by The Editors on April 19, 2013
The Agenda Show is quickly escaping from the “four people on staff” mode that saw it through most of its first decade with a series of quality staff additions. The newest member of the team is Jim Shubin. He’s the new director of endemic relations for the show.
Shubin’s deep connections in the industry will undoubtedly strengthen AGENDA’s firm standing as the leading forum for both up-and-coming and established brands as the show continues to expand globally. A Southern California native, Shubin helped launch and grow Drawls and Stepson apparel lines to over $10 million sales before joining Dwindle Distribution, where he oversaw sales and marketing for the most influential brands in skateboarding and also launched Almost Skateboards.
Congrats, Mr. Shubin. For the official word from Agenda, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on April 15, 2013
Rob Dyrdek really does have the whole promo thing down on lock. This week the Tribeca Film Festival will be screening a Street League Skateboarding promotional advertisement documentary by Adam Bhala Lough titled The Motivation. We do so love the age of advertorial, especially when it comes to documentary filmmaking. Oh, and as you might imagine The Motivation looks to be very good as well. That’s called synergy. The Motivation premieres Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 9:30 PM EST.
If surfing is more your thing, the festival also will be showing the “initially Quiksilver funded,” Bob McKnight co-executive produced, ESPN Films owned film Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau. It’s directed by Sam George and produced by Stacy Peralta, Paul Taublieb, Agi Orsi, and Dan Silver so it’s probably good, too.
[Link: Complex Mag]
by The Editors on April 15, 2013
If the Paul Naude driven Sycamore Partners deal for Billabong goes through company founder Gordon Merchant would lose about $960 million in value, according to a story on Goldcoast.com.au.
At the company’s peak in 2007, his shareholding was worth close to $1 billion but, based on the 60 a share offer, he will have $960 million wiped from his 15 per cent stake, now worth about $40 million. . . The deal may save the beleaguered retailer from annihilation but it’s a massive plunge from the $4 billion the company was once worth in 2007, when its shares touched $18.51. . . It will now be up to shareholders to decide whether they want to end their years of takeover fatigue, accept the offer and get out while they can.
Hey, but on the upside that $960 million loss is really only on paper. . .
[Link: Goldcoast.com.au]
by The Editors on April 11, 2013
Quiksilver’s recent financial challenges aren’t going to drag Street League Skateboarding down. No way. That’s because Street League just bumped their sponsorships up with a “multi-year partnership with Nike SB that supports the mission of elevating professional skateboarding worldwide with the SLS Nike SB World Tour.”
“Nike SB is committed to inspiring and supporting skateboarders around the world,” said Melanie Strong, Sr Director of Global Brand for Nike SB. “This is a true partnership and testament to Street League Skateboarding in that we are celebrating skateboarding on the grand stage and making this journey accessible to all fans and skaters.”
This year’s tour includes stops in Kansas City, Portland, and Newark as well as international events in Brazil, Spain, and Germany. Phew, that was a close one. Follow the jump for all the details. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on April 10, 2013
If you’re into action sports and like beer then Saint Archer Brewing Co. has just the brew for you. A idea launched by Josh Landan, Mikey Taylor, and Paul Rodriquez, Saint Archer will be available wherever Stone Brewing beer is sold beginning April 15, 2013.
In addition to Taylor and Prod, the brand lists a who’s who of action icons including snowboarder Todd Richards, surfers Taylor Knox, Dusty Payne, Josh Kerr, Laura Enever, Chase Wilson, Dane Zuan, shaper Chris Christenson, skateboarders Sean Malto, Bryan Herman, Chris Miller, Omar Salazar, Bryan “Slash” Hansen, Shane O’Neill, filmmaker Derek Dunfee, photographer Atiba Jefferson, and outdoorsman Jeff Johnson.
With that stacked a promotional arsenal, we’re guessing the word will get out pretty fast. Here’s what Archer says the brand is all about:
Saint Archer Brewing Company was founded on a unique strain of creative talent: World-class brewers. Artists and musicians. Surfers, skateboarders, and snowboarders… All coming together with passion and commitment to express our collective true love –– handcrafted beer. Saint Archer’s been a long time in the tank and we hope you taste our appreciation and gratitude in every sip.
For the rest of the story, click the link.
[Link: Saint Archer Brewing Co.]
by The Editors on April 10, 2013
Don’t worry about Arbor Snowboards production for the 2013-14 season. No sir, they’ve moved it all to the snow sand laden mountains dune of Dubai and the nearly formed Solico Winter Sports snowboard factory.
SWS is a division of Solico and has been in the business of producing wake boards and kite boards for over 10 years. Today, Solico “Water” Sports builds approximately 90-percent of the worldwide production of wake boards and 20-percent of the worldwide production of kite boards. This year, they will produce over 200,000 units of wake boards, kite boards, wake surfers, kite surfers, and wake skates combined. . . “The ingenuity and commitment to development at SWS is like nothing I’ve ever seen, says Matt Patti, Arbor Snowboard’s Product Line Manager. They have a true command of the craft of high-end sandwich construction, with a proven understanding of the materials used in snowboard production, he continued. They are also dedicated snowboarders committed to the sustainability and progression of the sport. In the end, it is their passion for riding that ultimately lead to the decision to expand into snowboard production.”
The boards look pretty nice. Follow the jump for the official word from Arbor. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on April 9, 2013
What do you know. Billabong has apparently gone into “exclusive discussions” for a 10-day period with Paul Naude and his big wallet backers (Sycamore Partners) regarding a $299 million purchase of the Billabong brand, according to a story on Fox Business.
The cash offer values the company at about 287 million Australian dollars (US$299 million) excluding debt, confirming a report by The Wall Street Journal on Monday. . . A separate consortium involving VF Corp. (VFC), the owner of brands including The North Face and Timberland, and Altamont Capital Partners had earlier made an indicative offer to acquire Billabong but has now been frozen out of talks.
Of course the founders of Billabong (Gordon Merchant, et. al.) would want one of their lieutenants to buy the company back now that they’ve drained every drop of shareholder value out of the company. Doing a deal with VF Corp., while arguably being better for the brand’s future survival, would mean the old guard would all be out of the mix. And it seems the old guard is still at the wheel of Billabong’s ship.
[Link: Fox Business and The Wall Street Journal]
by The Editors on April 8, 2013
ZoSea Media’s outsider approach to staffing their Association of Surfing Professionals tour property continues with the addition of Michael Lynch as its Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. Lynch previously worked for Visa (for 17 years) where he “led the company’s global sponsorship marketing/management strategy and execution including activations with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, FIFA World Cup, NFL and numerous other properties.”
“Michael is a highly respected global marketer, a top influencer in the sports industry and a leader in building brands,” ASP CEO Paul Speaker said. “His extensive experience and expertise identifying and activating sponsorships with the most recognizable sports properties in the world make him the ideal candidate for the position and an invaluable asset to ASP. He will play a vital role with ASP as we continue to build our infrastructure and grow the organization to better benefit our surfers, sponsors and fans.”
It will be interesting to see how this all turns out for the ASP. One thing seems apparent–Zosea is not screwing around when it comes to thinking outside the surf industry box Follow the jump for the official word. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on April 8, 2013
In February 2013 big mountain snowboarder Jeremy Jones signed on as an ambassador for American Pistachio Growers. Now, backcountry impresario is adding Vermont Peanut Butter to his ambassador mix.
“I am very excited to be involved with the Vermont Peanut Butter Company from the ground floor,” Jones says. “I told Chris I probably eat more peanut butter than anyone I know, it’s a super food that keeps me alive in the mountains and at home. Chris and I share the same passion for authenticity, and being healthy, and I think what he has done with a category that has been stale for years is amazing. This is the perfect opportunity for me to use my skills to help grow The VTPB Endorsed Athlete Program, a challenge that I will take on like any big mountain.”
This is one more reminder that professional athletes don’t have to sell out to companies promoting poison that makes kids fat and gives them diabetes 2. Thanks, Mr. Jones. For the official word, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
by The Editors on April 5, 2013
After 13 years as the front man at Electric, CEO Bruce Beach is flipping the switch and exiting from the brand he co-founded with longtime friend Kip Arnette.
“I am incredibly proud of the brand’s success and the work my team and I have accomplished since we first launched the Volt at the SIA snow show in March2000. It has been an incredible ride from the early start-up years, through the acquisition by Volcom, and eventually becoming acquired by PPR, now Kering”, said Bruce Beach. “I am equally proud of the recent brand reset the team and I have begun”. . . “I would like to thank my family and friends that have supported Electric since day one, and each and every one that has helped us build Electric into the iconic brand that it has become”, continued Beach. “I’m confident that I’m leaving Electric in the best possible position for future growth, with a core group of leaders in place and at a time that also works best for me. I’m looking forward to watching Electric flourish in the coming months and years with the support of Kering, and I’m very excited about writing the next chapter in my career.”
Starting immediately current Electric Chief Commercial Officer Eric Crane will step in as CEO. For the official word from Electric, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
The Agenda Show is quickly escaping from the “four people on staff” mode that saw it through most of its first decade with a series of quality staff additions. The newest member of the team is Jim Shubin. He’s the new director of endemic relations for the show.
