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Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday, May 09, 2011
Sweet Home Alabama
One of the largest single-system tornado outbreaks in United States history occurred from April 27 to 28, 2011, resulting in at least 155 confirmed tornadoes across 14 states and severe destruction during the outbreak. The death toll reached 337 across seven states, including at least 246 in Alabama.The SockGuy factory is located in DeKalb County, Alabama, so we checked in with CJ Buttram to see how he and his 16 employees are faring.
“All of my life they’ve issued tornado warnings; this time it was a tornado emergency,” said CJ. “We were wondering what the difference was until it hit us, and then we knew!”
With tornadoes being a way of life in Alabama, CJ and his team were prepared for the storm, and everyone showed up to work on Wednesday morning as usual. “Usually we just monitor the weather and move to the center of the building if it gets bad,” he said. “But this time, after the first storm came through and they said there were going to be more … and that they were going to get worse … we shut down the factory and everyone went home.”
CJ and his business partner and wife Vickie sought shelter at their church, which has a large basement. “We went outside to see one of the tornadoes go by and couldn’t believe what we saw,” he said. “It was unreal … it was a monster!”
CJ says that of the 43 people killed within a 10 mile radius of the factory, he knew many. Countless more friends and family are struggling with losses of life, home, pets and belongings.
“We take care of each other here,” said CJ. “Someone told me that within 2 days of this storm we had done more – without federal aid yet, which started coming in this week – than was done 2 months after Hurricane Katrina. We all help each other, and nobody charges anyone for anything. We just all help out.”
The factory was without power through Sunday afternoon, and the entire team got back to work first thing Monday morning. “Our employees were amazing,” said CJ. “Everyone just got right back to work without hesitation.”
We created a special sock to raise funds to support recovery efforts in Alabama. 100% of proceeds from this sock will go directly to Alabama relief efforts.Check it out here: Sweet Home Alabama
Monday, April 25, 2011
Dealer Profile: Rock N Road Cyclery
Rock N' Road Cyclery, with stores in Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Anaheim Hills and Irvine, is one of our great dealers. We interviewed Director of Marketing Jeff Renteria to find out more about their stores. Here is what he told us:
Two words- Service and selection. Our goal is to make sure all of our customers (current or future) are offered the best products in the industry (like SockGuy) and that they have an enjoyable experience when they are in our stores.
2. What do your customers love best about Rock N' Road Cyclery ?
I think the answer is very similar to the answer to question #1. Rock N' Road Cyclery is very passionate about the sport of cycling and that passion shows throught the quality of service and the quality of products we carry. Our customers are always greeted by knowledgeable staff who love the sport.
All forms of cycling- Mountain, Road, and Tri (which includes running and swimming)
4. What are the most popular SockGuy socks you sell?
Custom Rock N' Road 6" crew
5. Why do you think Rock N' Road Cyclery customers like SockGuy socks?
Our customers love the fact that SockGuy implants fun into a great product. Of course they love the superior quality of SockGuy- why not also have some great, fun styles?
6. Do you (Jeff) wear SockGuy socks? If so, what are your personal favorites?
I do wear and love SockGuy socks. I actually have two favorites- 1) custom Rock N' Road 6" crew. 2) any color or style of the 6" crew
7. What should everyone in the world know about Rock N' Road Cyclery?
Rock N' Road is dedicated to offering our customers the highest quality products in the industry. We are also dedicated to offering a retail experience that will not be forgotten. We want our customers to enjoy the sport of cycling as much as we do.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Dealer Profile: Bicycle Sport Shop
Bicycle Sport Shop is one of our great dealers, so we interviewed Purchasing Manager Chris Donahue and Catherine De Stasio to find out more about their store. Here is what they told us:
1. What is Bicycle Sport Shop best known for?
Bicycle Sport Shop is known for our huge selection of bikes and accessories, super knowledgeable and friendly salespeople, and award-winning service.
2. What do your customers love best about Bicycle Sport Shop?
We're an Austin institution. We've been in business here for almost 30 years, so people know they can come into any one of our three shops and always get the products, quality and service they expect. Plus, we produce a yearlong series of truly unique and fun cycling events for all kinds of cyclists.
3. What sports do Bicycle Sport Shop customers enjoy?
Our customers love to ride bikes, of course. They also just enjoy being active, staying outdoors and socializing with each other.
Silverback Gorilla, Margarita, Shark, and Wool Star (green w/red star). And of course the Bicycle Sport Shop custom logo socks.
5. Why do you think Bicycle Sport Shop customers like SockGuy socks?
This is Austin. We love anything that's creative, fun and original.
6. Do you (Catherine and Chris) wear SockGuy socks? If so, what are your personal favorites?
7. What should everyone in the world know about Bicycle Sports Shop?
We're Austin-born bike shops run by people who love bikes, and we want to help get more people on bikes, more often.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Killer Team Profile: Wonderful Pistachios
What is the mission of your team?
The mission of the team is give cycling fans something to get pumped up about. We want to be at all the great spectator-friendly races and make them really exciting. We also want to give away lots and lots of pistachios. Pistachios are one of the healthiest nuts, high in fiber and anti-oxidants and we want to spread the word.
What do the riders on your team have in common?
This team has the best chemistry of any team I’ve ever been a part of. The common bond is that we are all doing this out of love for the sport. I think the energy that this team has will not only translate into some big wins but also rub off on everyone we come in contact with throughout the season.
What does the team do for fun?
We ride! This sport is too hard to do it for any other reason.
How does the team push itself to succeed?
The team will be using the tools and techniques provided by our sponsor Ultimate Sports Psychology to stay motivated and focused. Sports Psychology and Hypnosis are absolute essentials to our team’s preparation process. Check it out at http://ultimatesportspsychology.com
What is something that nobody knows about the team?
The origin of this team is actually quite unique. I was inspired to enter the sport at the age of 13 after watching the Philadelphia International Championship. I spent my entire life working towards the goal of one day starting the race. Twenty years later, my career was winding up and I still had not had the opportunity to do it. I knew the only way that I was going to get to do the race was if I brought my own professional team. I created the team (last year we were Adageo Energy) and entered the race. The first lap around the parkway was one of the greatest moments of my life. Now I am officially retired from racing and, having accomplished my lifelong dream, I am more than happy to move into a management role.
What does your team love about SockGuy socks?
I love SockGuy. Ryan Cady and I used to race together and I think he has created an amazing company. They are constantly innovating new designs and new materials. The best thing you can say about a pair of cycling socks is that you hardly notice them at all and that’s the great thing about SockGuy socks.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Killer Team Profile: Team Cycles Brixton
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| Some of the riders from Team Cycles Brixton |
1. What is the mission of your team?
To create an approachable and supportive developmental program in tandem with an elite level racing team in order to promote women's participation in competitive cycling events.
2. What do the riders on your team have in common?
Well, it's a women's team, so we're all women, and we ride Brixton bikes. But in addition, the women on Team Cycles Brixton are not afraid to try new things; they're willing to put it all out there. They are also willing to sacrifice for the team, to work for their teammates. These women work so well together they have been compared with some of the biggest ProTour teams in Europe.
3. What does the team do for fun?
Post-race sushi dinners at the Fish Joint in Oceanside!
4. How does the team push itself to succeed?
The women on the team encourage each other to reach their full potential. In addition through team tactics, the women will work for each other, in that sense sacrificing to each other in order to get a teammate on the podium.
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| Team Cycles Brixton Riders love our "Hottie" sock! |
5. What is something that nobody knows about the team?
Much of the growth of the team is sheer coincidence. For example, we met our awesome graphics arts/team branding expert, Todd at Peloton Design at a gas station in Tucson while on a road trip because he noticed the bikes on top of our car! It's amazing how many of our sponsors and teammates came about simply by being in the right place at the right time.
6. What does your team love about SockGuy socks?
Super comfy and tons of awesome designs!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Killer Team Profile: Whole Athlete-Specialized Cycling Team
1. What is the mission of your team?
Our mission is to invest in the future of our youth and the sport of cycling by supporting the development of Junior & U-23 cyclists at the regional, national and international levels, and to provide opportunities for young cyclists to race and ride together while embracing our philosophy of dedication, integrity and fun.
2. What do the riders on your team have in common?
All of our riders have proven their dedication to the sport and demonstrated a potential to rise beyond regional success. Most importantly, they have shown the right attitude, tempering ambition with humility and the drive to succeed with a willingness to give back to their community.
3. What does the team do for fun?
Ride our bikes, of course!
4. How does the team push itself to succeed?
Success for The Whole Athlete - Specialized Team is not just measured by the number of podiums or national champion jerseys. Success is getting more people on bikes, introducing a younger sibling to racing, or learning how to better balance the demands of top-level competition with scholastic goals. The team is continually striving to improve on previous results and help more riders make the transition to the highest levels of competition while maintaining true to our core values.
5. What is something that nobody knows about the team?
The roots of our team catchphrase, "It's business time." It's true origin is a closely guarded secret.
6. What does your team love about SockGuy socks?
They are the best blend of high style and high-performance - just like our team!
Thursday, February 03, 2011
San Francisco to Long Beach Ride
Ryan Cady, one of our fearless leaders at SockGuy, completed an awesome ride down the coast last weekend. Aside from being jealous, we are stoked for him. Here is a recap and some pics.
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| Here is Ryan (in the middle) with Frank Schroeder on the left at a lookout point in Carmel. |
Q&A With Ryan
1. Why are you doing the ride?
Just because I was invited and it’s a great group of people and a fun challenge.
2. Who is doing the ride?
Kevin Kruger has been organizing this ride for 15 years or more. He took it over from another friend who started it. It’s basically a group of accomplished amateur racers now racing in the “masters” (35 years old and up) category.
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| Mile 60 of 135 in Big Sur. 5 musketeers (of 18 total): Tom, Miguel, Ryan, Joe and Greg. It was a great day - we passed Hearst Castle and saw tons of whales and sea lions down the coast. |
3. Where is the ride (to/from)?
Day 1 is San Jose to Carmel. Day 2 Carmel to SLO. Day 3 SLO to Ventura. Day 4 Ventura to Long Beach where Brian Keats (owner of SockGuy client La Habra Cyclery) lives.
4. Tell me something funny that happened on the ride.
New invitee Chris Daggs and finally returning veteran Frank Trottman, his roommate, were woken up at 7:30 (roll out time) on the second day by 15 guys ready to roll out for the longest day. They had to race to get ready and eat in the van as they drove to catch up to the rest of us who left on time. Energy bars and no coffee before an 8-hour day of riding is not a good way to start!
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| Here is the early photo when we got ambushed by the rain before I got my jacket on! |
5. Is this an annual event? If so, when did it start?
Yes it is annual and has been going on for at least 20 years I believe.
6. Anything else I should know?
SockGuy Dad, Bob, drove the sag vehicle for the 2nd year in a row.
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| Final day ventura to long beach (finish). stop at Santa Monica to change into dry clothes. Who says it doesn't rain in Socal? Good thing I've got my killer rain jacket courtesy of our friends at Showers Pass Clothing in Portland. 90 miles in the rain? No problem! |
Monday, January 31, 2011
Killer Team Profile: Team RideClean
Team RideClean ... Nice Socks!
1. What is the mission of your team?
The RideClean PatentIt.com Team exists to further the RideClean mission for Clean Sport which is to support a positive environment for avowedly clean athletes to develop and compete without the influence of performance enhancing drugs. Our mission is achieved if we can show a clean path for youth and other athletes to compete while adhering to their conscience. This balance allows the athlete to achieve their inner potential.
2. What do the riders on your team have in common? The riders on the RideClean PatentIt.com have varying ability and experience levels. The team has a developmental squad, a womens squad, and a number of Elite Amateurs that contest at National Race Calendar events while representing the sponsors and the message of RideClean.
3. What does the team do for fun?
While the hobbies of the team are as varied as the riders that make it up, the fun side is easily summed up by what we call "Snakes Rules" which state that the team should:
- Have fun
- Race Bikes
- Eat Ice Cream
- Go Swimming
- Kiss podium girls (boys)
The fun factor and individual motivations as they come together to form team goals allow the team to succeed. When the emphasis is on the process and not the end result, then success is already achieved. When there are external pressures to achieve (by sponsors, by self, by family, by fans), they can lead athletes to go outside of themselves to please others. We are all competitive by nature, and everyone likes to win, but by putting the stress on the fulfillment of individual potential and emphasizing the PROCESS over the RESULT, then success is achieved.
5. What is something that nobody knows about the team?
What nobody knows about the team is that it is easy to climb aboard -- all you have to do is show that you are rowing the boat.
6. What does your team love about SockGuy socks?
The team LUVS SockGuy socks because SockGuy gets what RideClean is doing. SockGuy was the first partner that RideClean had and has been with RideClean for 5 years. Other than that, the fact that they are the most comfortable socks available doesnt hurt. More wicking material than ANY other sock? Sounds good...
Monday, January 17, 2011
Awesome Dealer Profile: Skinny Raven Sports
Since its inception in 1994 Skinny Raven Sports has been at the forefront of the Anchorage running community. The Skinny Raven Mission is to help people find the right footwear. The staff is well educated in the art of shoe fitting and they pride themselves on being able to accommodate even the most challenging foot types.And, of course, they sell SOCKS, too! SockGuy Socks, to be specific. Skinny Raven is one of our great dealers, so we interviewed Chief Sock Buyer, Todd List, to find out more about their store. Here is what he told us:
1. What is SkinnyRaven best known for?
SkinnyRaven is best known for the customer service - whether we are helping a customer with footwear, offering free services such as polishing up their Danskos, stretching their shoes or just offering them coffee, we strive to help the customer and always give them our very best.
2. What do your customers love best about SkinnyRaven?
Our customers really appreciate our customer service and the overall atmosphere of Skinny Raven.
3. What sports do SkinnyRaven customers enjoy?
Our customers enjoy a wide range of activities including running, walking, skiing (downhill and Nordic), fishing, ice skating, squash, aerobics ... and lots more
4. What are the most popular SockGuy socks you sell?The most popular SockGuy sock is the BEANO sock!
5. Why do you think SkinnyRaven customers like SockGuy socks?
Our customers LOVE the sockguy socks because there are so many FUN designs!
6. Do you (Todd) wear SockGuy socks? If so, what are your personal favorites?
I do wear sockguy socks. My favorite was the ¾ crew Raven sock. (NOTE from SockGuy: du-oh! That one's been discontinued ... maybe it's time to reconsider!)
7. How cold is it up there? Have you guys tried the SockGuy MTN-tech socks to keep warm?
In the winter the temperature is around 20 degrees. We have not tried the MTN tech sock. (NOTE from SockGuy: OK - we're sending you a care package - you'll love them!)
8. What should everyone in the world know about SkinnyRaven?
Everyone in the world should know that Skinny Raven is FUN! And our logo is cool :-)
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