SDSI WELCOMES NEW MEMBER OROFINO LAW GROUP AND RENEWING MEMBERS CARDIFF SKATE COMPANY & TRUE NUTRITION

Orofino Law Group (OLG) is extremely excited to announce its return to Southern California through our partnership with SDSI. As business transforms into data driven initiatives, we take pride in helping sports and active lifestyle companies tame the digital regulatory jungle. Our roots run deep and we’ve enjoyed representing companies like RVCA, AlpineStars as well as high profile brand ambassadors and influencers. SDSI is the perfect partner to help our strategic objective to support and grow San Diego County as the most important business nexis for ocean/outdoor enthusiast brands. Fellow members should take advantage of our column “Ask the Expert” at Transworld Business where we provide Plain English advice on technology, advertising and marketing. Learn more here and at orofinogroup.com.

Cardiff Skate Company was founded in beautiful Cardiff, CA, where spending time outdoors is more than just a way to have fun and stay in shape – it’s a way of life. With our innovative and patented design, we set out to redefine the skating industry, and more importantly, bring skating back to life. Unlike other skates on the market, Cardiff Skates are uniquely designed to automatically adjust to your shoe size. They can be worn with your favorite pair of shoes, are easily shared between friends and expand to fit your kids growing feet! Step on, Strap in and Skate away! get yours at Cardiffskate.com.

True Nutrition is proud to continue to partner with SDSI. True Nutrition is a leading wholesaler, retailer and manufacturer of dietary supplements, health foods and functional foods. We are unique because we allow customization of any of our raw materials to the end user and do all manufacturing in-house locally in San Diego. Learn more at truenutrition.com.

Who will have what it takes to be part of the 89%?
The application period for class 8 of SDSI Springboard, sponsored by VOIT Real Estate Services and Vantage Point Advisors, closed with 13 applications. Nine companies passed the initial round of screening and will present next month to see if their businesses and the founding teams have what it takes to meet the high standards required of SDSI Springboard participants. When a program has such telling results as 89% of SDSI Springboard grads are still in business - being accepted into the program is a milestone in itself!  Stay tuned for the August Newsletter to find out who will be part of SDSI Springboard Class 8. Check out the full 2015 SDSI Springboard Impact Report to learn more about the 61 graduates and Springboard's impact.

SDSI Star Brand Award winner VerifiR featured in SDBJ
VerifiR recently took home SDSI’s inaugural Star Brand Award and a $5,000 cash prize and is getting some attention for their accolades and the innovative technology that is aimed at putting a stop to the cycle of counterfeiting. Learn more about VerifiR and how they are helping brands connect with consumers in the full feature from page 2 of the July 16 issue of San Diego Business Journal. 

Walton kicks off 2016 BRO-AM with jam session alongside Rob Machado & Switchfoot; has the time of his life at Evo 2016
July has been a busy month for SDSI's Bill Walton with special appearances at BRO-AM and Evo. In its twelfth year, the 2016 BRO-AM charity surf contest and free beach concert inspired by local music icons Switchfoot, raised over $200,000 to support local youth and brought together over 15,000 people from more than 10 countries and 35 states. SDSI’s Bill Walton made a special on-stage appearance at the private benefit party on Friday, July 8 playing the bongo alongside Rob Machado and Switchfoot. This year, the BRO-AM launched the Junior Seau Foundation Adaptive Surf Program presented by Challenged Athletes Foundation. Watch Bill’s jam session and see a recap of the weekend festivities.  

The Evolution Champions Series (Evo) brings together top Gamers from around the world in an exhibition of skill and fun, as players and fans gather to honor the competitive spirit in an open format to determine a champion. Evo is the largest and longest-running fighting game tournaments in the world, featuring a number of games such as Street Fighter, Marvel and Mortal Kombat. As you can see in this clip on ESPN’s eSports coverage, Bill had the time of his life. If you’re interested in Walton’s gaming skills, you can see him in action in this Street Fighter Battle at E3 in June.



Five SDSI members named to SDBJ 150 Fastest Growing Private Companies 2016
ISLE Surf and SUP (32), TurningPoint Executive Search (33), Tower Paddle Boards (34), VAVI Inc. (87) and Red Door Interactive (104) are among the 150 comanies in San Diego County named to San Diego Business Journal's 150 Fastest Growing Private Companies 2016. "Since rebranding our firm in 2011 to focus on sales & marketing recruiting" explains TurningPoint CEO Ken Schmitt, "our team has continued to reach new milestones and extend our growth year after year. I couldn't be more proud of my colleagues and their accomplishments." Congrats to all!

American Wave Machines partners with Wirthlin-Dentons
American Wave Machines (AWM), the leader in out of ocean surfing experiences, announced their strategic partnership with Wirthlin-Dentons to bring years of strategic growth planning experience to AWM's vision of building a surf park in every major city in the world.  Read more about the partnership.

ElliptiGO wins $10k MetroConnect prize
ElliptiGO is one of 15 companies out of 73 applicants that were awarded a $10,000 grant as part of MetroConnect, a comprehensive export support program to help accelerate global growth of San Diego companies.  Funds can be used for a variety of global services.  View the full list of winners and program details and San Diego Business Journal.

Insperity reviewed as best PEO for small businesses by Business News Daily
Business News Daily, dedicated to small business solutions and inspiration, recommended Insperity as the “Best Professional Employer Organizations (PEO) for small businesses.” Insperity was chosen from dozens of PEO’s because of their comprehensive suite of PEO services, top-notch hands-on customer service and their easy-to-use online employee portal. Read more about what Insperity has to offer.

Original Grain launches new collection with wood dials – discount inside!
The successful kickstarter company Original Grain launched a new collection of solid wood dial watches.  Each watch contains 100% exotic and sustainable wood and comes in many different finishes and styles. View the new line and access the 15% of discount code on Coolhunting.com.

Slyde wins “Up and Coming Family Owned Business Award”; makes cover story
Orange County Business Journal topped off Slyde’s already amazing year by honoring the husband and wife-run business with the “Up and Coming Family Owned Business Award”. This recognition comes after Slyde's Shark Tank appearance and deal with “Sharks” Ashton Kutcher and Mark Cuban. Read the full feature from the cover of the July 4 issue of Orange County Business Journal.

Can Tower Paddle Boards reach $10M in rev on only 5 hours a day?
Founder Stephen Aarstol says “Yes”! And his new book The Five Hour Workday is now available to explain why. Tower Paddle Boards, often known as Mark Cubans “best” Shark Tank investment, is expected to hit nearly $10 million in sales this year and Aarstol boasts his reduced workday initiative leads to more productive and efficient employees. Read the full feature on Business Insider and get your copy of The Five Hour Workday.

ZOIC team expantion grows national support
ZOIC recently beefed-up their sales, dealer services, and marketing teams in order to expand support to dealers across the nation. Erik DeKold has joined the company as national sales manager, bringing 18 years of industry experience including eight years with Canari Cyclewear. Lauren Webb is new inside sales and support representative and most recently comes from Timex USA. Erin Machan is new community marketing manager and is also founder of the nonprofit Project Bike Love. Congrats to ZOIC for your expanding team! Read more at bicycleretailer.com.



Calling all innovators! Exhibit at Maker Faire for access to 40K attendees
Maker Faire is a two-day interactive event that inspires and fosters the spirit of making and inventing within the next generation and of San Diego leaders. Specifically, The INNOVATE San Diego Zone of the Maker Faire, in the Hall of Champions, will showcase technology and products - and the individuals and companies that create them - across multiple markets, including Sports and Active Lifestyle, 3D Printing, Apps, Accessories, Electronics, Robotics, Sensors, Smart Home, Startups, Wearables, Health and Biotech, and more. You are invited to exhibit your company for access to an important demographic (ages 15 to 35) to promote and sell your product and gain valuable feedback and ideas. Maker Faire 2015 brought, over 25,000 participants and over 200 inventors. 2016 anticipates to reach nearly 40,000 attendees. Learn more about Maker Faire and exhibit opportunities and contact Ann.berchtold.llc@gmail.com for more details.

TurningPoint Tip
Leverage Video to Attract Better Talent – In today's crowded and noisy marketplace, it's all about capturing your customers' attention...but what about your potential new hires? For years, companies have been using video to demo their product or showcase their services. And with the addition of Snapchat, Periscope and a myriad other social medial platforms, the sky's the limit! However, very few companies leverage the power of video to showcase their company culture, dynamic personalities and exciting challenges. With the "War for Top Talent" in full swing once again, the inclusion of an eye-catching and fun video, highlighting you’re A-Players, will go a long way to help attract the best of the best. Check out our website for some examples 

Job Openings 
Business Development Manager, Consulting/Professional Services - Mountain View 
Business Development Account Manager, Consulting/Professional Services – Irvine 
Plant Manager, CPG – Phoenix, AZ 
Director of Marketing, Healthcare Services/Tech - Los Angeles, CA 
Business Development Manager, Consulting/Professional Services – San Antonio, TX 
VP Marketing, Technology – Irvine, CA 
Inside Sales, Construction – San Diego, CA

Challenged Athletes Foundation – Director of Events click for info

ElliptiGO – Territoriy Sales Manager click for info

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa – multiple positions available click for info

J!NX – Multiple positions available click for info 

KPMG - Multiple positions available click for info

RSM – Multiple positions available click for info 

Red Door Interactive – Multiple positions available click for info

SKLZ – Multiple positions available click for info

Upper Deck – Multiple positions available click for info

TurningPoint Executive Search is SDSI's resident expert for hiring, retention and job search. A San Diego native with more than 16 years of recruiting experience, President and Founder, Ken Schmitt is available as a sounding board who can share industry “best practices” with SDSI members. Read their blog and contact Ken at Kens@turningpointsearch.net.

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Aug. 30 SDSI Advisory Board Meeting, 3:30-6pm

Oct. 5 Chat and Chew General Membership Breakfast, 8-9:30am

Oct. 25 SDSI Board of Directors Meeting, 4-6pm

Nov. 15 SDSI Advisory Board Meeting, 3:30-6pm

Dec. 13 SDSI Holiday Party

Jul. 30-31 Sun Diego AM Slam Surf Series Event 2, OB Pier click for info

Aug. 3-6 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, Salt Lake City, UT click for info

Aug. 5-21 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games click for info

Aug. 15-17 Agenda Las Vegas click for info

Aug. 25 America's Finest Corporate Dash click for info

Aug. 27-28 Sun Diego AM Slam Surf Series Event 3, San Clemente click for info

Sep. 7 Surf Park Summit 2, Orlando FL Click for info

Sep. 8-10 Surf Expo, Orlando FL click for info

Sep. 21-23 Interbike, Las Vegas, NV click for info

Sep. 24 -25 Sun Diego AM Slam Surf Series Event 4 Mission Beach click for info

Sep. 30 - Oct 7 INNOVATE San Diego 

Oct. 1-2 Maker Faire click for info

Jan. 5-6 Agenda Long Beach click for info

Jan. 5-8 CES 2017, Las Vegas, NV click for info