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The True Meaning of Community in San Diego
Words fail me when it comes to thanking the many, many people who stepped up in the Coronavirus crisis. I hesitate to try to mention them for fearing of leaving an important segment out… but all hospital staff, police, firemen, food bank operators, homelessness advocates, pharmacists and staff, grocery workers, and owners, too, for setting aside a senior hour to protect grandparents and people with challenges, gas station operators, Home Depot staff, every single small restaurant and coffee shop who remain open in some format, just for us… caregivers, brave City, County and State Leaders (never more proud to be a Californian).
And to those in the business community who did all they could to service the community… local banks, local property management and real estate companies, accountants, volunteer CFO’s, law firms, HR companies who try to make sense out of the confusion.
And to local heroes like Bill Walton and Tony Finn who create Bike for Humanity and got 15,000 cyclists around the world to celebrate our spirit and donate to 4 great charities
There are more… many more, but let me just offer up an anthem that I think sums up San Diego’s amazing strength of spirit and community:
"Lean On Me"
Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain, we all have sorrow.
But if we are wise,
We know that there's always tomorrow.
Lean on me when you're not strong
I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show.
You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand,
We all need somebody to lean on.
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on
You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you'll understand,
We all need somebody to lean on.
If there is a load
You have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me.
Call me if you need a friend
Call me, call me, uh-huh
Call me when you need a friend
Call me if you ever need a friend
Call me, call me
Call me, call me
-Bob
2019 SDSI Mentor Programs Impact Stats Released
Are you ready for some good news? Look no further than the 2019 SDSI Mentoring Impact Report! The SDSI Mentor Programs continue to move forward uninterrupted thanks to our dedicated mentors and a whole lot of video conferencing! Every year we check in with our Accelerator and Springboard program graduates to track their progress and we’re proud to report that, as of the close of 2019, there have been a total of 98 graduates, 80% are still in business, 50% are female founded and/or led, and 64% maintain contact with at least one of their mentors. And that’s just the start! Click to view the full report here.
SDSI Welcomes New Members: Vizer App and Zamberlan USA
Vizer App: Looking for ways to stay active and support San Diego amid COVID-19? Download Vizer on iOS! Every day that you walk 10,000 steps and tap "Donate," a sponsor will donate a meal to the San Diego Food Bank on your behalf. Learn more at www.vizerapp.com. Stay tuned for Android coming soon!
Zamberlan USA is extremely excited to become part of SDSI! Started in 1929, third generation and family-owned Zamberlan is a premier manufacturer of handmade boots and shoes for outdoor enthusiasts the world over, specializing in the alpine, backpacking, hiking, hunting, and forestry service markets. The Zamberlan brand has been at the heart of many technical footwear innovations throughout its storied history. Early on, Guiseppe Zamberlan and his friend Vitale Bramani revolutionized outdoor footwear by introducing the first all-rubber outsole, forever changing hiking boots and launching the Vibram brand in the process. Zamberlan would go on to introduce countless other innovations and has won a myriad of consumer and industry recognitions. Zamberlan continues to handcraft their boots in the same factory in which the company started 91 years ago. Zamberlan USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary, began operations in 2009 and distributes the brand through approximately 400 doors throughout North America as well as through its website at www.ZamberlanUSA.com. We look forward to contributing to SDSI and welcome all members to reach out, whether you want to talk about hiking boots, travel to Italy, or how we can be of service to your business.
Members, Be on the Lookout for SDSI Survey
With so much confusion surrounding the government support for small business, we feel it is important to understand the success rate our membership had in obtaining funds amidst this crisis. We ask that you please take a few minutes to complete this survey when it comes out next week to help us better understand the type of support our members were able to obtain. There are no mandatory questions, it is totally anonymous, and it shouldn’t take more than 3-4 minutes to fill out.
Bob Rief Birthday Newsletter
This newsletter is a special one as it coincides perfectly with our fearless leader’s 75th birthday! At a Board of Directors meeting this week, we were able to sing him happy birthday. If you have a moment, feel free to send Bob some birthday love via email, phone, text, zoom… whatever! (and while you’re at it, discourage him from firing me for blasting this to our entire newsletter subscriber-base.)
Red Door Interactive’s Covid Contingency Planning for Marketers
Red Door Interactive has published a comprehensive document to help brands mitigate risk of Covid-19 and identify recovery methods. Don't let hte 54 slides intimidate you, it is easy to read and very insightful - definitely worth the read! We had Red Door Interactive CEO, Reid Carr, speak with 20+ members over 2 separate Zoom conferences earlier this month citing some of this data which was very reassuring to the attendees. View Reid’s linkedin post for the link to the continually updated document.
Versus Tires Scores High Marks from VitalMTB
SDSI Accelerator grad, Versus Tires, will be officially launching their direct to consumer mountain bike tire tomorrow! VitalMTB has given them an “outstanding” review after several months of use and they have listed the average user rating as “spectacular.” Read the full review and sign up to be notified of the product launch for extra perks.
San Diego Seals Offer Weekly Activities for Children & Owner Donates 500,000 Pieces of PPE
If your child is going stir-crazy with distance learning and limited interaction with their peers, take a look at the San Diego Seals free weekly offerings. Reading, Health/Fitness, Dance Classes, Art Classes, eSports, and other activities are provided on a weekly schedule to help children (and their parents) learn from their heroes on the field with the San Diego Seals. View the weekly guide to sign up for a class today… it is all totally free. Additionally, Seals Owner Joe Tsai and his wife, Clara Wu Tsai have donated 500,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to San Diego health care workers this month. The couple also made a similar donation to New York health care workers. Read the full article.
HYLETE Announces Regulation A Offering
HYLETE has announced a $12M equity raise under Regulation A Tier 2 offering. This was announced early in April and will be HYLETE’s 9th crowdfunding round representing more than 4,900 investors/loyal customers… or “investomer.” The intent is to apply for a direct listing on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange with a fully completed offering. Read the full press release or the SDBJ snippet.
Exchange Collective Adds QuikSilver, Roxy, and DC Shoes to Their Roster
Exchange Collective has added several new brands to their platform which gives retailers a new way to sell online through their turnkey marketplace solution. They are currently offering retailers and brands the opportunity to sign up for free. For a list of benefits, take a look at the retailer site or the brand site.
Ken Schmitt Interviews Colleague in Hangzhou on China's Return to Work
SDSI Board Member Ken Schmitt interviews Michael Wang, Managing Director at Talentor China discuss what “getting back to business” may look like in the coming months. Michael Wang is based in Hangzhou so he shares what he is seeing 6 months after the pandemic impacted China. This is a very down to earth, real world discussion of what is happening on the ground in China, and what we may be able to expect as the US begins to reopen select businesses. Watch the zoom fireside chat.
NanocraftCBD Launches ImmuneBoost CBD Oil and Softgels
“The stronger your immune system, the better your are able to stay healthy. Nanocraft CBD Immune Boost is infused with Dry Yeast Fermentate which is clinically shown to boost the immune system and provide respiratory support, basically it’s like a multivitamin for your immune system*, and it starts working within two hours! With 40mg Broad Spectrum CBD and 500mg of Yeast Fermentate per serving Nanocraft's Immune Boost + CBD aims to help people have more healthy days.” Read the full press release about the product, the science behind it, and order your product (using the SDSI Member2Member 20% off code) today.
ROTH Capital Partners Advise Boardriders on Sale of Xcel
Boardriders (the parent company to Quiksilver, Billabong, ROXY, DC Shoes, RVCA, Element and other brands) has sold its Xcel Wetsuit Brand to Colorado-Based ZG Holding LLC. “The divestment of Xcel is strategically aligned with Boardriders’ recently-announced multi-year growth agenda that is driving investment into a number of new growth initiatives across its six primary global brands. Those initiatives are focusing on funding its continuing digital transformation, category extensions, changing go-to-market models, new partnerships, product development speed programs, and enhanced sustainability efforts.” SDSI Board Member, ROTH Capital Partners, acted as the Financial Advisor to Boardriders, Inc. Read the full press release.
Souljym Crowdfunding Campaign has Creative Reward
SDSI Accelerator Graduate, Souljym, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to leverage the founder’s sewing skills to support the urgent need for facemasks. Supporters of the campaign to be rewarded with a hand-made facemask. In turn, you’re helping an entrepreneur execute on her dream - funds will be used for architectural plans and renderings needed to fundraise in order to build out their first physical location. For more on the facemasks and Souljym’s mission, visit their page on ifundwomen.com.
100% Supports Those on the Front Lines
It seems like we get daily reminders of how helpful our members are in times of need. One of those reminders came earlier this month, when 100% donated 1,000 pairs of protective eyewear to the LA Fire Dept to help firefighters and paramedics. They are also preparing PPE equipment for personnel in NYC, Denver, San Diego, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and other cites! Read the full press release.
FlingGolf Brings Non-Golfers to Join the Fun
As golf courses begin to reopen and non-golfers are looking to get out of the house, what better way to join your golf-loving friends in a socially responsible manner than by playing a round with them? If the game of golf is more frustrating to you than staying inside for another month, grab a FlingsStick and you can enjoy your time on the course alongside other FlingGolfers or traditional golfers. Golf.com sums it up well with “It’s an easy motion to learn and flingers avoid the painful shanks, chunks, and other flubbed shots that plague golf beginners.” Read the full article (with video) for more on FlingGolf.
Fit City Adventures Offers “Be Well Kits”
With the ever-changing landscape, Fit City Adventures has partnered with a number of other organizations to provide virtual workshops to encourage healthy, clean, and responsible living. Whether it be pre-portioned meals for you to cook at home, digital cooking classes, special discounts on products for Mother's Day, and much more. View their latest newsletter for more info.
5P Consulting Case Study with SalesForce Essentials
SDSI Member Company 5P Consulting was highlighted as a case study for utilizing SalesForce Essentials to grow potential leads. The result was 20 hours a week time savings, increasing lead generation threefold, reducing the number of meetings needed to coordinate the sales pipeline, and more. Read the full case study.
Events.com and Bill Walton Partner to Raise $100k for Charity
Tony Finn and Bill Walton joined forces to create Bike for Humanity (and if you’re receiving this email, you probably received our previous email with info on the event.) The result was over 1,500 participants and over $100k raised across the four charities supported: Feeding America, Father Joe’s Villages, Champions for Health, which provides aid to front-line responders and Get Us PPE which provides healthcare providers with Protective Personal Equipment (PPE). Stay tuned for future Bike For Humanity Events. Read the full recap article.
Seager to Host Virtual Conference Benefiting Sun Diego and Other Surf Shops
Lifestyle brand, Seagar, is hosting an online concert called Band Together to raise money for surf shops who remain closed here in San Diego. Case Anderson, co-founder of Seagar said, “They’re just shops that support us as a brand and (that) we grew up with, so we want to give it back because we know they’re hurting right now.” SDSI Board of Directors Company, Sun Diego, is one of three local surf shops listed as a beneficiary. Read the full press release and watch the concert starting tonight at 6:00 PM.
YMCA Awarded State Funding to Offer Child Care Services to Essential Workers
The YMCA is one of two San Diego based organizations that will be offering child care at no cost to the children of those working on the front lines, essential workers, and at-risk populations.“COVID-19 has highlighted the critical role child care plays in our community,” said YMCA Childcare Resource Service Executive Director Kim McDougal. “These vouchers are a lifesaver for families who need to work and for the child care providers who are open and want to care for families while following public health guidelines.” Read the full article.
Elisette Carlson Offers Guidance on Crisis Communications
Smack! Media’s Elisette Carlson, writes “My friend Peter Shankman said to me last week, ‘What we do for our colleagues and clients in the next three weeks will drive most of our personal growth and success for the next three years.’ So much of my business revolves around communication, public relations and creating messaging and positioning for brands and people. Now is the time we need to use our human tone and emotion.” Eli offers 3 core values to lead your company through this time in her piece for Entrepreneur.
An Update from Vuori on Their Continued Success
Vuori CEO, Joe Kudla, connected with Marissa Coslov from eMarketer for their segment called “marketing in uncertain times." Joe spoke about the growth that Vuori has seen despite its 5 retail stores being closed since March 13th, how they are able to retain their store associates by redeploying them to help manage the growth of the ecomm channel, and getting creative with ways to connect with their consumers to further deepen brand loyalty. Watch the full interview and members, make sure to check out our Member2Member benefits for 40% off Vuori through May 4th – we know those sweats are working overtime in the work-from-home environment!
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Awaiting Instructions from the Governor
While the horses will likely be running, preparations are underway for a possible fan-less race meet this season. “[SDSI Board member and DMTC’s Chief Marketing officer, Craig] Dado says DMTC’s number one priority is the well-being of the 4,000 racehorses in California and the roughly 1,500 workers who care for those horses in Del Mar.” With 90% of the betting being done in off-track betting, fans can watch from home though we all hope that we’ll be able to break out the fancy hats and join in on the fun by July! Read the full article.
BLDG Active Launches Active Antimicrobial Hand & Face Spray Hydrogel
With the continued shortage of hand sanitizer (or even the ingredients to make your own hand sanitizer!) BLDG Active decided to launch a new product based on consumer demand using the same clinically proven molecule used in hospitals “Unlike alcohol or chemical-based antimicrobials or antibacterials, this multi-functional spray is safe for use around all areas of the body, including around the mouth, nose, ears, and eyes.” Buy some today (third shameless plug for the Member2Member discount codes in one newsletter!)
EDC Provides Covid-19 Insight
The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation has surveyed several businesses around San Diego to get a pulse of what is being impacted most significantly. They collected 681 responses and organized the data into an easily digestible infographic. The EDC also has a very useful and relevant Covid-19 resource page which includes a number of local companies that are hiring!
CAF Goes Virtual with Heroes of Sport
Challenged Athletes Foundation is putting together a one-hour show to celebrate athletes and provide grants to challenged athletes. It will include moments from our own Bill Walton, along with other pro athletes like Jimmy Johnson, Drew Brees, The Golden State Warriors and more. This will air on Facebook Live via the CAF Facebook Page. Tune in on May 5th at 4:00 PM Pacific Time! The trailer is up and live now.
 There’s something magical about a San Diego garage - In 1992, two of San Diego’s most successful entrepreneurs, Pam and Beaver Theodasakis were hard at work in their garage crafting up the first product offering from prAna. The goal was simple: make functional, stylish and sustainable apparel products that reflected the founders passion for yoga and climbing. A full decade before the onset of conscious consumerism, sustainability and LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) Pam and Beaver saw a new way to outfit the active communities they loved. They went “all in” and both the yoga and climbing community responded bringing life to this mega brand.
Today, prAna, is the mark of authenticity at the peak of outdoor activity. Prana, Sanskrit for the ”subtle force of life,” has become the not so subtle force in a market that embraces those early fundamentals that Pam and Beaver helped pioneer years ago. Climb on, San Diego!
For a look at other SD Lifestyle Originals visit our website
 Most of us have at least a couple of weeks of working from home under our belts by now. We’ve claimed our “workspace” and established routines including “office hours” during which we cannot be interrupted unless the house is on fire or someone is bleeding. Our teams are operating at maximum efficiency and with stellar support. We’ve even figured out how to distract ourselves, so we don’t blow through our food supply in Olympic-worthy time.
However, there is one hurdle many remote workers are trying to gracefully clear but find themselves stumbling ass over elbow… Sharing space when your “officemate” is your polar opposite. This is why we created the… working at home survival kit for introverts. (Or see: working at home survival kit for extroverts.)
Open Jobs
Recruiting Manager, SoCal – IS/IT Staff
Director of Brand Experience, SoCal – Automotive
CEO, California – Finance
Director of Deal Desk, SoCal – Data Analytics
Challenged Athletes Foundation – Jr. Graphic Designer click for info
Digital Operative – Amazon Marketing Specialist click for info
Isle Surf and SUP – Director of Marketing click for info
Red Door Interactive – Digital Marketing Producer click for info
San Diego Seals – Director of Ticket Sales click for info
TaylorMade Golf – Multiple Positions Available click for info
May 19 - SDSI Accelerator 15 Minute Presentation #3 (digital)
May 27 – SDSI Advisory Board Meeting (digital)
Jun 4 – SDSI Amazon Event (digital)
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