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 • 20th December 2019

Nike CEO Mark Parker Bids Farewell (Sort Of) As Succession Looms

Mark Parker isn’t exactly riding off into the sunset with his pending retirement from Nike Inc.’s top post—he will, after all, stay on the board and assume the title of executive chairman. But Thursday afternoon served as a swan song of sorts for the longtime leader. Nike's chairman, president and CEO ran his final quarterly earnings call, and before he delivered the good news of Q2, he reflected on his 40 years with the footwear and apparel giant.

SGB Media • 19th December 2019

Industry Veteran Bill Sinoff Tapped To Lead Evolv's Next Chapter

Bill Sinoff has been named general manager of the climbing shoe brand Evolv, which was acquired by Oberalp Group earlier this year. Though Sinoff faces a lofty goal at Evolv—lead the brand into a new chapter of domestic and global growth—he feels his background has prepared him for the challenge. Here’s what this climbing legend shared with SGB about his latest venture.

SGB Media • 18th December 2019

Conversation With Hibbett's New CEO Mike Longo

In his first interview since being appointed CEO of Hibbett Sports Inc., Mike Longo tells SGB Executive how he ended up in the role, his goals for the Birmingham, AL-based company and the retail leadership priorities he learned most recently as CEO of “city specialty” retailer City Gear. Longo also admitted that, like his predecessor Jeff Rosenthal, he’s a bit of a sneakerhead.

SGB Media • 17th December 2019

Tracking Peloton's Climb Out Of Advertising Stumble

Peloton Interactive Inc. appears to have ridden out the controversy surrounding its recent ad that took social media by storm and sent the company’s shares plummeting. When the company’s leadership took to the presentation circuit last week, the focus was not on that perceived misstep but instead on the potential Peloton is eyeing a few months after going public.

SGB Media • 13th December 2019

Jack Wolfskin North America Unveils Utah Growth Plans

Jack Wolfskin, the German-based outdoor gear and apparel brand that’s owned by Carlsbad, CA-based Callaway Golf Co., this week formally announced plans to build a North America headquarters in Utah and create 50 jobs over the next five years.

SGB Media • 13th December 2019

Trade Deal Means Christmas Comes Early, But Issues Remain

When the news wires started buzzing Thursday afternoon that progress had been made in the ongoing and economically crippling trade war between the U.S. and China, businesses around the country rejoiced. Would Christmas come early this year?

SGB Media • 12th December 2019

Trade Show Tumult: New Event Underscores Ongoing Change

A new outdoor hardgoods trade show hits the calendar next summer, and its arrival brings more change to the outdoor industry’s already busy show schedule. SGB digs into the latest shuffling of events with reaction from brands and buyers.

SGB Media • 11th December 2019

Conversation With Sportsman's Warehouse CEO Jon Barker

From market-shifting acquisitions to doubling down on the sales of firearms and ammunition, a lot has been happening at Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc., the Midvale, UT-based sporting goods retailer. We recently spoke with CEO Jon Barker about these topics and more in our latest executive conversation. Here’s what he shared about the state of the company.

SGB Media • 10th December 2019

Vail Resorts Tees Up $215M In Ski Area Improvements

As the 2019/20 ski season gets underway, Vail Resorts Inc. has already unveiled up to $215 million in capital improvements for next year. Here’s what’s on tap for North America’s largest ski resort operator, which this week reported a revenue beat in the fiscal first quarter behind strong pass sales.

SGB Media • 2nd December 2019

November M&A Roundup: SIA, Alterra, Fitbit And More

What the active lifestyle marketplace lacked in M&A volume last month, it made up for in impact thanks to three industry-shifting deals that are sure to resonate with businesses and consumers alike. In our November M&A Roundup, SGB recaps the moves made by Snowsports Industries America, Alterra Mountain Co. and Fitbit Inc.

SGB Media • 21st November 2019

As Ski Season Ramps Up, New Industry Landscape Takes Shape

The 2019/20 season begins with a new look and feel across much of the industry—a fresh coat of wax, so to speak—so SGB took look at the changes that occurred since last spring (or summer for a few lucky resorts and riders). Our winter sports preview touches on the least you need to know about the changing industry landscape—and also says farewell to an industry legend.

SGB Media • 18th November 2019

Kick Show Plans Return To Denver After Successful Debut

After a successful debut in Denver last June, Kick Show—the B2B trade show for the run specialty channel that’s hosted by the Running Industry Association—will return to the Mile High City and to the same venue, The Curtis Hotel, in May 2020. RIA’s executive director, Terry Schalow, spoke with SGB about what’s coming for year two of the industry’s “working trade show.”

SGB Media • 15th November 2019

SIA Broadens Focus With B2C Show Acquisition

Snowsports Industries America (SIA) is getting back into hosting large-scale, live shows—albeit with a different target market than its former signature event. About two and a half years after selling its annual B2B event Snow Show, SIA announced Friday it had agreed to acquire a pair of B2C snow sports expos. SIA leaders share why this move is another step in a new direction for the trade association.

SGB Media • 29th October 2019

Faction Skis Goes Big With Next Growth Phase

Faction Skis, the Verbier, Switzerland-based premium ski manufacturer, has set its sights on the U.S. market for its next growth phase. CEO Alex Hoye spoke with SGB about recent moves to take share here, including a new North America headquarters, increased production and shifting sales in-house. Here’s what on tap for the next step in Faction's evolution.

SGB Media • 28th October 2019

Jon Frederick Guiding Rab, Lowe Alpine On U.S. Journey

Jon Frederick, U.S. country manager for outdoor brands Rab and Lowe Alpine, spoke with SGB about the companies’ differing strategies. While Rab’s focus is building on current momentum by launching new categories, Lowe Alpine is looking to re-establish itself in this market after a rocky couple of decades. Frederick outlines the path forward for each.

SGB Media • 25th October 2019

The North Face's Futurelight Delivering 'Brand Heat' For VF

VF Corp. underperformed in the fiscal second quarter, missing EPS and revenue estimates due to a host of headwinds. But one of the bright spots for Denver, CO-based VF amid the mixed quarter was The North Face, specifically the brand’s new, potentially game-changing innovation.

SGB Media • 18th October 2019

RMU Stays True To Ski Bum Roots Amid Expansion

Breckenridge, CO-based Rocky Mountain Underground— a ski maker that also runs a combination retail shop and tavern—is expanding into Canada with a locale in Whistler, BC. But Mike Waesche and Scott Mant told SGB the company sees this move as a grassroots extension of RMU’s unique concept rather than a corporate expansion.

SGB Media • 16th October 2019

Nexgen Outfitters Steps Out Of Cabela's Shadow

Six former Cabela’s employees are running the startup outdoor gear seller Nexgen Outfitters Inc. in Sidney, NE, where Cabela’s had been headquartered before being acquired by Bass Pro Shops. With the recent expiration of a noncompete injunction, the online provider is feeling a surge of momentum. SGB checks in on Nexgen’s journey.

SGB Media • 14th October 2019

VF Maps Growth Plans For Three 'Emerging' Brands

Smartwool, Icebreaker and Napapijri aren’t the largest assets in VF Corp.’s $12 billion portfolio, combining for about $600 million in annual sales. But the company has big plans for these so-called “emerging” brands, including each one hitting double-digit growth over the next five years to reach $1 billion together.

SGB Media • 3rd October 2019

September M&A Roundup: Spy Optic, Bollé, Dick's, Sportsman's And More

September was another busy month for M&A in the active lifestyle space. Notable transactions occurred in outdoor eyewear (Bollé Brands acquired Spy Optic), sporting goods retail (Sportsman’s Warehouse acquired eight Field & Stream stores from Dick’s) and recreational vehicle manufacturing (Winnebago acquired Newmar). SGB digs into the important details of each deal.

Load More Articles

Tweets by @ericsmithwriter