Don Brown
Brand Director · éS Footwear
Lake Forest, CA
In My Own Words
I love skateboarding, building brands, and making people smile.
Work Experience
Brand Director
éS Footwear2013 – Present
We put éS on hiatus in 2012 so we could enhance our focus and profitability into the other Sole Technology brands. With so much demand from the market place we decided to relaunch éS on Feb 14, 2014. Key responsibilities have been to enhance brand positioning, oversee sales, marketing, product teams and P&L management. Sales have doubled every year and are continuously gaining momentum.
Chief Brand Strategist
Sole Technology2013 – Present
Overseeing Sole Technology brand portfolio. Providing consumer and market insights to build long term business strategies.
Chairman of the Board
International Association Of Skateboard Companies (IASC)2002 – Present
Voted in by the skate industry as a board member in 2002 i created the branding package, Vision, Mission and Goals for the Non-Profit Skate organization. i was later voted by the industry to be the Chairman of the Board where i have been the voice of the organization for Industry summits, Skateboarding Hall of Fame, Tradeshows and other industry events. Biggest achievement was to create Go Skateboarding Day every year on June 21... this day has been the biggest global event to ever happen for skateboarding where millions around the world participate and have fun.
SVP Marketing
Emerica1996 – 2013
Helped to create brand positioning and strategy. Today Emerica is considered the best core skate footwear brand in the world.
SVP Marketing Sole Technology
Altamont2006 – 2013
Oversaw the creation and execution of Altamont Apparel. www.altamontapparel.com
SVP Marketing Sole Technology
éS Footwear1995 – 2013
Worked closely with owner Pierre Andre to create éS footwear that rapidly became the best skate footwear brand in the world. Built brand strategy, positioning, and execution. Key focus was hiring creative talent, building the best skate team to ever exist, and overseeing all global marketing and distribution strategies. Designed some of top selling shoes designs in history of the brand and industry. Helped to create the infamous éS Game of SKATE as a way to bring together the skate community and have fun. Helped to produce TWS video of the year "Menikmati" which is one of the best skate videos of all time. www.eSskateboarding.com
SVP Marketing
Thirty Two Snowboarding1995 – 2013
Helped to support creative direction, team, and sales www.thirtytwo.com
VP Marketing
Sheep1997 – 2000
Created name, brand concept, hired creative, helped with product design and putting together skate team. Despite rapid global growth, in 2000 we put Sheep to sleep so we could our efforts on the more profitable brands at Sole Technology. Although not available today, Sheep is a cult brand that continues to have strong demand from the market.
Sales / Marketing / Operations
etnies1991 – 1995
Hired by owner and fellow world champion skateboarder - Pierre Andre Senizergues...together we built Sole Technology brands to over $200 Million in global sales. As a start up i had my hands in everything but main effort was in marketing, teams, creative, sale and product design. As business grew i got to hire and mentor numerous employees, reps, and distributors - many that have become industry leaders. Key initiatives created: - Defined brand strategy: Consumer profiling/Distribution roll out, Competition - Pioneered the "Action Sports" category: Skate, Surf, Snow, BMX, MX - Triples/Quad jump involving multiple riders in action at same time. This influenced today's successful Nitro Circus - Goofy vs Regular - Fun 5 year event where riders and media would compete against each other - Numerous shoe designs that became the top selling models of the era and history of Sole Technology www.etnies.com
Professional Skateboarder
Vision skateboards and apparel, Independent Trucks1984 – 1991
in 1984, on a one way ticket, I came to the USA from the UK - I've stayed ever since. My first month in the USA i was recognized by top professional skateboarders and was put on the Sims/Vision Skate Team - two of the biggest and best brands of the era. After winning the majority of the Amateur skate contests Vision turned me Pro in 1986 and was the first UK skateboarder to have a Pro Model on an American brand. Consistently placing at the top of all contests, being on TV shows, and doing hundreds of demos at shops and events around the world i helped to build Vision skateboards in to one of the largest brands in skateboarding. In 1989 i won the World Championships in Munster Germany which was the peak of skateboardings growth. in 1991 i made the transition to help my good friend, and also a World Champion Skateboarder - Pierre Andre Senizergues launch the etnies brand in the USA. My contacts with Retailers, Media, top riders, industry personnel helped to propel the brand to success.
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