Hey again. Hope things are smooth. Just wanted to write the 2nd post SIMA post as promised. We stayed on the East Cape in an amazing house Nat from Action Freight found. I’ll never forget the view from the pool. What started with a few of us turned to over 20 people at the pad a for the couple days prior to SIMA 12 at Crowne Plaza.

We had some wind but there was surf all week. yaaaaaaa. For those who woke early the morning after Cabo Crawl scored glassy fun waves everywhere.. so good that Friday. The conference went well. Great people giving solid info to chew on. PT and Wooly were a fun hour. Wooly is the man!

Guy Kawasaki did a great job once again. Twitter that! Jane Buckingham broke down Gen Y, Gen X, Gen C, all while I’m trying to tell Jen S that I’m actually working hard down in Cabo.

The SIMA X11 Image awards went good with the exception of a little storm of dinner rolls. Really nice looking, very good food and you can’t go wrong with your feet on the sand. Again, Congrats to all the winners!

More crap to read below with my pics. have a great week!

Thank you for the great time SIMA and all involved.

Jim Shubin
ASRbiz.com
CLASSatASR.com

This is the 405 / 5 of East Cape. a few flat tires, stuck vans, and rear ended bulls but we’re all home safe now.

A view from our pool over looked a fun little beach break. the little specs in the water are Bruce Beach (Electric), Tony Perez (Surfing Mag), and Dan Moylan (ASR) while we were scoring their every turn. BTW 3 of us broke leashes that session. Won’t tell you what brand unless you pay me. Photo: Jess Rush.

Every chance I peep this photo I can’t wipe the smile from my face for 10 minutes or so. Why are they so amazing???!!!!!!!!

While a few of us surfed Pacific side a few others opted to go snorkel up the road a bit. This is Danielle Giglio from Destructo changing the tire while her boy Andy Bell, Ryan Rush, Eric Bond etc tell her to hurry the hell up. This was prior to me breaking Andy’s hand. He’s fighting October 24th in Vegas. Go watch him and Jason Ellis scrap at the Hard Rock. photo: Jess Rush.

We would see Richard “Wooly” Woolcott CEO of Volcom every day checking spots or surfing. We ran into him the morning after the Image awards when this photo was taken. I think we were somewhere between Shipwrecks and Buzzards when I snapped this.

I mean come on dude.. Seriously so in love with mex. this is their Sparklets man!!!

Mi Amigos!!!

This blog is so important I had to name it twice. Actually this isn’t even the original post- ASR show blog. Truth is I’ve done a few versions.. I have sooooo much to write about so I decided to give you the short version to save time.   Hey, and guess what? there was no recession inside of the show. Its time for us to get up (from a weird year) brush ourselves off and get back to business. ASR helped put on the chain. Let’s roll..    The ASR and CLASS at ASR shows went really well to say the least. Such a positive vibe, retailers writing heavy pre-book and AO orders. Smiles for Miles.. I can’t even explain the amount of work it takes from a great staff at ASR to get something like this done. I’ve worked in every part of our industry but this tradeshow was a first for me…   ASR people.. Love them.. work sooooo hard to kick this fffffing recession in the nuts and they did.. Brands, retailers, global distributors, media and even brands that didn’t lock in because they were maybe scared to paddle and drop in ALL seemed pumped on the show.

The debut of CLASS at ASR went really good. People didn’t know what to expect and leading up to the show it took a lot of work getting people pumped but that all went away at 9:01 am on Thursday September 10th 2009.   In a nutshell: I’ll just write what comes to mind for 1.5 minutes.. here we go..

Great business being done, great music, really positive cheer flowing in the convention center and all through Down Town SD, good looking people, Ink pens being used again, High Fives from haters, kisses from lovers, eye candy from skaters (thx SPoT), amazing food, tasty drinks, high energy for 3 days, again, great skating, and I got a free shirt from Lifetime Collective, Sean Smith from SIMA, CNN, LA Times, Label Networks, no pants, sushi, texts saying “jim we shoulda done this show”, I met Doc Paskowitz, hung with Jeff Clark for a minute, made Gothard embarrassed for a second, got sick, ended tooo quick.. thank You sooooo much ASR and CLASS for this opportunity.. good times.  And I would just like to tell everyone that you’re all a ….. time just ran out..

Love you all for supporting. Thank you Transworld, SIMA and all the family of players who supported ASR.. love yous..   another quick note - All of the companies that put their sales team to work by locking appointments, getting retailers to come and get business done at the end of their buying cycle. We applaud you.. Those brands that did just that (strategized for the show) killllllled it. Good job..   Next dates are February 3rd and 4th…  locking in people now.. I am NOT shitting you..

Check these two links:
Transworld Photo Gallery

ASR/CLASS Live Videos

Goodbye, Thank you.  Jim Shubin
ASRbiz.com
CLASSatASR.com

The entrance to the debut of CLASS at ASR.

Doc Paskowitz is neato. He hasn’t been to ASR in years but came this time with Abraham. so rad. Mavericks Pioneer Jeff Clark (second from left)

If these guys came into your booth your doing something right. Bobby and Ron from JACK’S.

Seventeen Mag Fashionshow on ASR floor. zippy.

This is the Dwindle Distribution booth at ASR. The guy on left is a friend and employee of Dwindle Europe. He’s not a good friend because his name is actually Alex Cock. need I say more?

Dave Boehne at Infinity Surfboards in Dana Point and Wellen gave boards for CLASS at ASR’s retail contest. The winner of the Wellen board was James Hamonds the buyer of American Rag. The 5F that Infinity gave us was done up by Dean Bradley of Atwater. He spent 5 1/2 hours on the artwork. looked so good. Julia the buyer from Nordstrom’s won. now have to ship that thing to Seattle. Matt from Wellen called me yesterday to tell me that American Rag is now picking up Wellen’s softgoods.. YES!. creating relationships and making biz happen.

These dudes are from Germany. We’ve worked together on occasion. He came out to ASR to buy some goodies. on left is jorg on right is Felix.. They will take care of you if you go to Munich.. Urban Supplies RULES! thx for coming out guys.

I had about 386 texts for these.. CLASS at ASR was for VIP buyers and Key Media. These green things were a green light to enter w CLASS Pass.

Random Pic - These 2 ladies are neat. one is my wife and the other is my LAWYER. poor ladies.. Next time we see them this close we’ll all be in court.

We are live from the ASR show floor.  Day one was buzzing with energy and buyers and brands getting down to business on the show floor. Don’t miss a thing on the show floor…tune into www.asrbiz.com/marketplacelive for daily video feeds live from the show floor! or check them out on you tube an subscribe to our feed, you will be notified when something new goes up!

We will catch you on the flip side! Stay Classy San Diego!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend.
We went to vegas last week to walk the shows. So funny that everyone there was so accommodating but a bit back on our home turn we couldn’t get in. ha. weird.

Anyhow, vibe was soooo good at every show. Dan Moylan (ASR Show Director) and I talked to a lot of companies and every person had positive feedback.. So stoked!

Retailers were there to do business. Pre-books, AO’s and smiles..

Today I’ll walk Crossroads and meet down after at the Convention Center in San Diego for ASR and the debut of CLASS at ASR..

This might be the last one I do before the show starts but I will try to get another done.. if not talk to you at the show.

So pumped.. You will love the shows. There was a lot of hard work and effort by a lot of people to make this an amazing show.

See you there..

Thank you for keeping up on these blogs. its been neato.
Thank you Nielsen for the opportunity.

See you in SD..

Jim Shubin
ASRbiz.com
CLASSatASR.com

————————————————

Pics: these are a few random pics from the last couple months working on the show. let’s have some fun in San Diego.

The boys from Raen Optics in vegas. See them at the show in SD

Hardip from Plain Jane and girls a bit back in Santa Monica.

Chris Friel is now the guy at SABRE. punch him.

Paul Harvey from Rip Curl is funnier than you are.

Leslie from AQUA VI.

RANDUMB PIC- This is one of the best things since sliced bread.

I went to visit Dean and Dale of O’QUINN in HB. I like the brand and wanted to know more about their story. Dean Quinn has deeeeeeep roots and I’ve known him for a little while from industry and on occasion surfing a good little bar just north of NB. Let me tell you HE KILLS IT.. I’ve heard the same about Dale. He surfs LA County. Don’t know why but I won’t judge him on that. ha kidding Dale.   So their office on Gothard is cool and full of smiles which I’m down with.. We sat and started from the beginning. A few years ago the two of them were surfing down in Mex and while out in the water Dean pitched the idea of O’QUINN to Dale. Dale at the time had a great job and Dean straight up asked him “Dale, what do you think?, are you on board” That was the beginning of the brand and I have to say leaving a large steady paying deal is pretty scary. Dale, you rule sir..   Since his grom years the both of them mentioned how Dean was always so particular with his apparel. He would build his own boardies and make his own tee’s because he wanted something different. This would explain why about fifty percent of his time with O’QUINN is spent on fit. And yes they still make their own tee’s for O’QUINN. Dean mentions his 7 year old son already changing his gear to mix his steeze on occasion. It seems like both vets of apparel are very particular on the way the product lays and feels. He says they have 3 things they stand by Fit, Fabric, and Fashion. I like that>>  CLASS at ASR they will be launching their O’QUINN Classics (Premium Basics) and you’ll be able to check out their soft launch of O’QUINN’s women’s. Trust me when I say you have to touch and feel their tee’s. Really nice. Great silhouettes and nice color story.   After talking with them I was inspired and noticed the their team working together in the office. solid motivation. Their new campaign I checked out in BL!SSS reads “Change Direction”   These guys know what they are doing as they’ve both worked in the industry for over 20 years with the top companies in the industry. Look for O’QUINN at CLASS at ASR in San Diego in the convention center. HALL E, booth CL 445.   O’QUINN is sold in the better retailers. OQUINNclothing.com  Thanks for the time guys..   See you all in less than 2 weeks in San Diego. check both sites below lists of exhibitors.

Thank you,
Jim Shubin
ASRbiz.com
CLASSatASR.com

I told you they surf. Dangling suit at their entrance..

Dean Quinn. This guy has a solid backround. SOLID folks.

Apple store on Gothard in HB / Their Art Department.

This is Dean and Dale the masterminds of O’QUINN. They are as solid as you can get.

They have a full collection you need to check out. Again at Class at ASR you will have a chance to see their launch of O’QUINN Women basics and their Classic’s program.

RANDOM PIC- this shot is from a bit back. Its from a party we did with Anthem in the desert. Everyone was in the best of spirits as you can see. good music, the right people, and best of all water can make a perfect gathering. So as we’re just about to round 3rd here in 09 lets enjoy our last weeks of summer. Call you friends this weekend and have some laughs, good eats and relax for a few days. I LOVE THIS PICTURE>> js

Technology has presented us with so many ways to enjoy skateboarding – you can control your favorite skater in a video game, you can watch your favorite riders on a DVD or discover new ones on YouTube, and you can cheer on top pros thanks to televised contests or laugh at their crazy lives on reality TV shows. With all this at our fingertips, the makers of the Go SK8 iPhone application have brought us back to reality and reminded us that nothing beats actually riding your skateboard and playing a game of “S-K-A-T-E” with your friends.

The application, $1.99 on the iTunes store, serves as a moderator for a game of “SKATE” (or “GOSK8” as the app calls it) between you and a friend. The first element of the app is to select which type of game you are playing. There is the traditional Flatground mode, but you can also select between Manual, Ledges, or Transition depending on what mood you are in or what type of environment you are skating. You then select from Basic, Medium, or Advanced difficulty and you’re ready to go.

By tapping “Spin,” the app randomly cycles through a list of tricks (over 100 in each category) and stops on the one you have to perform. As you and your friend miss or make tricks, you track your game of “GOSK8” right on your iPhone.

The greatest strengths of the app are the extensive (and challenging) trick lists and the slick, easy-to-use design. It not only adds a fun twist to a familiar game but actually helps skaters of all abilities progress by challenging them to land new and unfamiliar tricks. In a world where most iPhone apps present us with innovative (and sometimes awesome) ways to waste our time, it’s refreshing to see that there is now an alternative for those of us who just want to go skate.

Visit this website for more information: www.gosk8app.com

to buy the app for the I-phone

Screen Shots from the Application:

June 20, 2009: A warehouse space in downtown Los Angeles known as The Gallery 1018 was the site of the 2009 Skate Shop Showcase. The event delivered on its promise to “unite the skate community through music, art and culture” with a combination of live bands, DJs, and visually impressive art installations curated by various skate shops from around the country.  The crew from Skateboarder Magazine and Ollie Pop contributed along with a strong list of sponsors, putting the spotlight on the shops and their people. In honor of Go Skateboarding Day the ASR team rolled out to LA and was honored to participate alongside such a talented group of artists and skaters.

The vibe was mellow early on, with some artists still adding the finishing touches to their installations and the Fuel TV crew making their rounds catching up with everyone who contributed to the event. A donation at the door went to the Noah Carter Memorial Fund and scored you some tokens to vote for your favorite skate deck on the Ollie Pop wall where 8 different artists had their hand painted decks on display. A walk around the space left you inspired by the hundreds of pieces of eye candy lining the rest of the white walls of The Gallery.

As the red Solo cups continued to empty out, the conversations got a lot more unpredictable and everyone switched into party mode. Music courtesy of DJs Patric Melcher and Tim Martinez kept the heads nodding and before long it was time for a trip to Rasta Tacos on the outside deck where I was able to fill my stomach with amazing carne asada without having to empty out my whole wallet. Perfect party snack.  www.rastataco.com

Ending the night around midnight, I walked out to a band of ninja-suited rockers (Ninja Academy) tearing it up on stage. Overall I had a great time celebrating the people and the artists that make skateboarding culture so unique. Thanks to Tim Martinez, Monica Staniec, and Caroline of IMA Imagine Marketing Agency for making it happen.  Tim Martinez’s roots and love for skate are undeniable and he is such an amazing person, we knew the event would rock.
http://imaginemarketingagency.wordpress.com

-Dan Moylan
www.classatasr.com
www.asrbiz.com

An artist adds the finishing touches to his installation while the first of many bands plays next to him.

The Noah James Carter Memorial Fund - contact Tim Martinez at IMA to contribute. The community always tries to give love and hope - this night was no exception.

Ninja Academy. Rocking. www.ninjaacademy.com

Nine Star was among one of the shops to submit art and had an incredible gallery display. The artist Rain collaborated on their project. www.9star.com

Some of the crew from Liberty Board Shop with ASR’s Darren Bridges after hitting the Rasta Taco stand.

The Showcase Flyer

This weekend I went to the Volcom store in LA for an exclusive preview of their fall denim collection styled by Nylon Magazines Style Director Dani Stahl. The store was full of fun people looking zippy. Scott Oster was blessing our ears with his music. Scott is multi talented. Back in the day while Alva and Muir wanted to throw down Oster was the little stylish Geneva that they both loved. If you don’t like his ass as a DJ or skater go ahead and paddle out with him. he’s a crafty water schralper too.

The store looked amazing as usual. they had a candy bar that was a bit more busy than the alcohol bar. the boys and girls looked hot. Volcom’s international dad Pat Lloyd looked dapper as ever. girls like him.

A few of the Nylon Magazine crew came out to support the event and even celebrate their associate publishers birthday. Happy birthday Mr Karim Abay. happy bday abay. that looks weird when you’re tired, abays bday.

It’s been a minute and a half since they had a proper deal like this in the store and tonight did not disappoint.

Thank you Volcom. Thank you Nylon. see you at ASR in September.

- Jim Shubin
classatasr.com
Asrbiz.com

PS. On the way home I took a new friend / co-worker Darren tonight. Darren just graduated Virginia Tech and moved out here to the west coast to help me with a few projects So on the way home I took him to OctoMoms pad. He didnt know this. She lives by me so I’ve played tricks on a few people. I told him my wife and i forgot my daughters toy at a friends house. Once I pulled up and told him to grab it  from their front porch. Once out of the car and on the curb he notice some keep away signs and i snapped a photo and drove off without him. Its been about an hour and I’m still laughing at his ass running after my car.

Visit the store on La Brea. If you go at night this is what you’ll see.

When you visit the store say hi to this guy.. his name is Ray. he’s neat. he’s a good friend. in 92 he was my 12th retailer to buy from me at Drawls.

Hey Dani girl. your parents should’ve named you Dandy. good work.

Backyard happy people.

Melissa “Missy” Magsaysay. She is LA Times Image fashion writer. Here she is showing me a pic of her dog. her husband Corey is neato. I call him Corky though.

DJ, Skater, Surfer, Designer, whatevs Scott Oster. if you want a store to look neat. have him do it. He’s done a few KEY spots in the LA area. We, Koi, thats enough about you scott. chill out.

Happy Birthday Karim!!!!!!!

Poor Darren grabbing my “daughters toy”. this was a second before i drove off without him.

if I was better on my new Macbook I would put in some Chariots of Fire steeze with this shot. This is Darren hauling ass after me from Octo-house.

ASR sends out props to one of our favorite sons, Matt Ramirez, now part of the Quiksilver family.  Matt is doing some incredible work in the digital arena as you can see from Quik’s latest collaboration ‘The Spot’.  Matt may not be able to ollie like Reese Forbes, but we like what we see anyway – keep up the good work Matt!

A couple days ago Comune had a little gathering to kick off summer and show off their new home to a few. Based in Costa Mesa they have set themselves up nice.

Logan and Mike Q gave me a quick tour of the office. Really nice set up once you leave the showroom I had a chance to see where Q and the crew make the magic happen in the design room. Could be mistaken for NASA if you’re not paying attention.

Outside you can check out the containers they’ve made into quite the gallery.  Plenty of food and Tecate’s to go around with a great mix of people to chat with. I really enjoyed my time there.

Thank you to Julie, Mike Q, Frank, Sven and the family for the hospitality.

You can check out Comune at www.thecomune.com You’ll have a chance to see what they’re up to at Class At ASR Tradeshow in September.

- Jim

I think this may be a neato picture. Possibly 1 of a kind. Mike Q and Mike Z - creative / Design geniuses behind host Comune and Volcom.