IS 2017 THE RISE OF THE SMALL BRAND?

Has 2017 marked the beginning of the rise of the small brand…. or the end of the big brand? In the not too distant past the primary strength of the big brand was distribution. The bigger the better, after all you just poured product into the funnel, and bingo! it was available widely. By the way, this applies to many, many product categories. It’s not something restricted to our world of consumer products. But lately the larger brands have not been the motor for the economy. Instead of creating jobs, its actually reducing them. The retail clerk community is hard hit with over 80,000 jobs lost last year. The opposite side of the coin has the rise of small brands. Alibaba’s Jack Ma is predicting the rise of the small brand. He calls them the 30/30 Businesses: under 30 employees, led by a CEO under 30. That old distribution network…brick and mortar, warehouses, huge, bulky and inefficient supply chains are now viewed by many as simply mill stones, guaranteed to sink the weary swimmer. In its place lies the internet in all its connectivity. Alibaba’s Ma sees that old hard scape distribution replaced by a platform that levels the global playing field, enabling an Alibaba vendor to deliver to a customer anywhere in the world within 72 hours…without owning a warehouse or a forklift! By 2020!

It is indeed mind boggling, but I definitely buy into the concept that the young small businesses will be the driver of the future economy. That’s good news for SDSI, because we are a business development group focused for the most part on small businesses. Our Springboard program has helped jump start 70 companies. They have raised over $50 Million in capital and have an unbelievable 87% survival rate. Did you know there are over 34,000 people working in our space in San Diego? Most are employed by small healthy businesses. Yeah, baby, small is beautiful!

~Bob
 

SDSI welcomes new member Common Thread Collective and renewing member Digital Operative
Common Thread Collective (CTC) is proud to join the SDSI family. From day one, CTC has existed to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, and this new partnership with SDSI perfectly serves that end. As a digital sales agency committed to driving online revenue through great advertising and video production that sells product, Common Thread Collective is a perfect partner to serve the SDSI community as well. “From the first time we met Bob Rief, we knew we wanted to be a part of SDSI. The people he surrounds himself with and the never-ending willingness to help others is something everybody should try to emulate. We feel lucky to be a part of the SDSI community,” said Taylor Holiday, Managing Partner at Common Thread Collective.

Digital Operative, Inc. (DO) is excited to announce our continued partnership with SDSI and to use our global reach capabilities to help educate and support the membership. DO is a full service digital agency specializing in ecommerce growth. Our offerings are rooted in data-driven, customer-centric strategies with delivery capabilities spanning website experiences, content, digital marketing and data analytics. We thrive in the active lifestyle, outdoor space and our company culture supports this as well, which is another reason why we are thrilled at the opportunity to renew with SDSI and become more involved throughout the local community. Our U.S. offices are in Mission Valley, CA and in Denver, CO with our parent company, transcosmos, based in Tokyo, Japan. Check out our website to learn more at digitaloperative.com.

10 days left to apply to SDSI Springboard
SDSI’s business accelerator SDSI Springboard, has a strong track record and impact on its graduates: 87% of our 70 graduates are still in business, graduates have created nearly 450 jobs, and have raised over $50M in capital. We tout the success of the program to three things: a proven curriculum, a dedicate team of volunteer executive mentors and a rigorous screening process that identifies top-notch candidates. If your business is making a pivot, shifting a business model, working through a significant growth phase, preparing to raise capital or making an initial launch into the market, SDSI Springboard could help put you and your business on a path of sustainability and scalabilty.  Know a business or entrepreneur that could benefit from this type of business guidance? Refer them today. Learn more and apply here. 
 

SDSI launches Executive Women of SDSI peer group
Increasing the presence of female executives in sports and active lifestyle businesses and being a resource as women as they grown their careers is of high importance to SDSI. The recent launch of the Executive Women of SDSI Peer Group is intended to facilitate relationship building among these female executives and their businesses, cultivate a community that inspires future female SAL business executives, discuss challenges associated around being a women rising to executive levels and much more. 

Boys & Girls Club breaks ground on Bill Walton Gymnasium

Construction has begun for the new Brady Family Clubhouse at the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County in La Mesa.  Included in the Clubhouse will be a 10,000-square-foot gymnasium dedicated to our one and only Bill Walton. The Clubhouse is anticipated to serve up to 300 children a day. “Thank you to everyone here for your passion and for creating a phenomenal community of love and support,” Walton said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “Let’s keep dreaming and keep working.” Read the full story at the SDUT.

SDSI Springboard companies join forces to raise funds for CAF
Three of our Springboard participants, Erin McGuire founder of CORE 360 Belts, Alyx Tortorice, founder of Starfysh Wetsuits and Elizabeth Swoitsky founder of Cirque-it, have joined forces to become the S.A.S.S.iest (Star Athletes of SDSI Springboard) team in the Challenged Athletes Foundation Triathlon. Help these fabulous female founders raise funds for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Team S.A.S.S. has already surpassed their fundraising goal of $1,500 but they are not stopping there. Help fund Challenged Athletes' adaptive equipment, coaching, training, competition expenses and mentoring. Learn more and donate here.

BLDG Active lands in SUP outdoor gear guide
SDSI Springboard participant BLDG Active, is taking cuts, scrapes, burns and more head-on with their all-natural regenerative skin repair. SUP Magazine was quick to see how important the healing components could be to the SUP athlete and included BLDG Active’s hydrogel and spay in their 2017 Summer Product Spotlight.

Cirque-It Fitness announces training workshops for fitness professionals - discount inside
SDSI Springboard participant Cirque-It Fitness, invites fitness professionals to join founder Elizabeth Skwiot for a training workshop "Cirque-It Fitness: The Fundamentals" on August 13 or August 27 in Solana Beach. Earn .8 CECs approved by ACE, NASM, and AFAA and become trained in the next big innovation in fitness! SDSI members can use code SDSICIRQUE to save $100 and pay $249.  Visit www.cirqueitfitness.com and click on "Get Trained" for the most recent schedule.

Compete Consulting Group rebrands as Reveel
Compete Consulting Group (CCG) is out to do more than just save their clients’ money on shipping with FedEx, UPS and DHL. They’re working toward a world where every business can leverage the power of Shipping Intelligence™ to make the smartest decisions possible. To capture all they hope to achieve for their clients in the future, the CCG brand recently launched a new direction, a new brand, and a new name: Reveel™. “With Reveel, we pledge to give you the same trusted service you’ve come to expect from CCG, with revitalized inspiration, says Partner Chad Beville. “Our dedicated team will continue to provide unmatched local knowledge with complete transparency and exceptional service. At Reveel, we’re out to empower companies with intelligent insights and advocate for transparency throughout the shipping industry. We’ll offer more than just wide-ranging data and local knowledge, though. At Reveel, we’ll give you Shipping Intelligence.”
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COR Surf launched Quick-Dry Changer
To celebrate their 14th year in business, COR Surf is adding to their repertoire of board racks, bike racks and accessories COR Surf this summer with the Quick-Dry Changer, a lightweight fast drying changing robe and travel towel all in one. Trade in your towel for a Quick Dry Changer and get rid of those parking lot mishaps for good. Check out more here.

DO to offer AI solution to minimize test cycles, increase conversion rates

Full-service digital agency, Digital Operative, specializes in growing ecommerce revenue for its customers through award-winning website design, digital marketing, conversion rate optimization (CRO), and technology. By partnering with Sentient Technologies, Digital Operative can now offer its customers, Sentient Ascend, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered CRO solution that allows customers to compress test cycles from as much as a year into a few weeks while seeing conversion gains of up to 40 percent. Read more here.

ElliptiGO offers VIP experience at Meb’s last marathon
Meb Keflezighi, the four-time Olympic champion will be running his last marathon this November at the New York City Marathon. In honor of the occasion, ElliptiGO, has teamed up to provide a special VIP experience featuring airfare and hotel to New York City for two, two VIP bleacher seats at the finish line, two tickets to Meb’s post-race celebration, an ElliptiGO bike and more. The entire package is valued at $5,000.  The contest ends Sunday, August 6. Enter now.

Introducing Merino Wool shoes by La Mouton
From Cardiff Sport Technologies, the makers of Cardiff Skates, comes Merino Wool Shoes by La Mouton “the most comfortable lightweight shoe you will ever own”. The Merino are 50% lighter than traditional sneakers, breathable and made from sustainable 100% merino wool. Socks optional. What’s not to love? Use code SDSI at checkout for 15% off!

Moss Adams Tax Alert: state tax changes of July 1 could affect your business
New legislation changes how California State taxes are administered and adjudicated starting July 1, 2017. Moss Adams covers how these changes could affect you and your business here. 

Road Runner Sports takes home top honors at America’s Finest Corporate Dash
High Performance Movement brought in a great turnout for their 2nd Annual America's Finest Corporate Dash 5K, which took place on June 22 at Qualcomm Stadium. The event was host to over 100 companies from San Diego and over 1,600 participants who enjoyed a 5K run/walk, a craft beer garden, games, food trucks and live music. Participating companies included SDSI members: 100%, KPMG, Road Runner Sports, Sony, Vantage Point Advisors and Wells Fargo. Congrats to Road Runner Sports for winning overall fastest male team at the event! HP Movement is already eagerly planning the 2018 event and is looking forward to growing the participation of SDSI member companies. 

Slyde Handboards introduces custom print

Love your Slyde Handboard and want to make it your own? Slyde Handboards is now offering customer print options, chose any unique print and Slyde will make it happen. Get yours pre-ordered now for a 20% discount. Learn more at Slydehandboards.com.

Sticky Bumps introduces Bethany Hamilton candle line
The newest Sticky Bumps scents "Hanalei Valley" Tuberose, "Queen's Bath" Coconut Milk, and "The Garden Isle" Lime Coconut Vanilla may be reminiscent of Bethany’s home beaches and gardens of Kauai, but the all-natural wax candles are still hand poured in the San Diego factory.  With all reusable glass and ecofriendly bamboo lids, what’s not to love?  Read more at the Inertia.com

Surftech uses algae to make paddleboards greener; launches new colab with CI
In effort to clean up waterways at risk of an algae bloom, Surftech’s latest paddle boards will use foam made from algae. Using Bloom foams, a single Surftech paddle board returns 176 gallons of clean, filtered water to habitat. By removing the algae, the process also prevents about 123 birthday balloons’ worth of CO2 from entering the atmospher.  Read the full story here. 

Surftech has been blending PU foam and EPS foam for years to enhance the advantages of these two materials. But they are stepping up the game with an all new material used to bond the two foams together, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). Sandwiched between the EPS and PU, TPU has a high abrasion resistance, high shear strength, and high elasticity. Learn more at Shopeatsurf.com.

Topical Gear helping Team USA athletes get back to competition
Topical Gear is creating a pre-paradigm shift in the standard care of athletes and patients. In 2016 Topical Gear worked with the medical team for Team USA men’s downhill ski, to assist four athlete’s recovery post injury. Helping an Olympic athlete return to competition 14-month post ACL reconstruction and ultimacy take home the big W at Super G outside Munich, caught the attention of the medial staff in Park City. Now, both male and female members of the downhill and snowboard teams are wearing the Topical Gear’s T:25 Knee while training this summer to enhance the mechanics in their knees. Learn more about Topical Gear.
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Solo Eyewear launches Live and Give Adventure Campaign

Looking for a way to make an impact? One lucky winner of Solo Eyewear’s Live and Give Adventure Campaign will win a free trip to San Diego to travel with the Solo Eyewear founders and help set up an eyecare clinic in Mexico. Learn more about the challenge.

 SHACC’s First annual golf surfari

The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center will be hosting its first annual golf tournament on Monday, September 18. There are lots of ways to help SHACC achieve their ongoing mission of surfing being more accurately understood; volunteer to work the event, donate auction items, sponsor the tournament or simply play golf!  Learn more at Surfingheritage.org.

Job Openings
Sales Executive, Industrial Products - SoCal
Sales Executive, Building Products – AZ & Germany
Technology Marketing Specialist, Land Development, San Diego - FILLED
Business Development Executive, Professional Services, Tempe/Phoenix, AZ - FILLED
VP Business Development, International Trade Finance, Los Angeles - FILLED
Director of Brand Innovation, Telecom – Los Angeles - FILLED
National Sales Executive, Medical Products – Los Angeles/Santa Barbara - FILLED

Advntur - CEO click for info, contact matt.doran@advntur.com

Challenged Athletes Foundation – Creative Service Manager, Digital Marketing Manager click for info 

Competitor Group – Multiple Positions Available click for info

ElliptiGO – Sales Operations Specialist 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

Red Door Interactive - Multiple positions available click for info

Smack Media – Social Media Marketing/PR Account Manager click for info

SKLZ - 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.  

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Through Aug. 7 - SDSI Springboard Class 10 Application Period click for info

​​Aug. 1 – SDSI Springboard Class 9 Quick Pitch/Elevator Pitch Presentation

Aug. 22 – SDSI Advisory Board Meeting, 4-6pm

Aug. 7 – SDSI Springboard Applications Close click for info

Sep. 5 - General Membership Meeting – Product Design

Sep. 19 – General Membership Meeting – Cyber Security

Oct. 24 – SDSI Board of Directors Meeting at Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, 4-6pm

Nov. TBD – SDSI General Membership Meeting

Nov. 14 – SDSI Advisory Board Meeting

Dec. 12 – SDSI Holiday Party

​​​​Jul. 25-29 - Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, Salt Lake City, UT click for info 

Jul. 28 - Shmooz at OR, Salt Lake City, UT click for info

Jul. 29-Aug. 6 - Vans US Open of Surfing, Huntington Beach click for info

Aug. 3 - The Surfing Walk of Fame Induction Day, 10.00a.m., Huntington Beach Click for info

Aug 14-16 Agenda Las Vegas click for info

Aug 19 - Vans x Sun Diego Boardshops AM SLAM Surf Contest Series Event 3, Ocean Beach click for info

Sep. 13-15 - SFIA Industry Leaders Summit, Chicago, IL click for info 

Sep. 20-22 - Interbike, Las Vegas, NV click for info

Sep. 30 - Vans x Sun Diego Boardshops AM SLAM Surf Contest Series Event 4, San Clemente click for info

Oct. 4 - TurningPoint Executive Search: Sales & Marketing Leader Award, Del Mar click for info

Oct. 24 David Wells’ Golf Tournament for The Perfect 33 Foundation click for info