Oct. '25 Newsletter
Power of the Tribe!!
Dateline: ASR San Diego, 1992 Convention Center….crazy with energy, opportunity, new brands, networking, collective energy.
Dateline: 2025: No ASR, No Outdoor retailer, no collective energy, except…..
What, is there an alternative? Indeed. If you own, run or market a California lifestyle product, think surf, skate, hike, bike, golf, to name a few, CARV is a new and viable alternative to the trade show of old. In post pandemic times, the consumer preferences definitely shifted from an acquisition mode to a “use” mode as they used what they bought. Our beaches are full of surfers, golf courses full of golfers, pickle ball courts jammed, skate parks jammed, cyclists everywhere, e-bikers too, state parks are jammed!
The new emerging retailer embraces the California lifestyle. Formerly narrow specialty stores are diversifying, selling not just their “narrow” sport only, but now other relevant lifestyle brands, for instance golf apparel at a surf shop!
Elsewhere in this newsletter you will see some info about CARV, a new concept in a show, a celebration of our lifestyle industry, a convergence of many of the companies that serve who we are as San Diegans. Last year, for CARV, year 1, we saw new small companies, new emerging brands and retailers, and leaders as well, like local Hansen’s and Sun Diego, all converging like the Tribe of ASR days. If you as a reader are affiliated with a brand or retailer, I suggest connecting with CARV. The energy is palpable, fun, creative and contagious!
November 5th, 8:30 am…meet your buddies for Coffee, here at SDSI.
Among the lessons learned post-pandemic, is the need to create and maintain our collective network, and that means in “real life.” Join us here for a casual cup of coffee, breakfast, and conversation. In an unstructured hour we will talk real issues -local issues- build relationships, and explore the latest topics shaping our community. We call it the Business Buzz. Free VG donuts to the first 12! RSVP Here!
SDSI Ask the Lawyer at Procopio:
Amazing Opportunity: SDSI has partnered with Procopio, San Diego’s most trusted law firms, to offer our members complimentary access to confidential legal sessions with Procopio’s Sports & Active Lifestyle Industry lawyers. This is your chance to connect directly with top attorneys for high-value guidance. Fill out this form to schedule your consultation today.
Announcing the SDSI Member Portal!
We are excited to announce a new way to access your member benefits! Ever been at an SDSI function and gotten so caught up in great conversation you forget to snag that email address? Ever wonder who else is in the SDSI network you should be connecting with? Feel like you missed an invite to an event but just can’t find it in the inbox?
The Member Portal is here for you. Browse SDSI Member companies and contacts, access exclusive discount codes, and see what events are coming up on the calendar. This page is only available to SDSI members and isn’t accessible through the SDSI website. Reach out to Dylan@sdsportinnovators.com for access!
Welcome New Members:
CARV Expo (California Action Retailer + Venture) is the only West Coast trade show dedicated to surf, skate, bike, and outdoor lifestyle brands, connecting them with independent retailers in San Diego. After a successful 2025 debut, CARV returns in May 2026 with expanded categories and the same community-first energy, continuing to shape the future of West Coast action sports and outdoor retail. Learn more about CARV Expo and how you can get your brand involved here.
Rimôn is an international law firm combining the deep expertise of top-tier lawyers with the agility of a forward-thinking platform. Their intellectual property practice helps clients protect, commercialize, and defend their most valuable innovations across industries and jurisdictions. Long time SDSI member and trusted Rimôn Partner, Lisel Ferguson, focuses on patent prosecution and IP litigation, counseling clients on patent, trademark, and copyright prosecution and enforcement worldwide, as well as licensing, contract breaches, entertainment, and intellectual property litigation. Learn more about Rimôn here.
Corpay is the #1 B2B MasterCard issuer in North America, offering full payments automation or a no-fee corporate credit card with an unsecured line of credit based on company financials. Their platform helps businesses pay vendors, manage travel, and expenses with virtual or physical cards, flexible limits, and monthly cash rebates while keeping personal cards separate. Learn more about Corpay here or contact Josh.Marti@corpay.com.
Pioneer Sports & Entertainment is a leading operations and sports investment firm owned by professional athletes and business leaders. With over 15 active investments and more than one million athletes impacted annually, their portfolio spans elite sports clubs, tournaments, facilities, and technology solutions. Focused on innovation, excellence, and community impact, Pioneer is shaping the future of global sports and entertainment. Learn more here.
Superbike is a San Diego–based mobility technology company founded by engineers and leaders from Peloton, Giant, Merida, IBM, Amazon, and Google. Their first platform debuts the world’s lightest high-performance e-bikes, powered by a wireless fusion drive inspired by the modular “skateboard” design used in electric vehicles. Committed to building locally and scaling globally, Superbike merges precision engineering with connected systems to create smarter, more sustainable ways to move. You gotta do this: Visit their showroom at Westfield UTC for a test ride. Learn more here.