Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in outdoor & sporting goods but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Xan Marshland, Manager of Brand Development at WNDR Alpine, located in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
WNDR Alpine creates the world's first-ever skis and snowboards built with materials derived from microalgae - a renewable resource.
Tell us about yourself
Within our organization, we have molecular biologists, snowsports industry veterans, engineers, materials scientists, product designers, and professional athletes - all of whom work together to improve our products and materials year after year. It's incredibly inspiring to work with such a diverse range of skill sets. I'm always coming back excited to share the story of this eclectic team and its accomplishments.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We're a collective of entrepreneurs, athletes, and innovators who all contribute to our successes, so I'll answer this question on behalf of the team as a whole. Some of our greatest achievements occurred this winter. Last December, our Intention 108 backcountry ski won an award from ISPO - the world's biggest outdoor industry tradeshow. This January, Intention 108 won an Innovation Award from Outdoor Retailer here in Salt Lake. Meanwhile, our Vital 100 backcountry ski won Backcountry Magazine's Editors' Choice after being tested against a variety of other leading backcountry skis.
Our BelleTour splitboard has been under the feet of splitboard mountaineering icon Nick Russell for the last two seasons as he's explored remote peaks in Nepal, filmed segments in the ARK snowboard film, and been featured in the Fifty Project web series. Nick can also be seen riding the BelleTour in our own snowboard film, HARDWIRED.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Find a mission. The world doesn't need more businesses. It needs more businesses dedicated to the betterment of the communities they serve AND the world as a whole.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://wndr-alpine.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wndr.alpine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wndr_alpine
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/checkerspot
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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