What were you like as a child and teenager? Did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up?
I was always pretty mature for my age, very focused on enjoying life. I was the guy all my friends' parents (or girlfriends) wanted around - a good influence I guess, which really just meant I didn't get in much trouble and stayed focused on finding good waves for fun. I always had a pretty level head.?? I knew exactly what I wanted to do. My dad was always in sales, so I planned to follow that same path, but I also knew early on that I couldn't sell something I didn't believe in or have a passion for, so being able to realize that goal in our industry is a blessing I am grateful for. We are lucky!
How did you get started in the industry?
A good friend of mine, Cordell Miller, was a pro surfer/shaper in the early 90's who needed help running the business aspect of creating a surfboard label. He made me a partner in the business and the rest is history. So surf hardgoods was my start, but like anything, the relationships I established then were instrumental in getting my shot at Sole Tech, where I still enjoy coming to work every day.
What are three key lessons you have learned during your career?
1. As a leader, it's all about them (them, being the team you lead). Nobody can do a great job alone, and if your role is to lead, then it's critical to achieve your own success through your team's success.
2. Have a plan. A good idea is just that. A good idea, with a plan to execute it, leads to a good end result.
3. Always follow the part of your gut that says, “This is the right thing to do.” When you do that, you're probably making the right call and will sleep well. If not, you'll at least learn something valuable!
Can you explain what you do now?
I direct sales for all of the Sole Technology brands here in the US - Etnies, eS, Emerica, Altamont, and 32. It is an honor and privilege to work in a company with a family vibe, great brands that really stand for something, and an owner I know and trust. To do things for the right reasons - that perspective makes all wins exciting and all challenges worth fighting.
What is the biggest challenge at work at the moment? How are you handling it?
Adjusting to a new reality for the state of our market, and the state of retail in general. I am doing all I can to create a low stress environment for my team and focus on the top priorities; keeping good perspective every day, and partnering up with specialty retailers that keep the spirit of our action sports culture alive. In the end, we need them to remain profitable in their support of our passions, so leading the effort of our team, to facilitate that, is a top priority in my work.
What qualities do you value in your direct reports?
Dedication to our brands and retail partners, seeing the big picture, taking action, and doing what's right with integrity - knowing I can count on them.
You have a lot of demands on your time. Any tips on how you juggle meetings, email, projects and managing employees?
Prioritization! Having a proactive plan to address the biggest priorities first, in the time frames needed, and keeping commitments aligned with what is realistic. You can't do everything, but you better deliver what's necessary, in all aspects of life and business.
I try to tackle the really quick things (like less than a minute) on the spot, delegate what's appropriate, and plan the rest. I also try to be clear when, "No," is the most appropriate answer, but to do that, you must know clearly what is more important and stay focused on that, and then some things are urgent and important. Knowing when to drop everything and handle a true emergency can sometimes have a great impact to many things beyond the obvious. So yes, it's a balancing act to say the least, but I love it!
What has been your biggest accomplishment at your current job?
Establishing and maintaining an A+ sales team in the US to keep all of our brands in a strong position with our valued retail partners. That's a bit broad I know, but really that's what I’m most proud of - my team and their accomplishments through some tough retail periods that haven't been easy to navigate.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Live each day like it could be your last. Life is a gift, not to be wasted.
What do you want to be doing in five years?
The same thing as now - striving to have a positive impact on anything I do, whether it be loving my wife, raising my kids, growing our brands, serving our retailers, or something I haven't even dreamed of yet, you can bet it will be doing something I believe in, with 100% effort to a balanced list of priorities. I would love to have the professional portion of that be here at Sole Technology after five years of growth and prosperity.
Where can we find you when you are not working?
In the ‘burbs taking care of my family, in the water, on the hill, or on the golf course. Aliso Viejo, CA is home and I love it!
