Home / Eric Smith

Welcome

I'm a Colorado-based writer who specializes in business news, analysis and features from the outdoor and sporting goods industries. My current role is Senior Business Editor for SGB Media, a B2B trade publication that covers the active lifestyle marketplace (you can view my SGB oeuvre by clicking here).

Below you'll find my most recent work, or please visit my portfolio page for a more comprehensive look at my writing, including clips from SGB, past jobs and even a few side hustles. Also, be sure to connect with me on LinkedIn and follow on Twitter (feed is at the bottom of the page).

Cheers!

PS: I was just named the winner of the 2019 Harold S. Hirsch Awards for Words (link will take you to the winning portfolio).

SGB Media • 18th February 2020

Meier Skis' Ted Eynon Talks Sustainability, 'Craft Skiery' And More

Meier Skis dubbed its Denver, CO, digs a “craft skiery”—a combination manufacturing facility and bar where patrons can learn about the brand, watch the production process and knock back a cold one. At last month’s Outdoor + Snow Show, company owner Ted Eynon dished on the concept and other initiatives brewing at the independent ski maker.

SGB Media • 17th February 2020

Utah's Outdoor Industry Rolling, But Don't Call It A Comeback

Utah’s outdoor industry enters 2020 on a roll. Not only did the state land the headquarters of newcomer brands Jack Wolfskin and Ventum, but it’s also seeing investments from stalwarts like Amer, Black Diamond and Gregory, and this summer it welcomes a new outdoor hardgoods trade show—all despite a recent high-profile setback for the state. What’s driving the turnaround?

SGB Media • 14th February 2020

Outdoor Retailer Show Reduction Cost Emerald Millions In Q4

The decision to cancel Outdoor Retailer Winter Market last November and consolidate it with January’s Outdoor + Snow Show—thereby reducing the annual OR show cycle to two—cost parent company Emerald Expositions Events Inc. $5.5 million in the fourth quarter, the company said this week.

SGB Media • 13th February 2020

Global Strength Helps Thule Overcome U.S. Challenges

In 2019 and particularly Q4, Thule Group AB notched enough revenue growth elsewhere in the world to overcome what CEO Magnus Welander called a “challenged” U.S. market. But with low-margin OE contracts now phased out and a competitor no longer discounting a particular jogging stroller, Thule has brighter days ahead here for 2020.

SGB Media • 11th February 2020

Coronavirus Hitting Callaway's Supply Side

Like any manufacturer with suppliers in China, Callaway Golf Co. is reeling from the coronavirus. The company lowered its outlook for 2020 because the coronavirus is should have a negative impact of $25 million on sales into China and $13 million on EBITDA for the year, company officials told analysts on Monday afternoon’s earnings call.

SGB Media • 10th February 2020

Canada Goose CEO Dani Reiss Outlines Coronavirus Concerns

On Canada Goose Holdings Inc.’s fiscal third-quarter earnings call, CEO Dani Reiss addressed the disruption that the coronavirus is having on supply chain, sourcing and sales in China. The near-term impact resulted in reduced guidance for the current fiscal quarter and year, but company leaders and analysts believe Canada Goose is positioned to weather the storm.

SGB Media • 7th February 2020

Vista Outdoor Shares Climb After Company Hits Key Milestone

Shares of Vista Outdoor Inc. jumped 11.7 percent Thursday following the company’s upbeat earnings report that included its first quarter of positive organic revenue growth since extensive transformation efforts began in 2018. Though the company’s stock dipped Friday morning, the accomplishments of the previous quarter provided a much-welcomed boost for the Anoka, MN-based company.

SGB Media • 6th February 2020

Peloton Still Targeting 2023 For Profitability

Peloton Interactive Inc. continues to measure success a little differently than most companies beholden to shareholders. Although the company widened its loss in Q2, profitability is a journey for Peloton, which estimates that the company will hit the coveted aspiration of being “adjusted-EBITDA profitable by 2023,” said CFO Jill Woodworth.

SGB Media • 5th February 2020

January M&A Roundup: Buzz Around VF's Next Move Highlights Busy Month

The active lifestyle marketplace began 2020 with a high volume of M&A transactions, but the most notable story didn’t involve a done deal—just one of the highest-profile companies in the industry announcing plans to rightsize its portfolio and potentially target new assets. The January M&A Roundup examines VF’s latest move and asks what’s next?

SGB Media • 4th February 2020

2020 Outdoor + Snow Show Recap

Growing concern over the coronavirus, sharpened focus on participation and climate, and restored faith in the outdoor trade show lineup were among SGB Executive’s top takeaways from last week’s Outdoor + Snow Show in Denver, CO. Here’s what emerged from three days of walking the show and talking with dozens of industry stakeholders.

SGB Media • 30th January 2020

Bollé Brands Relocates HQ, Sharpens U.S. Focus After Adding Spy Optic

Bollé Brands, the Lyon, France-based parent of such brands as Bollé and Spy Optic, on Wednesday announced a new corporate headquarters for its U.S. operation and a heightened focus on the North American market. The company’s global and U.S. marketing leaders spoke exclusively with SGB Executive about the changes.

SGB Media • 28th January 2020

Conversation With Camber Outdoors' New Executive Director Emily Newman

Emily Newman was named executive director of Camber Outdoors last September, bringing stability to an organization that had endured a tumultuous and transitional 2019. As 2020 kicks off and with Camber’s controversy behind it, Newman is determined to help the organization find a new path forward. She spoke with SGB Executive about that plan.

SGB Media • 28th January 2020

Royal Robbins Bucks Retail Trends With Brick & Mortar Initiative

Royal Robbins is taking its apparel and accessories directly to consumers through an ambitious and adventurous brick & mortar initiative that kicks off in two strategic U.S. locales—Denver and Seattle—the company's CEO Michael Millenacker told SGB Executive this week. He breaks down the decision behind the retail gambit.

SGB Media • 27th January 2020

2020 Outdoor + Snow Show Primer

As the outdoor industry descends on Denver this week for Outdoor Retailer’s newly fashioned Outdoor + Snow Show, the vibe inside Colorado Convention Center will be instantly recognizable. Despite the familiarity, however, change is in the air. SGB Executive previews this year’s show and also touches on the backdrop of a changing trade show landscape.

SGB Media • 24th January 2020

Five Takeaways From VF Corp.'s Earnings Call

Plenty is happening these days at VF Corp., which reported fiscal third-quarter earnings Thursday. SGB Executive highlights five takeaways from VF leadership’s comments on the earnings call, including the prioritization of M&A, the progress at Vans and what’s happening with The North Face’s latest fabric innovation.

SGB Media • 23rd January 2020

VF Corp. Lowers Guidance As Portfolio Adjustment Looms

VF Corp. on Thursday slightly lowered its guidance after missing revenue expectations, but perhaps even more significant was the announcement earlier this week that the apparel and outdoor giant was strategically reviewing the so-called “occupational brands” of its work division.

SGB Media • 22nd January 2020

Behind The Deal: Crescent Moon's Next Phase

What drove Boulder, CO-based snowshoe manufacturer Crescent Moon to pursue a sale? Why did its founders ultimately choose Dunn-Rite Products, which had no prior experience with winter sports products? Crescent Moon's Jake Thamm and Dunn-Rite’s Tanner Dunn go behind the deal and discuss what's next for the longtime brand.

SGB Media • 21st January 2020

Rapid Sales Growth Fuels Gregory's HQ Expansion

Backpack brand Gregory Mountain Products is expanding its headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, thanks to double-digit sales growth and rapidly expanding R&D and marketing departments. SGB Executive talks with the company about what’s driving the need for larger digs.

SGB Media • 20th January 2020

Poor Northwest Snowfall Sinks Vail's Season-To-Date Skier Visits

A dearth of snow at Pacific Northwest ski areas wreaked havoc on Vail Resorts Inc.’s skier visit totals through January 5, but the Broomfield, CO-based company maintained its EBITDA guidance for the fiscal year thanks to improving conditions at the affected resorts and strong pass sales across its footprint.

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