Being a passion driven entrepreneur is one thing, but incorporating that passion into everything that you do is another, even more challenging endeavor.
My guest this week is not only a highly successful Colorado entrepreneur, but he is also giving back to the state by investing energy in what he loves: outdoor sports. Ken Gart has run and started several successful sporting goods companies and other ventures, but most importantly he is currently the Bike Czar of Colorado.
Ken and I are talking about the current state of the outdoor sports markets. There are a lot of shake-ups underway, but don’t worry – it’s not all bad! We’re getting into what sets small business apart and how these differences can lead to success in ways that big companies can’t match.
We’re also getting into the Colorado bike initiative, what’s making Ken so motivated to throw his time and energy into this big project, and how he’s trying to get others to emotionally buy in.
Ken is so passionate about the field he’s working in, and he’s managed to turn all of this excitement into success, several times over. He’s an inspiration for all of us passion driven entrepreneurs, whatever field it’s in.
Bravery in Business Quote
(click to tweet)
Cliff Notes:
- Ken Gart, is an entrepreneur. His investments range from specialty retailing to real estate development to large sporting goods companies. He is currently the Bike Czar of Colorado, as titled by the Governor.
- The outdoor sporting goods industry is going through a time of change. The major retailers are still big players, but they’re not as flexible as smaller companies. Innovators can respond to the market faster and more efficiently than big business.
- Right now, big companies stuck with an old business model are the most vulnerable. The smaller companies can create more loyalty and find new opportunities in specialty communities. Smaller companies should focus on becoming the hub for the people they serve, online or in a physical community.
- Let your skills from other ventures and experiences help with your current work. Ken brought his business skills and ski rental experience to the table when he started helping with the bike sharing initiative in Denver.
- Let people know when you’re really committed to a project. If you want people to go all in, make sure they know you are 100% committed to it also. When Ken saw that the governor was really committed to building bike infrastructure in Colorado, he was much more willing to put in more of his time and money to help out.
- Show people the value of your products, don’t just tell them. In working on the bike infrastructure initiative, Ken has been doing bike trails with the governor and gotten some state officials out with them to ride. Get partners and clients to emotionally buy in.
- Get advice from someone in your field. Ken found a national company doing the same non-profit work that he is starting in Colorado, promoting bikes and biking infrastructure, and got them to give him advice and guidance.
(click to tweet)
Resources:
GartCompanies.com
https://goo.gl/4FsSn2 : State of Colorado's announcement to invest $100 million in bicycle infrastructure link:
PeopleForBikes.org