by The Editors on November 27, 2013
We have to admit, we’re not exactly up on the NYC and/or longboard surf scene, but apparently, Joel Tudor’s company Kookbox (which he co-founded with New York based photographer Andrew Blauschild), is having some organization issues, according to a story in the NY Post.
But Blauschild claims that Tudor — one of the world’s best-known surfers — became increasingly arrogant over the years and started treating him and other staffers like serfs . . . “Joel is one of the best-known surfers in history,” Blauschild told The Post. “But he has some issues.”
Now, Blauschild is suing Tudor in Federal court to have him “officially booted from the company.” Blauschild is also “demanding unspecified damages for slander and other misdeeds.” Guess that’s what happens when a California Surfer and a New York Photographer try to bridge the West Coast/East Coast gap in a business.
[Link: NY Post]
by The Editors on November 20, 2013
The Burlington, Vermont based design firm JDK has probably done more to shape the way we all view snowboarding than any other company ever. Their years of shaping the branding and visual design at Burton Snowboards have made them almost synonymous with the world’s largest snowboard company. And that’s only part of it. Look around in the action sports industry and JDK alumni are everywhere.
Lately, numerous changes have been shifting the balance of the company founded by Michael Jager, Giovanna di Paola Jager and David Kemp 27-years-ago, according to a Kathryn Flagg story in Seven Days. But what exactly those changes will mean for the principals are still a bit vague. One thing is certain, David Kemp has left the building.
The transformation is happening quickly, more than just the typical ebb and flow of business. Kemp declined to speak with Seven Days for this story; his two-line email response to inquiries read: “No, I am not available to be interviewed. I am no longer involved with JDK.” . . . That’s a monumental change. Again and again in interviews about JDK, former clients, friends and employees pointed to the partnership between Jager and Kemp as a main reason for JDK’s success. Their right brain/left brain pairing was primarily responsible for running the firm, especially after Giovanna Jager — a brilliant designer herself — stepped away from day-to-day business to raise the couple’s three children.
Michael Jager tells Seven Days that there will be official news after the New Year. Until then, just read this story and then come to your own conclusions. It’s much more fun that way.
[Link: Seven Days]
by The Editors on November 19, 2013
Signal Snowboards founder Dave Lee is reportedly helping peer-to-peer bike rental site Spinlister.com on a new venture to promote peer-to-peer snowboard rentals and sharing called Spinlister.com/Snow.
“I love sharing, that’s what life is all about for me – experiences and adventures – this is the opportunity that Spinlister gives the rider,” said Signal Snowboards Founder Dave Lee. “Local knowledge and the board you want to ride can change travel plans for the better. It’s the perfect time for a service that allows you to meet like-minded people and share or rent snowboards anywhere in the world.”
Guess the big questions is, how many people want to go meet a stranger at on odd location just to save a few dollars on snowboard rentals. Not us. And it’s the same reason we don’t buy much on Craiglist: we fear the freaks. Follow the jump for the official word from Spinlister.
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by The Editors on November 19, 2013
Former intermountain sales rep TJ Bottom has been named North American Director of Sales of Zeal Optics.
“As a small brand, ZEAL is a family, and I am pleased to promote from within to fill this key role with a member of our team,” said ZEAL President John Sanchez. “TJ’s talents, connections, and drive are exactly what the brand needs to capitalize on its growth here in the States and the 19 countries we expanded to over the last year.”
For the official word from Zeal, follow the jump.
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by The Editors on November 18, 2013
Nixon announced today (Monday, November 18, 2013) that they have named former Dyrdek Group Chief Creative Officer Tom Jones as their Creative Director.
Nixon co-founder, Chad DiNenna, commented, “Nixon has collaborated with Tom over the years and we are excited to bring his experience and talent into Nixon. I am confident that his creative expertise, rooted in skateboarding, combined with his respect for world-class design uniquely qualifies him to cultivate the Nixon vision globally.”
Jones has deep, deep roots in skateboarding with long stints at DC Shoes, Plan B Skateboards, and with Dyrdek. For the official word from Nixon, follow the jump.
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by The Editors on November 18, 2013
Uppercut Deluxe, purveyors of authentic mens’ grooming goods, has signed surfer Jack Freestone as an ambassador.
Freestone joins a growing roster of Uppercut Deluxe ambassadors including surfers Josh Constable, Nick Wallace and Matt Chojnacki. Uppercut Deluxe director, Steve Purcell, says he’s proud that his company is representing a surfer who reflects his brand’s two most prized values— style and quality. “Jack Freestone represents a brand of surfing that aligns itself with the direction and values of Uppercut Deluxe,” says Purcell. “We do not look to conform, we are original and focused on style- just like Jack’s surfing.”
For the official word from Uppercut Deluxe, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on November 14, 2013
The Snow Industries America has placed their business-to-business resources online at a special website called SnowSportsB2B.org. Hard to believe all this info wasn’t already online, but it is nice of SIA to join the web revolution, isn’t it?
“We have literally hundreds of innovative and cost-effective business service members,” says Tom Davis, SIA’s supporting membership sales and marketing manager. “SnowSportsB2B.org is a streamlined way for brands, retailers, resorts and all industry professionals to conduct their vendor searches. Knowing all of their vendor options helps them find the most productive business relationships.”
Yes, it does make sense. For the official word from SIA, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on November 11, 2013
According to financials released for the quarter ending September 30, 2013, Skullcandy’s sales are down. Could it be their badvertising? Here’s what Jeff Harbaugh thinks.
[Link: Market Watch]
by The Editors on November 8, 2013
Nike’s Roger Wyett, 56, has decided that after 19 years at Nike (that’s like 40 anywhere else) it’s time for him to hang up his action sporting shoes and exit the Northwest shoe giant for retirement. And the new guy? Well, he’s not a new guy at all. It’s Scott LeClair, 47, the former Brand VP and GM of Nike Skate and Nike Snow.
LeClair joined Nike in 1992 and has led Nike’s skate and snow business since June 2012. He has held previous roles in North America and was GM of Nike’s West Territory based in Los Angeles, before moving to Japan to lead the running category and then the merchandising function. He will report to Jayme Martin, VP & GM of Global Categories. . . .”We’re very pleased that Scott will lead us forward. He is a proven leader with strong brand expertise and his deep knowledge of Action Sports will be instrumental as we continue to build our business globally,” said Martin.
And that’s the news for now, from Nike. Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on November 8, 2013
Nothing again Winter Park, we’ve had some good days there, but we’re pretty stoked that the SIA On-Snow Demo has moved to Copper Mountain this year on February 3-4, 2014. In fact, we’re so into it that we might even attend.
“Copper’s fantastic terrain, setting and amenities make is a great place for everyone-reps, buyers, suppliers, media, industry partners-to gather after the SIA Snow Show,” said David Ingemie, SIA president. “Whether you want to test gear for your shop, shred with your friends, or some of both – join us!”
We agree. Follow the jump for the official word from the SIA. [click to continue…]
We have to admit, we’re not exactly up on the NYC and/or longboard surf scene, but apparently, Joel Tudor’s company Kookbox (which he co-founded with New York based photographer Andrew Blauschild), is having some organization issues, according to a story in the NY Post.
