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 clips, or please visit my portfolio page for a more comprehensive look at my writing, including samples from SGB, previous 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!

SGB Media • 15th May 2019

The ‘Tiger Bump’ Is Real … And It’s Spectacular

Tiger Woods’ emotional victory at the Masters Tournament last month gave the sport of golf a huge boost, delivering an undeniable economic shot in the arm for all stakeholders. Tiger’s success—the industry knows well and was reminded of once again—is everyone’s success.

SGB Media • 10th May 2019

Why Vista Outdoor Is Recommitting To Its Bell/Giro Business

Almost one year to the day that Vista Outdoor Inc. announced plans to sell its Bell/Giro business, the company took the bike protection segment off the selling block and committed to “rebuilding those brands with a fresh perspective,” said CEO Chris Metz, who shared some of the reasons why the company had a change of heart.

SGB Media • 10th May 2019

Short-Term Issues Force Callaway To Lower Jack Wolfskin Expectations

Market softness in the key markets of Central Europe and China along with foreign exchange headwinds prompted Callaway Golf Co. to lower its 2019 EBITDA expectations for Jack Wolfskin, the German-based outdoor apparel and gear brand that Callaway recently acquired.

SGB Media • 7th May 2019

Strong Snow Season, Product Innovation Drive Clarus To Q1 Beat

Add Clarus Corp. to the growing list of beneficiaries of the record-setting 2018/19 ski and snowboard season. Historic snowfall led to the fourth-highest number of skier visits at resorts across the U.S., and it fueled winter sports enthusiasts to buy more products from brands like Clarus’ flagship, Black Diamond Equipment.

SGB Media • 6th May 2019

Emerald CEO: Outdoor Retailer ‘Making Good Progress’ On Schedule Adoption

Outdoor Retailer is “making good progress” on convincing the industry that the three-show cycle—November for Winter Market, January for Snow Show and June for Summer Market—is the right cadence for buying cycles, according to Phil Evans, interim president and CEO and CFO of parent company Emerald Expositions Events Inc.

SGB Media • 6th May 2019

April M&A Roundup: BSN Grows Again, Volcom Gets Liberated

BSN Sports has become a fixture in SGB Executive’s monthly roundup of M&A activity, and April saw the nation’s largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets grow yet again with the addition of two more assets. In a busy month for deals in the active lifestyle market, surf, skate and snow brand Volcom found a new owner.

SGB Media • 30th April 2019

Unity Needed For Snow Sports Industry To Boost Participation

As this historic ski and snowboard season winds down, it’s time for the industry to gather for an après drink and find ways to reverse the trend of declining participation. SGB spoke with numerous stakeholders about how they can contribute to the cause and why building on the momentum of this epic season is so critical.

SGB Media • 26th April 2019

Columbia Eyes Three Key Growth Markets Following Strong Q1

After reporting record sales and an earnings beat in the first quarter, Columbia Sportswear Co. is now looking to amplify its brand presence in three key markets—New York, Denver and China—that offer additional growth opportunities for the outdoor apparel and footwear giant.

SGB Media • 11th April 2019

Conversation With Dakine VP Of Sales Chico Bukovansky

“Right now, it’s a fun ride,” said Chico Bukovansky, Dakine Equipment’s VP of sales, who spoke with SGB in a wide-ranging conversation about the Hood River, OR-based outdoor brand’s latest ownership change and what’s driving growth at the company these days. Here's what he told us.

SGB Media • 9th April 2019

REI Leveraging Record Sales Year In Pledge To ‘Do More’

For all the tumult REI Co-op faced earlier in 2019, the company is clearly on solid ground after reporting that 2018 was its strongest sales year ever. Bolstered by record revenue and a firm understanding of changing customer demands, REI has big plans as it recommits to the outdoors, reinforces its omnichannel strategy, and ramps up its rental and used gear programs.

SGB Media • 5th April 2019

How Will Another C-Level Departure Impact Hibbett?

Hibbett Sports Inc.’s board of directors will need to form yet another search committee after the company announced Friday morning that Scott Bowman is resigning as CFO—the retailer’s second C-level departure in the last two weeks. On March 22, CEO Jeff Rosenthal announced he is retiring this year, so what impact, if any, will these exits have on the retailer?

SGB Media • 4th April 2019

Behind The Deal: Volcom Gets Fresh Start With ABG

Volcom CEO Todd Hymel takes SGB behind the deal of the company’s sale to Authentic Brands Group, including why the name of Volcom’s new operating entity, Liberated Brands, was not about breaking free from its former parent but rather an homage to the brand’s surf, skate and snow roots. Here’s what he said about that and more.

SGB Media • 2nd April 2019

Conversation With BLDG Active CEO & Co-Founder Justin Gardner

Justin Gardner, CEO and co-founder of skin repair company BLDG Active, spoke with SGB Media about the company’s rapid growth in its first two years, why it’s focused on the outdoor space, a new line that’s coming out May 1 and what else is on tap for the brand.

SGB Media • 21st March 2019

Slinger Bag Looks To Serve Up Tennis Disruption

Israel-based Slinger Bag is out to disrupt the tennis ball machine market with its new "launcher" of the same name. Bolstered by a massively successful Kickstarter campaign, the company has hired former Prince CEO Mike Ballardie and is now beginning production. He and CMO Juda Honickman spoke with SGB about the company's ambitious plans.

SGB Media • 19th March 2019

Mammut North America Turns The Page

Mammut North America in recent weeks named Kris Kuster as its managing director and opened a new office in Denver—strategic moves that should help the brand regain its footing after a shaky period. Kuster (left) and Chief Creative Officer Adrian Margelist spoke with SGB about what these changes mean and where Mammut goes from here.

SGB Media • 11th March 2019

RV Industry Convenes As Market Continues To Accelerate

The $50 billion recreational vehicle market keeps finding new horizons to explore and the next leg of its journey begins this week when the industry gathers in Salt Lake City, UT, for a revitalized trade show that is aligned with the start of camping season. “RVX: The RV Experience” is just one reflection of a changing marketplace.

SGB Media • 7th March 2019

Diana Seung Steps Into Camber Outdoors Role At Critical Juncture

Diana Seung, who was appointed interim executive director of Camber Outdoors after Deanne Buck resigned last month, spoke with SGB about her role in helping the organization heal internally and mend relationships with the outdoor community following Camber's recent PR crisis.

SGB Media • 6th March 2019

John Walbrecht Unpacks Clarus Corp.’s ‘Superfan’ Brand Strategy

John Walbrecht, president of Clarus Corp., spoke with SGB recently about the holding company’s focus on “superfan” brands—product-centric disrupters such as Black Diamond that have carved a niche as market leaders with fiercely loyal customers.

SGB Media • 4th March 2019

February M&A Roundup: Vail Resorts, Garmin, BSN Sports Make Key Moves

Vail Resorts Inc., Garmin Ltd. and BSN Sports made significant market moves in February, elevating an otherwise mundane month for mergers and acquisitions in the active lifestyle space. SGB Media's latest M&A Roundup digs into the notable deals.

SGB Media • 25th February 2019

Conversation With Active Brands North America GM Henrik Lumholdt

Henrik Lumholdt, general manager, Active Brands North America—whose portfolio includes Kari Traa, Sweet Protection and Daehlie—spoke with SGB Media at the recent Snow Show about the growth potential the Norwegian company sees for all its brands here.

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