Mar. '26 Newsletter
Investing in ROC?
There are a great many acronyms in the world of finance: EBITDA, ROI, Cap table. SAFE…to name a very few. And there are names and acronyms for the community that utilizes them: Angels, VC, PE. Their common denominator: Return on Investment, ROI. SDSI is an acronym as well, and we too are investors, with one notable difference: We invest in Community: ROC. The business leaders in the SDSI community invest their dollars in building new companies and jobs. The Walton Innovation Lab has matriculated 163 graduate young companies and created over 1000 jobs, right here where we live. Last week at a local economic forum the question was “how do we attract new companies to San Diego?” We think the right answer is create them! If you are interested in investing in the ROC in San Diego, contact us via the website. It’s all about the future!
~Bob
PLAY BALL!
Opening Night for our San Diego Padres! Trust your worthy journalist here and know this is the year... beat LA some more, win the Division and ride the mo to the World Series! It's going to happen. Be a part it, get to a game (or more), hang out at Petco for batting practice, take it all in as we celebrate one of the very best things about San Diego! Get your tickets here.
Tariff Roundtable - Update from Jorge at Procopio
Jorge Oben-Cuadros from Procopio’s DC office joined SDSI members last week for a timely discussion on tariff buybacks and the evolving refund landscape. As developments continue at the federal level, the conversation provided valuable clarity on what businesses should be doing now to stay prepared. After the event, Jorge left us with a few key recommendations:
• Continue compiling entry summaries where IEEPA duties were paid
• Ensure ACH enrollment is in place for refunds
• Begin organizing supporting documentation in anticipation of CBP review
While a formal refund mechanism is not yet live, progress is underway and preparation is critical. Connecting with your customs broker now can help ensure you’re ready to take full advantage when the process opens. Interested in listening to the full conversation? Reach out to dylan@sdsportinnovators.com for the recording.
Welcome New Members:
Eugene Chew is the COO of Bikes Online, a premier direct-to-consumer bicycle retailer delivering high-quality bikes and accessories straight from manufacturers like Polygon Bikes to riders’ doors. By bypassing traditional retail channels, Eugene and his team offer competitive pricing and make premium riding experiences more accessible. Built for modern consumers, Bikes Online combines convenience, value, and performance to support riders of all levels. Learn more about Bikes Online here.
Wallabi AI: Most of us accept AI is not coming, it's here. The issue now is what to do about it. The first step is contact a trusted expert in implementation: Pedro Arellano and his team work with leaders to move from ambition to action through AI strategy, transformation roadmaps, team enablement, and custom-built solutions. With experience from companies like Tableau, Salesforce, and Google, Wallabi AI brings a practical, results driven approach, helping organizations build internal capability while deploying production grade AI applications. Learn more about Wallabi AI here.
Travis Chow is the Founder and Principal of Western Reach Digital, providing fractional eCommerce and DTC growth services backed by over a decade of brand-side experience. Travis and his team work directly with companies to lead strategy, strengthen digital presence, guide marketing efforts, and build systems that drive profitable growth. With 12+ years working with action sports and lifestyle brands like REEF, Rip Curl, and Nixon, Travis helps brands grow with intention and efficiency. Learn more about Western Reach Digital here.