Oct 17, 2019
Michael Akira West - Founder of 686 - Episode 116
Michael Akira West started Jib 686 Enterprises in 1992 as a college project. Influenced by the early skate culture in SoCal and the Big Bear snowboard scene Mike launched a small collection of denim, technical outerwear, and accessories and never looked back. In 1995 Jib 686 became just 686 and that's when Mike launched the Smarty 3-in-1 layering system spawning more than two decades of innovation in snowboarding outerwear.
We stopped by their headquarters in Compton, CA. to talk with Mike about what it takes to start a company and grow it into one of snowboarding's powerhouses, the business philosophy of Kaizen, and the importance of cultural influence in product design.
Shout out to the sponsors of this episode Cardiff Snowcraft and Yes Snowboards. We ask that you support the brands that support disruptive snowboard media. Find out more about these guys at their websites.
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THE SNOWBOARD PROJECT
Michael Akira West - Episode 116
Hosted by Mark Sullivan
Produced by Mark Sullivan
Associate producer Dustin James
Art by Aaron Draplin and Sarat