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 • 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 Co-Op 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.

SGB Media • 22nd February 2019

Backcountry Boom: Alpine Touring Business On The Right Track

For the casual onlooker, noticing an increase in skiers taking the uphill track at a resort or seeing an overcrowded parking area near an out-of-bounds ski trail might provide anecdotal evidence that more people want to “earn their turns.” But the data backs up an industry trend that shows no sign of stopping: The backcountry ski business is booming.

SGB Media • 18th February 2019

Alterra CMO Erik Forsell Talks Ikon Pass, Industry Consolidation & More

Erik Forsell, Alterra Mountain Co.’s chief marketing officer, spoke with SGB Media at Outdoor Retailer Snow Show about a range of topics, including Ikon Pass usage trends, if Alterra measures itself against Vail Resorts, ongoing resort consolidation and how industry stakeholders can help drive ski/snowboard participation.

SGB Media • 13th February 2019

Can ‘Bench Strength’ Bolster REI During Leadership Transition?

As SGB Media reported yesterday, the outdoor world got a jolt with the news that Jerry Stritzke, president and CEO of REI Co-op, had resigned after a board-initiated investigation into his admitted “personal and consensual” relationship with “the leader of another organization in the outdoor industry.” But what impact, if any, will this development have on the industry?

SGB Media • 13th February 2019

Always Good Times: Jeff Mechura Dishes On Elan’s U.S. Growth

Jeff Mechura, head of global brand development and marketing for Elan Skis, spoke with SGB Media at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show in Denver, CO, about what’s been driving the company’s growth in the U.S., the importance of a recent rebrand and why Elan remains the “good Catholic boys” when it comes to the retail channel.

SGB Media • 4th February 2019

5 Takeaways From Outdoor Retailer Snow Show

Bolstered by great snowfall across much of the country and upbeat sales numbers across most product categories, the snow sports industry seemed especially buoyant at last week’s Outdoor Retailer Snow Show in Denver, CO, the second since OR bought the event from Snowsports Industries America in 2017. Here are five business takeaways from the show.

SGB Media • 28th January 2019

Shared Stoke: Plentiful Snow Equals Strong Sales

Thanks to good snow in most U.S. regions, the industry is heading into this week’s Outdoor Retailer Snow Show in Denver, CO, with plenty of momentum as sales of most snow sports categories are up compared to last season, according to SSI Data’s most recent trend report.

SGB Media • 24th January 2019

Ted Ligety, Carlo Salmini Discuss Shred.’s New Path

Olympian Ted Ligety and Carlo Salmini, the duo who founded helmet and goggle brand Shred. in 2006, spoke with SGB this week about the Park City, UT-based company's refresh that includes an updated logo and sharpened focus on customer centricity yet remains true to its roots. Here's what they told us about the new leg of the company's journey.

SGB Media • 14th January 2019

Fewer Destination Guests, Other Headwinds Taking Toll On Vail Resorts

Good snowfall to start the 2018/19 ski season was a boon for many resorts, with plentiful powder and the opening of terrain and lifts often not accessible until January stoking hopes of an epic performance for the industry. All of which made last week’s news from Vail Resorts Inc. that much more surprising.

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