San Diego IS a Sports town!

How ‘bout them Aztecs??!! The Padres Opening day is March 30. I cannot wait, they are headed for an historic year, and we get to come along for the amazing ride. Hey, did you know the Padres are SDSI members, as are the Seals, the Loyal and Gulls? Did you see SDSI Chairman Bill Walton’s Saturday Night Live spoof. Sports are happening all over our town. Think about the impact that the Farmers Open has on our economy, or the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club or the amazing Breeder’s Cup. The Economic Impact of all the Sports, Active and Healthy Living companies in our space is well north of $6.5 Billion and involves more than 52,000 jobs…yes indeed, San Diego IS a really good sports town!

-bob

ESPN Announces Documentary about Bill Walton 
An upcoming ESPN documentary series called "The Luckiest Guy in the World", will focus on the life of former NBA MVP and SDSI Executive Chairman Bill Walton. The series will dive into Bill's basketball career, his struggles with injury and chronic pain, and his activism. It will also give background into Bill’s upbringing and journey through life. Many parts of this have been touched on by Bill in his book, “Back from the Dead”. To read the full press release click here. 

SDSI Welcomes New Member - KKM Leadership LLC
KKM Leadership's mission is to support the development of critical leadership capabilities and help companies prepare for the New World of Work. Their method is centered around creating Insight + Impact through Executive Coaching, Human Capital Advisory & Interim HR Leadership. Services including: Leadership Performance Coaching, Assessments, Team Building, Interim HR Leadership, Speaking Engagements, and Human Capital Advisory To learn more about KKM Leadership's services visit www.kkmleadership.com

Wells Fargo Sponsoring "Ask the Expert" Series 
Kevin Sullivan, Executive Vice President at Wells Fargo Capital Finance, has graciously offered to sponsor one of our best resources for members, the "Ask the Expert" series. In this monthly series we choose a topic of discussion that is relevant in today's business world, and bring an expert from our member pool to lead the discussion. It's a great time to explore synergies among the community and learn about important topics effecting your business today. Thanks again Kevin!

David and Goliath 2.0 – SDSI Member Nick Esayian Collides with the NFL, the Player’s union, and their Testing Protocol
The fight begins with LIGHT Helmet’s attempts to get their LS2 model approved by the NFL. It passed an independent test, done by the leading test lab at Virginia Tech, evaluating a helmet's ability to reduce linear and rotational acceleration of the head. Ranking 9th out of the 29 helmets tested, and being the second most cost-effective option in the top 10, it would seem like a certain green light. But, the NFL’s testing protocol has a minimum weight requirement, defying an elementary law of physics: Mass X Velocity= Kintetic energy. Nick tells us “the more it weighs, the greater the risk to CTE injuries.” How can heavier helmets be better than light ones? To understand this very significant challenge to the “old School” NFL by a fiery “new school, science based” local company and Leader, click here to read excerpts from the article on our website, or for the full article, if you have an Athletic subscription, click here. click here.  

Marqi Health Exclusive Facility Tour May 17th 
Here is a 100% unique opportunity to visit the facility where the human Genome was first decoded! Marqi Health, in partnership with Human Longevity, is offering an exclusive tour of its facility to showcase its revolutionary next-generation preventative care. The clinic uses cutting-edge biometrics, genetics, and deep imaging to prevent and detect chronic diseases before they occur. If you are interested in the future of health care, this is a “don’t miss” opportunity.  RSVP through the provided link, for the tour on May 17th and join the SDSI team in supporting Marqi Health.  RSVP here!

Q&A with Joe Kudla on the "Make or Break it Moment" that Pushed Vuori Forward
Is there a more compelling Brand story than Joe Kudla’s Vuori?  Faced with an indifferent retail market, Joe executed a major pivot to a D2C market..the results were evident immediately!" By the end of 2017, Vuori was profitable, and the company now operates 30 retail stores in the U.S. and U.K. and plans to open 100 more. Reflecting on the experience, Kudla said "it is important for entrepreneurs to be objective about their business and its market fit and to seek clarity through meditation or nature walks." He added that he wished he had more deeply appreciated the power of product-market fit and marketing. To read the Q&A click here. Also, don't miss out a site-wide sale of up to 40% off for March on joggers, shorts, and shirts.
 
Surftech x SeaTrees Sustainability Program
Surftech, a local but global, surfboard Brand has recently announced a new partnership with SeaTrees, an environmental organization focused on restoring coastal ecosystems. The partnership aims to combat the effects of climate change and marine pollution by planting mangrove trees in damaged coastal areas. Surftech will be contributing a portion of its sales revenue to fund the project, and the company's manufacturing processes will be carbon-neutralized.  Through this collaboration, both companies hope to raise awareness about the importance of coastal ecosystems and encourage more people to take action to protect them. For the full press release click here

US Patent and Trademark Office Moving Away From Paper 
From our SDSI member, Procopio Law: the US Patent and Trademark Office, will  transition to electronic issuance of patents effective April 18, 2023. Patent holders will receive a "ceremonial" printed copy upon request, but the electronic patent will be considered the official patent grant. The new process is expected to shorten the time to grant patents. This is a momentous change as all patents since the start of the USPTO in 1790 have been on paper. To read the full article click here.

Ken Schmitt of TurningPoint has a New Podcast Series
Long-time board member Ken Schmitt from TurningPoint Executive Search, just published his new book "The Practical Optimist", along with the podcast of the same name. The book talks about Ken's journey as an entrepreneur, how we navigated the financial crises and covid, and how movies like "Jerry Macguire" and "Field of Dreams" shaped his life! Every other week he will also be dropping new episodes of his podcast, where he interviews national leaders from across industries and functions who talk about the intersection of leadership and life. Check out the podcast here, and grab a copy of the book here! To read up on Turningpoint's newest Executive placement click here.

Surf Park Central Adds Surf Park Developer Series 
The Developers Track Summit 2023 is a new gathering of surf park developers and industry experts set to take place in May. The summit will focus on the latest trends and innovations in surf park development, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Along with the challenges facing the surf park industry development include high capital costs, complex regulatory requirements, and environmental concerns. Surf Park Central also released its 2023 Consumer Trend Report, the new 100-page document takes a deep dive into the world of surfing and how wave pools and surf parks play a significant role in the future of the sport. Learn more about the report and download a preview on Surf Park Central’s website and as an SDSI member, you can save 10% when buying the report, email here to receive the code. 

Vantage Point Advisors Acquired by Stout
Vantage Point Advisors, a long time SDSI member well known in our group as an amazing resource for business wisdom, excellent financial guidance and valuation service, has been acquired by  Stout, a global advisory firm. Vantage Point Advisors has a very strong reputation for providing high-quality and reliable valuation services to our SDSI members, regardless of size; no doubt VPA will enhance Stout's capabilities in these areas. Congratulations to both parties! To read the full press release click here.  

Introducing Eco Drifties
ECO Drifties are first ever sustainable approach to wetsuit lined boardshorts. While offering the same 2-in-1 innovation Driftline is known for and using post-consumer recycled materials in the fabric, their production produces far less waste and has a lower dependency on petrochemicals. Check out the new Eco Drifties product launch video produced by Vitiv Media. To get your own ECO Drifties and help shape the future of the planet, click here.

BASECAMP  Working with SD Based Zero Alcohol Spirits Brand
BASECAMP is now supporting San Diego based Drink Monday with Fractional CFO and bookkeeping services. Drink Monday is a pioneer in the fast-growing non-alcoholic beverage category. They are raising capital to fuel expansion and scale beyond DTC to traditional brick-and-mortar channels. The BASECAMP fractional model enables startup and emerging companies to leverage expert finance and accounting resources with flexibility and scale. To learn more about what finance and accounting services BASECAMP's  click here. 

Surf Cup Opportunity!
CEO Brian Enge sends us a note: We have created a new position and opportunity for the right person: Apparel Operations and Customer Service. The assignment involves co-ordination of uniform production, supply chain over- sight and customer service. This is a great opportunity to learn and thrive in one of San Diego’s hottest sport properties. Contact here for more info!
The Accelerator is in its 13th year. It's a 20 week, twice a year, mentor led development program that targets post revenue, early stage companies. SDSI has matriculated 140 plus companies, which have raised $90M in start up capital. The program has a 75% success rate over time and has generated over 750 jobs. Applications are accepted year ‘round here (Accelerator Application)

The SDSI Business Accelerator Update: Class 21
We’re happy to announce Class 21 of the SDSI Accelerator program! We’ve paired 6 growing companies with teams of experienced mentors to help define the path to growth and scale. Congratulations to Eversun Lighting, Marqi Health, Faro Boardbags, Backyard Banger, RigStrips, and R-Yolo who officially make up Class 21 of the SDSI Accelerator. We look forward to seeing your growth over the next 20 weeks!

Sales Meeting are back in "Real Life!"
Shop Eat Surf reports in a new article that industry leaders like Quiksilver and Volcom, are returning to in-person meetings with buyers and sales reps. The surf industry has traditionally relied on face-to-face interactions and personal relationships that virtual meetings simply cannot replace. Culture and On-Boarding demands trump Zoom! To read the full article click here. 

Surf Industry Manufacturers' Association announces Surfscape April 29-30
SIMA's Surfscape is a new event offering an immersive and intimate platform for surf industry brands to showcase their products and connect with the consumer directly. Located in Huntington Beach, this event will truly be a first for the surf industry, offering consumers a vast array of products to “try before you buy.”  SIMA stages great events: this will be memorable! Click here for all the details of the event.

World Baseball Classic Sets All-time Viewership  
The World Baseball Classic (WBC) has been making waves recently, with a record-breaking 7.4 million viewers tuning in to watch the finals between the United States and Japan. The tournament, which features 16 national teams from around the world, and has seen a significant increase in overall viewership for the tournament.  Main supporters of the WBC also note that the WBC has helped to boost interest in baseball in many countries where the sport is not traditionally popular, such as in Europe and South America. With the tournament set to continue in the coming years, the WBC will likely continue to grow in popularity, with the MLB's best coming back to play for their countries. To read the full article click here. 

San Diego Padres Update
The Padres announced their 2023 Hall of Fame inductees for the franchise as Jake Peavy and John Moores. Peavy a NL Cy Young Award in 2007 and Moores served as the Padres' owner in the 1990s and 2000s. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 28 before the game at Petco Park. Lastly, Opening Day March 30th is here and your Padres's starting pitcher will be... Blake Snell. A little background on the match-up, Snell has a career 4.24 ERA against the Rockies. But over half of those games took place at Coors Field, where they have the highest Ballpark factor in the MLB with a 112, compared to Petco Park's factor of 94. Against the Rockies Snell has an impressive 12.9 K's per 9 innings and a 3-1 K/Walk ratio. If you are interested in more of a breakdown take a look at his baseball savant page, but look for Snell to get the win on Thursday, with his dominant offense behind him!

San Diego Loyal SC Update
SD Loyal is kicking off the 2023 season with hot start! After a 1-0 win over Detroit City FC in its season opener from a sold out Torero Stadium, the club posted a second-consecutive shutout victory at home Sunday, taking down Western Conference rivals Phoenix Rising FC 3-0.  Fans have been racing to get their hands on the new kits, available online and in-person at The Shop @ SD Loyal. The club also recently made headlines in the City of Escondido, announcing the start of construction on a new outdoor facility in the region, the SD Loyal Soccer USA Park. Lastly, SD Loyal returns home on Saturday, April 8 to take on Eastern Conference foe FC Tulsa (2 p.m). The first 2,000 fans will receive a FREE SD Loyal baseball shirt presented by BluPeak Credit Union! Tickets to the match start at just $15 and are on sale now at sdloyal.com/tickets!

San Diego Seals Update
The San Diego Seals lacrosse team has a crucial stretch of season coming up, as they look to prove themselves in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). With the lead in the West Division, the Seals are only up half a game on the Calgary Roughnecks who they play next at home on March 31st. This is a crucial game as there are only 5 games left in the regular season, as the Seals would love to secure a home-field advantage for this year's playoff run.  So please come out to support the San Diego Seals as they push to playoffs, and March 31st is also Latin heritage night. To check out their schedule or to get tickets click here.

                                                      

BTX Global Logistics is a full-service transportation and logistics organization with over 30 regional offices across North America. BTX specializes in time-sensitive, heavyweight freight by Air, Land and Sea. In addition to freight services, BTX Global Logistics provides flexible and personalized supply-chain logistics solutions to customers around the world. Our strategic warehouses and experienced staff allow us to offer our customers a diversified and specialized menu of services that includes Retail Distribution, eCommerce and Fulfillment Services.

1) Booking Lead time (time of booking prior to vessel departure) - 2-3 weeks
2) Average Pacific transit time - 16 days plus 3-5 days (average) at anchor (Long Beach /Los Angeles) “Real time” transit time: 19-21 days
3) Port of LA/LGB Dwell time from vessel berth to container pick up: 3-4 days
4) Freight rates: SCFI (Shanghai Containerized Freight Index) @ USD $1600 FAK STATE OF THE TRADE – MARCH 21st, 2023

Despite average load factors to the West Coast in the 95-100 percent range, carriers will not implement planned spot rate increases on April 1st. March 21st spot rates have now reached April 2018 levels: rates could sink below the last low-mark five years ago. Import volumes from Asia in February were down over 30 percent year-on-year, closer in line with early 2020 volume levels... bottom line: container prices are back to the old normal, and so are Trans-Pac transit times.  

For more info, contact Debra Smythe.

TurningPoint Tips
“Why would we hire a recruiter when we already have an internal Human Resources department?”
We get that question a lot. There are a lot of obvious reasons to hire a recruiter from an executive search firm like TurningPoint Executive Search… Your role is complex, you’ve already been to the well and keep coming up dry, you’d like to NOT be one of the 40% who hire the wrong person and waste an exorbitant amount of money… just to name a few of the obvious reason.

However, there are several benefits to working with a recruitment agency that may surprise you. If you would like the see them, check out their latest post about other things employers can do to attract and retain talent, and contact Ken Schmitt at ken@turningpointrecruiting.com with any questions

Open Positions:
GENERAL MANAGER USA, EAST COAST
MANAGING DIRECTOR (SALES), ​​​​CALIFORNIA 
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR - CPG (REMOTE)
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR - PHARMA (REMOTE)
SALES DIRECTOR - MANAGED SERVICES (REMOTE)
SALES MANAGER/DIRECTOR ERP (REMOTE)
DIRECTOR ECOMMERCE (HYBRID - SD/LA JOLLA)
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES - REMOTE IN CALIFORNIA 
DIRECTOR OF WARRANTY OPERATIONS, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 
 

100% - Staff Accountant - click for info

Alila Marea – Multiple Positions Available (with $500 incentives) - click for info

Banner Bank – Multiple Positions Available - click for info

Challenge Athletes Foundation - Chief People Officer and Marketing Manager - click for info 

CobraPuma – Multiple Position Available - click for info

Mesa Rim - Head Coach | FT - click for info

Moss Adams – Multiple Positions Available - click for info

Red Door Interactive – Multiple Positions Available - click for info

Reef – SR. Mgr. Brand Marketing  & Digital Creative Director - click for info

RMD Group – Multiple Positions Available - click for info

San Diego Padres – Director, Retail Operations & more - click for info

San Diego Seals – Fan Engagement Ambassador and Executive Assistant - click for info

Surf Soccer - Apparel Operations and Customer Service - click for info

Sun Diego - Assistant Manager and Sales Associate - click for info

Sunday Golf – Conversion Rate Optimizations Strategist - click for info

TaylorMade Golf – Multiple Positions Available - click for info

Vuori – Multiple Positions Available - click for info

Z Supply – Multiple Positions Available - click for info

Mar 29 - Women In Sports + Events meeting @5:30pm, click for more info 

Mar 30 - San Diego Padres Opening Day, click for more info

Apr 29-30 - SIMA Surfscape, click for more info

May 17 - Marqi Health SDSI Tour, click for more info