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!

SGB Media • 14th August 2019

Tariff Delay Full Of Sound And Fury, Signifying Nothing

Some apparel and footwear brands, along with a host of electronics companies, will see tariff hikes on their Chinese imports delayed until December 15 as President Trump hopes to keep the economy from tanking during the holidays. But the trade war rolls on with U.S businesses and consumers—including those in the sporting goods and outdoor industries—suffering the most.

SGB Media • 13th August 2019

Conversation With Outdoor Research President Michelle Wardian

Seattle, WA-based Outdoor Research recently opened a manufacturing facility in California to meet growing demand for tactical gear, primarily for military contracts. The company’s president, Michelle Wardian (center), spoke with SGB about the new plant and what else is happening at the longtime gear brand.

SGB Media • 12th August 2019

July M&A Roundup: Vail, Vista Make Market-Shifting Moves

July was a busy month for M&A in the active lifestyle space, with a number of companies either acquiring growth in hopes of expanding their empires or shedding assets to rightsize their portfolios. This month's M&A Roundup breaks dow recent deals from Vail Resorts, Vista Outdoor and others.

SGB Media • 9th August 2019

Vista Outdoor Charts A New Course

Vista Outdoor Inc. CEO Chris Metz on Thursday cited a host of “challenging” headwinds that led to the company’s disappointing fiscal first-quarter performance. However, he also spent a lot of time on this week’s earnings call with analysts detailing how the executive team plans to revamp and revitalize the beleaguered Anoka, MN-based company and its brands, including CamelBak.

SGB Media • 9th August 2019

Jack Wolfskin Delivers For Callaway In Q2

Callaway Golf Co.’s $476 million acquisition of Jack Wolfskin, which was announced last fall and completed in January, raised plenty of eyebrows across the business world. But this newest asset paid off for Callaway in Q2 by delivering $48 million in sales, helping the company not only post a revenue beat in the period but also raise guidance for 2019.

SGB Media • 7th August 2019

Why Acushnet Considers Ski & Golf Apparel Brand Kjus A 'Great Fit'

Although Acushnet Holdings Corp.’s $28.7 million acquisition of premium ski and golf apparel brand Kjus didn’t happen until the third quarter, CEO David Maher spent plenty of time on Wednesday’s Q2 earnings call discussing the company’s vision for its newest asset. He also explained why Acushnet views Kjus as a "great fit."

SGB Media • 5th August 2019

Behind The Deal: 'Sky's The Limit' After Sherrill's Acquisition Of Sterling Rope

Tripp Wyckoff, president and CEO of Sherrill Inc., the Greensboro, NC-based distributor and retailer of arborist tools and climbing equipment, takes SGB behind the deal of the company’s recent acquisition of climbing rope manufacturer Sterling Rope Co. Inc. The company has big plans for its newest asset.

SGB Media • 2nd August 2019

Emerald Execs Talk Outdoor Retailer

Emerald Expositions Events Inc. continues to beat the drum about Outdoor Retailer's three-show cycle, which still has its doubters. During Thursday’s earnings call with analysts to discuss the company’s overall performance for the second quarter, Emerald’s recently appointed President and CEO Sally Shankland and CFO Phil Evans provided some color around the “cadence” of Outdoor Retailer.

SGB Media • 29th July 2019

RV Industry Hits Some Bumps In The Road

The recreational vehicle industry has hit several speed bumps lately: RV shipments were down double digits last month and some of the industry’s leading companies have seen earnings and shares take a hit from market softness. Also, the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) announced layoffs after scrapping its new trade show platform and it continues to look for a new president after Frank Hugelmeyer resigned.

SGB Media • 26th July 2019

Behind Columbia's 'Shift' Toward Footwear

Columbia’s Q2 earnings report was filled with facts and figures showing how strength throughout its portfolio, balance across its channels and continued margin improvement due to its Project Connect initiative drove record revenue and an earnings beat. But Tim Boyle, the company’s president and CEO, was even more excited about what’s coming in the second half of the year—an unprecedented focus on footwear.

SGB Media • 24th July 2019

Black Diamond To Lay Off 70, Shift Some Manufacturing Overseas

Black Diamond Equipment, the flagship brand of the publicly traded holding company Clarus Corp., this week said it will lay off 70 manufacturing employees at BD’s Salt Lake City, UT, headquarters and move a portion of its production to Asia.

SGB Media • 24th July 2019

Checking In On VF Corp.'s Denver Relocation

While VF Corp. executives spent most of Wednesday’s earnings call discussing the company’s impressive Q1, including standout performances from Vans and The North Face, recent transformation efforts were also on the agenda. With the spinoff of Kontoor Brands complete, VF’s focus is squarely on its massive and ongoing relocation to Denver.

SGB Media • 23rd July 2019

Drew Saunders, Oberalp Set New Course As Company Evolves

SGB recently sat down with Drew Saunders, country manager for Boulder, CO-based Salewa North America—the U.S./Canadian headquarters for Oberalp Group and its four brands (Salewa, Dynafit, Pomoca and Wild Country)—to discuss Oberalp’s goal for its latest portfolio addition, Evolv, as well as other changes happening at the company.

SGB Media • 22nd July 2019

Vail Goes Big With Peak Resorts Acquisition

Vail Resorts Inc., the Broomfield, CO-based ski resort and real estate behemoth, grew even bigger Monday morning with the (estimated) $264 million acquisition of Wildwood, MO-based Peak Resorts Inc. The purchase adds 17 ski areas to Vail’s already massive portfolio and dwarfs recent deals taking place in the rapidly evolving ski industry.

SGB Media • 18th July 2019

Thule Unveils Global Rollout Plans For Tepui

Thule Group AB’s $9.5 million acquisition of rooftop tent maker Tepui Outdoors Inc. last December gave the Swedish company quick entry into the booming category of overlanding without the time and energy needed to expand organically. Now that the integration is complete, Thule this week shed some additional light on the company’s global plans for its newest asset.

SGB Media • 16th July 2019

Garmont Steps Up North America Growth Strategy

Garmont International S.r.l. is focused on four drivers—people, efficiency, pricing and marketing—as the brand works to amplify its North American business. Bill Dodge, CEO, Garmont North America, breaks down how the company is pulling each lever in hopes of growing both mind and market share here.

SGB Media • 15th July 2019

Conversation With Hibbett's Outgoing CEO Jeff Rosenthal

Hibbett Sports Inc. CEO Jeff Rosenthal in March announced he would retire from the Birmingham, AL-based company’s top post later this year as soon as his replacement was on board. He recently spoke with SGB Executive about his "tough" decision to leave Hibbett, the legacy he’s leaving and what’s needed for a retailer to survive in today’s changing landscape.

SGB Media • 2nd July 2019

June M&A Roundup: Oberalp Boosts Portfolio With Evolv Acquisition

Italy-based Oberalp Group on June 21 broadened its focus on mountain sports by announcing the acquisition of U.S. climbing shoe brand Evolv. That was just one highlight from a busy month for M&A in the active lifestyle space that also included deals in the fishing and fabric categories. Our June M&A Roundup breaks them down.

SGB Media • 1st July 2019

HydraPak President Matt Lyon Talks Polar Bottle Plans

Matt Lyon, president of Oakland, CA-based hydration company HydraPak LLC, sat down with SGB Executive at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market to discuss the acquisition of Polar Bottle. Here’s what he shared about the ongoing integration and what's in store for the longtime bottle brand—including a focus on the specialty channel.

SGB Media • 30th June 2019

Behind The Deal: Mustad Hooks A Keeper In TUF-Line

SGB goes behind the scenes of fishing hook manufacturer O. Mustad & Son’s recent acquisition of recreational fishing line brand TUF-Line, the roots of which trace back to the chance placement of two booths at a trade show. Company execs break down why the deal was such a catch for both parties.

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