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Catching up with Chappy |
| 17/05/2012 |
Chappy, You've been with Oakley for as long as most people can remember. Tell us how you first got involved with the brand?
It was a bit of luck. I rented out my apartment for extra cash to some windsurfers for the World Championships in PE. At the time we had a few retail stores and were growing our wholesale division. One of the guys was from Oakley in the US, we got talking and the next thing you know………
What was your background - did you know anything about eyewear?
Yes, one of stores was a sunglass boutique called Eyeswise. We had imported Dirty Dog sunglasses before so had a read on the market.
You've been based in PE most of your life, going to Grey and then NMMU - where did you learn your surfing - PE, J bay, or everywhere?
I only started surfing when I was 15, my first board was a boxy retro twin hand-me-down. I had been a Nipper since a grom and we grew up on the beach so it was a natural progression. We lived out of town with a sharky river mouth as a home break and a serious pecking order. Back in the day it was respect or a big klap or just a big klap anyhow! The ballies made us steer their kombi to Seals on surf trips. JBay was too hectic at the time but eventually we gave it a go.
In Sept 2009, I saw you get one of the longest waves I've ever seen ridden Supertubes - you took off at Boneyards, and about 2 minutes later kicked out at Albatross after 3 proper barrel sections - Can you remember that wave?
It’s tattooed on my brain forever! Warwick Heny has the footage on video(he could make a mint on YouTube), haven’t managed to get it off him yet but I remember it like it was this morning.
Is Supers your favourite wave or is there a Chappy secret spot out there?
Supers all the way! Rifles is not too shabby either ☺
Back to your work with Oakley...You left PE to work in CT after the global eyewear giant Luxottica bought Oakley in SA in 2009/2010, what was it like moving to CT? And what was it like working under Luxottica?
Oakley was pretty much “get on and make it happen” which was great, mostly we delivered. Luxottica is a huge corporate giant, 66 000 employees and a 2011 revenue of 6 billion Euros! I definitely underestimated the magnitude of the corporate environment. We built a great new team which I am proud of though. Cape Town is a beautiful city; it has to be right up there in terms of best places in the world to live. There is a lot of quality surf; I have had my head down for the last two years so haven’t explored what the West coast has to offer.
Oakley has always been pretty progressive with it's apparel and accessories. We understand you're now heading up a completely separate company to just focus on this side of the brand?
Pretty much back to my roots. The apparel business is still in start-up phase so we need to sow the seeds for long-term growth. Oakley is best known as a sunglass brand, we need to educate consumers that we have a range of surf, snow, golf and performance apparel, footwear and accessories.
What can we expect in terms of the product? Is Oakley as innovative in the apparel and accessories space as in eyewear?
Absolutely, it all about bringing products that work to the market. As our tag line goes “If it’s not good enough for the world’s best, it’s not good enough” Our Blade board short brings hydrolix technology with a built in compression short for quick muscle recovery and definitely no chafe, even for extended sessions in the islands.
Tell us what we can expect to look forward to in the other categories?
Oakley developed the lightest golf shoe on the market called Cipher with Nanospike technology, weighing in at a mere 260 grams.
Our 3-1 Blade Backpack features Hydrofuse construction for wet/dry storage and Red Code technology in our shoulder straps for extra comfort.
Our Elite Full Metal Jacket time piece features Swiss Made, Impact Forged Titanium with a 25 jewel Auto-Mechanical movement for R89,950.
Chappy, as a successful businessman, and now entrepreneur what is your business philosophy?
People do business with people! You can have the best product in the world but without quality service you fight a losing battle. The marketplace is full of product, so treat the customer with respect. Most importantly, take calculated risks and believe, nothing ever happens by chance. Passion and Humility rank high on the philosophy list!
Do you draw inspiration from a particular part of your life?
There’s no free lunch out there. I remember being 17 and my first year at ‘varsity. My old man (in his wisdom) said he would pay if I passed. One year later I was on my own, emptying dustbins at Lifestyle Surf Shop (PE) to pay the bills. Best life lesson ever!
Who are your favourite Surfers in SA right now, if you had to pick one Grom, One Junior, One Open and one Ballie?
Style ranks high for me over all the new school stuff so Rudy Palmboom, Holmsy and Frankie get my vote. I am not up to speed on the groms but Ethan Fletcher has style.
And finally...who's your money on to win the world Title this year?
Somebody starting with J -Jordy, Julian or John-John. Jordy if he wants it enough! Is there a J in KS? Thought not, can’t write him off though.
Thanks Chappy!
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| Posted by Jamii on the 21/05/2012 10:39 |
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| Posted by Jamii on the 21/05/2012 10:40 |
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| Posted by Stephen on the 19/07/2012 22:53 |
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| Posted by wholesale new era adjustable caps on the 27/08/2012 03:14 |
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| Posted by Alex on the 27/08/2012 05:31 |
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