, I have found this to be very sound advice. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Make your goals explicit, be rigorous in your planning, patient and persistent in execution. MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My business partners, my Father and my Brothers. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen FAVORITE QUOTE: “Cross country skiing is great if you live in a small country.” – Steven Wright
Aetrex Congratulates...
Matt Schwartz on making the SGB Top 40 Under 40!
www.aetrex.com
TROY SICOTTE
LEE SILVERMAN
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SALES REPRESENTING THE NORTH FACE BRAND MANAGER REI & NW SHOWROOM DIRECTOR AGE 36 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 10
JACKRABBIT SPORTS, INC. AND WIN DETERGENT, LLC. PRESIDENT / AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 9
I was born and raised in Portland, OR where most of my life was defined as a musician and runner. In high school I was the captain of our high school track and cross-country teams and at an early age I trained as a violinist leading my high school and college orchestras as concertmaster. After years of study and playing the violin, I added bass guitar eventually becoming an instructor and co-founding The Workman Project. During this time, I worked for Birkenstock USA and set my goal to work in sales. I have achieved that milestone in my current position with Outdoor Adventure Sales representing The North Face. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: Business/Ethnic Studies, University of Oregon
Be an engaged listener, candid and have an opinion, slow down to be in the moment, and pick up the phone – talking nurtures strong relationships. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Don’t take things too personally. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Care about what you do so you can do your best. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? Dennis Gafvert has been an invaluable teacher in my career and my Mother has been a constant source of selfless support. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Mindful and Diligent FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Nothing Happens Until the Till Rings - unpublished training manual by my father, Chuck Sicotte. MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
Lee started his career in high tech, eventually moving into sales where he made President’s club several years in a row. When the tech bubble burst, he started JackRabbit as a side project, and it quickly became a full time endeavor. With 4 stores, JackRabbit is the leading running specialty store in NYC. JackRabbit is also successful outside its stores, with thousands of participants in its training programs, over a dozen race sponsorships each year, and numerous charity partners. Last year Lee bought the brand WIN Detergent out of default, and has brought WIN back to over 160 specialty dealers and several national retailers. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and two children. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED:
Geophysics, Brown University
B.A. and Master’s in
Sometimes no means no. Other times, no means I have to work harder. BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: “Absolutely, you should quit your job to open a running store!” BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Plan as best you can, but don’t let the plan get in the way of acting. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My family and the dedication of our management team. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Smart and Persistent FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: The Logic of Failure by Dietrich Dörmer MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
CONGRATULATIONS 40 UNDER 40 HONOREES MOVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD TOGETHER
CENTERSTONETECH.COM
MICHAEL HAUGE SØRENSEN ECCO SKO A/S / GROUP COO / AGE 39 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 18
HENRY STAFFORD
Michael has been with the ECCO Group since 1994, primarily focusing on market entry strategies, business development, brand building and general management. He has solid experience in international brand building having done business in more than 40 countries. Motivated by working in cross-cultural environments, Michael was in charge of establishing the footprint and overall business structure for the ECCO Group throughout Asia Pacific since 2002. In 2010 he returned to ECCO’s Corporate Headquarters as EVP of ECCO’s Global Sales activities and a year later was appointed as Group COO. He is a member of the Young Presidents Organisation in Hong Kong and Greater Europe and the Hong Kong/European Union Cooperation Committee and holds several directorships within the ECCO Group and is on the board of directors of Boozt Fashion Group.
UNDER ARMOUR, INC. / SENIOR VP APPAREL, ACCESSORIES & OUTDOORS / AGE 38 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY
Stanford Executive Program, Managing Corporate Resources, Asia International Executive Program, Young Managers Program I COULDN’T DO MY JOB WITHOUT: The unique experience gained from working overseas and having built ECCO’s business in Asia Pacific MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED: To understand our customers' needs, to accept that we don’t get to pick our competitors, to ask questions to improve, and to respect and embrace other ways and cultures. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Embrace diversity and invite different points of view WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? Hard work, a curious mind, constantly challenging the norm and a determination that things can always be better. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Compassionate and Determined FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: THE SNOWBALL: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED:
34 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
Henry grew up in Mt. Lebanon, PA, outside of Pittsburgh. He has eight brothers and sisters, which meant he had to move quickly if he wanted to get a seat at the dinner table. Henry graduated with a B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1996. After college he went to work for Abercrombie and Fitch in Columbus, OH. From 1998 to 2003 he managed increasing levels of responsibility at Old Navy in San Francisco. In 2003, Henry joined American Eagle Outfitters, where he became the Chief Merchandising Officer. Henry joined Under Armour in 2010 where he is currently the Senior VP of Apparel, Accessories and Outdoor. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED:
Michigan
B.A., The University of
I COULDN’T DO MY JOB WITHOUT: The support of my family MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
hard work always win
Integrity and
By my Father, “When times are difficult, let your voice be heard. When times are good, let others be heard.” BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN:
WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
My family and the great team of people that I work with. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Optimistic and Driven FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Leadership & Self-Deception by Arbinger Institute FAVORITE QUOTE: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” - Wayne Gretzky
MATTHEW TINGLER ROBERT W. BAIRD / VICE PRESIDENT / AGE 36 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 5
Matt is a VP in Baird’s Consumer Investment Banking practice where he focuses on equity offerings and mergers and acquisitions. Since joining Baird in 2009, Matt has advised on several transactions, including the sale of Augusta Sportswear to Kelso & Company, the sale of Implus Corporation to Trilantic Capital Partners and the sale of Crosman to Wellspring Capital Partners. Prior to joining Baird, Matt was an associate in Merrill Lynch’s Mergers and Acquisitions Investment Banking practice and a Manager at Ernst & Young. He is a graduate of UNC at Chapel Hill where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with and of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University where he earned an MBA. He is also a CFA charter holder through the CFA Institute. Matt lives with his wife and their three sons in Chicago, IL EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.S., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill;
M.B.A., Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN: Listen before speaking BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Pursue your passion and treat others as you wish to be treated. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL: A strong work ethic instilled by my parents and by sports, and an internal ambition to dream big and pursue goals. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Ambitious Optimist MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My parents, wife, and former managers at Ernst & Young FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Moneyball by Michael Lewis FAVORITE QUOTE: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
A celebrated partner. Baird salutes Matthew Tingler, Vice President from Baird’s Consumer Investment Banking team, for being named one of The SportsOneSource Group’s “SGB 40 Under 40.” Matthew’s dedication and commitment to Baird’s client-first culture inspire us all. Matthew Tingler Vice President 227 West Monroe Street, Suite 2100 Chicago, IL 60606 312-609-4470 . 800-537-9854 mtingler@rwbaird.com Private Wealth Management
©2012 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-35781.
36 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
Capital Markets
Private Equity
Asset Management
EDWARD VAN WEZEL HI-TEC SPORTS / GLOBAL CEO / AGE 35 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 11
I grew up in a tight-knit family near London. As a child when I was not in school, I was either playing sports or learning about the family business. Not much has changed. I now work for the family business and my hobby is still sports, in particular tennis and skiing. My own family is the most important factor in my life. I am married and we have three children. Holidays spent together are the precious times that motivate and re-energize me for the extensive travelling and long days that come with the job. A job? Not really, it’s an extension of my life. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.S. International Business Management,
Loughborough University, UK
WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My parents, for making
me stay humble, appreciating what you have and providing me with a positive attitude to work well with other people. DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Thankful and Optimistic MENTOR (S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: My Wife. I would not be where I am without her understanding, friendship and daily support and my Father, for giving me the opportunity, the mentoring and the business education from a very young age. FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Harvard Business Review / Level 5 Leadership: The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve by Jim Collins FAVORITE QUOTE: “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” Dr. Robert H. Schuller
NICHOLAS VU ADIDAS / VP RETAIL, NORTH AMERICA AGE 40 / YEARS IN INDUSTRY 5
A 16-year veteran in the retail industry, Nic Vu, has orchestrated a complete turnaround of the adidas America-owned retail business since taking on the role two years ago. Vu has built a first rate team of retail experts with a winning track record making the business 80 percent more profitable year-over-year. Additional accomplishments include developing and executing a refreshed market strategy including new store formats giving the brand a significant footprint in the New York area. A former outside linebacker for Oregon State University, Vu now uses his passion for sport to help underprivileged kids improve their lives through his involvement in programs like Youthlink. EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A. Business Administration,
Oregon State University
Have an open learning approach; set goals, share them, and celebrate reaching them; be honest about what you are great at and what you need support with; have passion. BEST ADVICE I WOULD GIVE: Spend time self-reflecting on what you want; gain a clear perspective on what that is; articulate it to your friends and colleagues; and ask them to help you achieve it. In return, help others do the same - that’s the important part. WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL? My value system and the mentors throughout my professional career DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Passionate and Competitive MENTOR(S) MOST HELPFUL IN YOUR LIFE/CAREER: Bryan Berg, Patrik Nilsson and Michael Stanier FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: Winning by Jack Welch MOST IMPORTANT THING(S) I HAVE LEARNED:
AUGUST 1
Outdoor Retailer Open Air Demo Salt Lake City, UT
1-3
FFANY New York, NY
2-5
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Salt Lake City, UT
7-9
WSA Show Las Vegas, NV
10-11
Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Indianapolis, IN
12-14
Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Las Vegas, NV
16-19
Bike Expo 2012 Munich, Germany
17-19
Altanta Shoe Market Atlanta, GA
20-22 PGA Expo Las Vegas, NV 20-23
MAGIC Las Vegas, NV
SEPTEMBER 6-8
Surf Expo Orlando, FL
7-9
NBS Fall Semi-Annual Market Fort Worth, TX
9-11
Sports Inc. Outdoor Show Indianapolis, IN
12-14
Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Las Vegas, NV
19-21 Health & Fitness Business Expo Las Vegas, NV 19-21 Interbike International Trade Expo Las Vegas, NV 27-29
Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Fort Worth, TX
28-31 Worldwide Fall Show Reno, NV
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
3-5
OIA Rendezvous Boston, MA
3-4
NBS Fall Athletic Market Indianapolis, IN
6-7
The Retailing Summit Dallas, TX
8-9
TAG Fall/Winter Show N. Charleston, SC
13-14
A.D.A. Fall Show Las Vegas, NV
18-20
Sports Inc. Athletic Show Las Vegas, NV
DECEMBER 3-4
Sports Inc. Footwear & Apparel St. Charles, MO
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS | BUYING GROUPS
CALENDAR
For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/events
Athletic Dealers of America 1395 Highland Avenue Melbourne, FL 32935 t 321.254.0091 f 321.242.7419 athleticdealersofamerica.com National Shooting Sports Foundation Flintlock Ridge Office Center 11 Mile Hill Road Newtown, CT 06470 t 203.426.1320 f. 203.426.1087 nssf.org National Sporting Goods Association 1601 Feehanville Drive / Suite 300 Mount Prospect, IL 60056 t 847.296.6742 f 847.391.9827 nsga.org Nation’s Best Sports 4216 Hahn Blvd. Ft. Worth, TX 76117 t 817.788.0034 f 817.788.8542 nbs.com Outdoor Industry Association 4909 Pearl East Circle / Suite 300 Boulder, CO 80301 t 303.444.3353 f 303.444.3284 outdoorindustry.org SGMA 8505 Fenton Street Silver Spring, MD 20910 t 301.495.6321 f 301.495.6322 sgma.com Snow Sports Industries America 8377-B Greensboro Drive McLean, VA 22102 t 703.556.9020 f 703.821.8276 snowsports.org Sports, Inc. 333 2nd Avenue North Lewistown, MT 59457 t 406.538.3496 f 406.538.2801 sportsinc.com Sports Specialists Ltd. 590 Fishers Station Drive / Suite 110 Victor, NY 14564 t 585.742.1010 f 585.742.2645 sportsspecialistsltd.com Team Athletic Goods 629 Cepi Drive Chesterfield, MO 63005 t 636.530.3710 f 636.530.3711 tag1.com Worldwide 8211 South 194th Kent, WA 98032 t 253.872.8746 f 253.872.7603 wdi-wdi.com
38 SGBWeekly.com | JULY 23, 2012
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