|
||||
Are you doing your part to help Build, Start or Support Small Businesses? You know, in these uncertain times, when facts are conflated with opinion, not much is “for sure.” But one thing is: small businesses drive the economy. It’s particularly relevant when you look at our Sport and Active Lifestyle space. It’s true we have some relatively large businesses in the group like Vans or GoPro, but we also have ping pong companies, small golf brands, nutrition companies and many others. In fact, our Springboard program itself has accelerated or helped birth over 70 companies in our space, and created almost 500 new jobs. We are in the process of development of an industry census of sorts, but our 3 year old research pegs the local SAL economy at 37,000 jobs, over $2 Billion in revenue… and growing. Our local cycling industry measured out at $547 Million annually; most all are small businesses with less than 30 employees.
Our friend Sully Sullivan points out that our space in the local economy is one of the few that connects with San Diegans every day…Mom’s buying soccer shoes, wetsuits, athletic balls…you name it. So we count in the local economy. You can help. Pass the word along about the amazing Springboard program. It’s easy to do, just direct people to the website… it’s all there. If you would like to really lend your experience and time, we welcome experienced people into the Springboard mentoring program. There are not many things you can do in your business life that can bring the pleasure of helping a young entrepreneur succeed. This year our Mentors will donate over 1600 hours to help others succeed. How awesome is that! Renne had a Baby Girl!! Congratulations to Renne Catalano Gussman and her husband, Daniel, on the newest addition to thier family (and our family here at SDSI!) Pietrina Mae Gussman was born on Friday, August 25th at 5:22 PM weighing 6 lbs 6 ounces. Mom, baby, Dad, and dog are all doing great at home! We look forward to meeting Pietrina as well as her first springboard application for Class 49 in 2037.
SDSI Springboard Graduates 6 companies from Class 9 Springboard Class 9 just finished with 6 very impressive graduates. Over the past 20 weeks, these companies have worked hard with our exceptional pool of SDSI mentors to dial in their business model, tighten up their investment pitch, and prepare themselves for the next step in growing their companies. As Bob always says, “If Shark Tank called and said ‘can you come on-air today?’ these graduates would all deliver an excellent pitch.” Thanks to the countless hours of mentoring, we are confident these companies will only increase our excellent SDSI springboard statistics. Congrats to the following SDSI Springboard Graduates from Class 9! Please reach out to them if you have any questions about their businesses
BLDG Active – Skin repair for the modern athlete. Scientifically advanced, all natural skin & wound repair for the treatment of cuts, scrapes, rashes, sunburns and other skin irritations. Justin Gardner, CEO, Justin@bldgactive.com
Cirque-it Fitness – Circus infused circuit workout that provides strength, flexibility and cardio training. Fit, fun and done in just 45 minutes with a personal training feel in a small group-training environment. Elizabeth Skwiot, Founder, elizabeth@cirqueitfitness.com
Core360 Belt – Move, breathe and perform better with this first-of-its-kind training belt designed by a physical therapist to give you the feedback you need to activate your core consistently and correctly. Erin McGuire, CEO, erin@core360belt.com
Elite Athlete Products – Parent company of the SpeedMaker - a wearable, portable resistance training harness engineered to provide an athlete with resistance to the muscle groups most responsible for speed production while allowing an athlete to sprint with full range of motion. Benga Adeeko, Co-Founder, benga@speedmakerathletics.com
Virtue Cycles Pedalist – A unique design that blends the best elements from an Electric Bicycle, Cargo Bike, Tadpole Tricycle, and Velomobile to create a pedal and electric powered mode of transportation for the eco and health conscious future. William Mulyadi, Founder, wmulyadi@virtuecycles.com. View the SDSI demo session here
Starfysh Wetsuits – One suit. Your way. Just add water. Starfysh makes modular and reversible wetsuits for women with bold prints and stylish cuts that perform for waterwomen everywhere. Alyx Tortorice, Founder, hello@starfyshws.com
Vulcam – Bringing a whole new view to professional sports coaching with completely portable, multi-angle, instant video feedback for athletes. View the performance from any angle, and examine the details from all perspectives. Asko Roine, Founder, asko@vulcanvision.com Walton’s World SDSI Advisory Board Meeting at Airborne Recap
Hookit Completes $16M Capital Raise and featured on Cover of Sports Business Journal Digital Operative Magento Meetup LAUNCH Party Surf Soccer Athlete, Melanie Barcenas, on Cover of Time Magazine ElliptiGO HS and College Coaches Contest BLDG Active featured on TGR SDBJ Best Places to Work
SDSI Springboard companies join forces to raise funds for CAF
Local Alibaba Vice Chairman Bringing Professional Lacrosse to San Diego San Diego Inks Long Term US Soccer Development Academy Commitment CAF 24th Annual Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge Your customers expect more! Over the last 3 weeks, I have dealt with 4 different companies whose customer service stood out – 3 bad and 1 good! In each of the 3 bad situations, my team and I were told different things by different "customer service" professionals within the same company. It was confusing, they didn't resolve our issue, it was frustrating and in the end, they couldn't care less about helping me. It got me thinking about the type of talent companies are hiring to sit in the most important seat of all! When hiring customer service reps, inside sales reps or customer success professionals (there are many titles being used these days), be sure you are screening and interviewing for the right skills. Specifically, the ability to think on their feet; their ability to maintain a calm & professional demeanor regardless of the situation; tone of voice and clear communication skills; and most important, empathy. The best way to test for these is to put your prospective new hire through a live role play on the phone with one of your staff. It is a little extra work but if your new hire lacks these skills, your current customers will never become repeat buyers. Even worse, they will share their negative stories, decreasing your new customer base along the way. Job Openings
Advntur - CEO click for info, contact matt.doran@advntur.com
BLDG Active – Internship Opportunity click for info
Challenged Athletes Foundation – Digital Marketing Manager click for info J!NX - Multiple positions available click for info KPMG - Multiple positions available click for info Red Door Interactive - Internship Opportunities click for info SKLZ - Multiple positions available click for info
Sep 13-15 - SFIA Industry Leaders Summit, Chicago, IL click for info Sept 18 – Surfing Heritage & Culture Center Golf Surfari, Orange County, CA click for info Sep. 20-22 - Interbike, Las Vegas, NV click for info Sep 28 – Magento Meetup Launch Party by Digital Operative, San Diego, CA click for info Sep 30 - Vans x Sun Diego Boardshops AM SLAM Surf Contest Series Event 4, San Clemente click for info Oct 2 Challenged Athletes Foundation San Diego Triathlon Challenge, La Jolla, CA click for more info Oct 24 David Wells’ Golf Tournament for The Perfect 33 Foundation, Del Mar, CA click for info |
This email was sent by SD Sport Innovators at 253 S. Highway 101, Suite C, Solana Beach, CA 92075.