Note * means may want to leave that one out
How they got started? - Most surfboard companies are started by surfers that either have a passion for surfing, and spreading the stoke by making boards for others,or don’t want to get real jobs haha or a combination of both. In the old days some were drug fronts* Some overseas companies may be run by non-surfers
Recommendations for beginners? - Start small, keep overhead low, maximize output, focus on quality, reasonable turnaround time, avoid fines for lack of proper factory set-up ie. fire hazards improper dust collection/resin storage
How much money will you need to get started? - $75 to $100 grand minimum in california, cheaper in florida,texas, or arizona
What mistakes did they learn from? - Giving away boards to bro brahs, not paying taxes, being nieve and not charging what the job is worth, working on weekends
What helps them keep their business viable or keep up with the times? - Quality finished product, customer service, using top quality materials and/or progressive materials, top notch workers, good customer service creating a good reputation and steady return customers
What license or certificate is necessary? - Business license, federal tax I.D. # for wholesale material purchasing, workmans comp for all employees, resin storage/dust collection permits/acetone removal service
Do you use any local or national resources? - Little to none (maybe wood but usually comes from elsewhere)
What type of advertising? - Sponsoring local contests, magazine advertisements, top pro endorsements, incentives, free product, strokage of celebrity type magazine higher ups (free boards)
Logos and Trademarks - unique and distinguishable laminates placed on all boards visible from a distance, slogans/lifestyles
Pitfalls to Avoid - Health issues with factory workers due to improper safety equipment and/or techniques, Fines for violations, not charging for services rendered or to low of profit margin factored in, fire
What are some of the rewards they receive from business? Working with top professional surfers, possible travel, free places to stay, personal boards made for cheap, Ditching work when swell is pumping, bong hits*
What words of advice would you give someone starting out in this business? Don’t unless you have some business sense, a passion for making surfboards, and like the smell of resin. Oh and no holidays or weekends. Just kidding lol focus on your product and your customer service. A happy customer might tell 2 or 3 people. An unhappy customer tells everyone. Come through with promised deadlines, don’t buy cheap tools buy good ones
How long did it take fore your company to make a profit? You should see a profit if you did everything exactly right in about 2 to 3 years. Realistically…5 to 10
What changes do you see happening in this industry for the next five years? More diversification, more imported boards, some new materials, less and less new domestic companies starting up and surviving.
Keep in mind ours is a fin company, slightly different but not by much. Hope that helps!