HomeSnoloha

Things have been a little hectic for the past couple weeks. I thought I’d give everyone a little “behind-the-scenes” look at what’s happening.

First, the Fall / Winter catalog and product line continues to come together. In addition to some exciting new products for Men and Women, there are some really cool new designs coming out.

It looks like Snoloha will be going tagless. So for the Fall / Winter line, you’ll no longer have that annoying tag sewn into the back of your shirts. Instead we will be printing Snoloha info on the neck. It should look great, and feel even better.

The homepage will be taking on a new look real soon. The “web dude”, is currently working on a fresh layout.

Still need to select a winner for June’s Snapshots & Scenery winner, so stay tuned!

Gearing up for an August tradeshow, and the next round of “road trips” to potential new retailers.

Making a road trip tomorrow to visit a handful of current retailers.

So there you have it, a quick look at a few of the things going on “behind-the-scenes”.

Share This

The Illusion, finding its way home to Traverse City through the morning fog from a weekend race in Charlevoix.

Share This

I’ve been holding this one back for a few days because I’m conscious of becoming “too serious” with this blog. This blog is intended for communication with our customers, behind-the-scenes looks at Snoloha, and random photos, quotes and lyrics that capture the Snoloha lifestyle.

However, the more I thought about it, I realized this entry does capture what Snoloha stands for - which is enjoying life no matter what climates are thrown at us. In this case, it’s enjoying life. Period.

Just recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a fellow small business owner who is battling Parkinson’s disease. Her spirits and drive are amazing, and she really is an inspiration. Shortly after meeting her, I read an article about a teenage girl who lost her feet on a ride at an amusement park. Then I’m reminded of a very good friend of mine and Snoloha’s (who also happens to be a fellow small business owner), and the obstacles he’s faced after losing his lovely young wife a few short years ago, and is now raising twins on his own, and yet he manages to run a business and be great dad. (That link goes to a nice story that The Traverse City Record-Eagle just ran on Father’s Day)

Although we already may realize it, I think it’s important that we are reminded of how fragile life really is. It’s easy to get stressed about things such as bills, work, houeshold chores, etc. But really, is it worth getting stressed out about? Sure, they are important aspects of everyday life that deserve our attention, but are they important enough to ruin a day, or an attitude? Those are the things that we have control over. We work a little harder, plan a little better, budget a little more, and suddenly the problem can be fixed.

There are certain things in life that we don’t have control over that we need to appreciate. And there are things in life that we do have control over that we need to appreciate. Really, it comes down to a very simple concept - Appreciating Life. Period.

Share This

One of the difficult aspects of owning and running a small business is “balance”. Balance between “work” and “personal” life. Although you never really punch-out or shut it off, it’s healthy to get out enjoy the very things that inspired you to start the business in the first place. For me, that inspiration has a lot to do with lifestyle. I have made a deal with myself to take advantage of being my own boss and enjoy the water and the beach this summer as much as I can.

So on Friday’s, I try to “punch-out” a little early and get in some important beach time. I packed up the backpack, hopped on the bike, and peddled down to my favorite beach spot on Grand Traverse Bay. While relaxing in the hot June sun, sipping on an ice-cold Corona, and listening to a little Kenny Chesney, I realized how amazing this “Snoloha Lifestyle” really is.

What prompted this was the parasail boat passing by, then the Tall Ship Manitou out in the distance, followed by the Nauti-Cat gliding across the water. Summer is here, and tourist and locals are definitely taking advantage of it.

Then I thought about 6 months from now - when snow covers the ground and ice begins to flirt with the water. Tourists and locals will still be into the swing of things. Whether it’s cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the many trails throughout the area, or skiing and snowboarding at one of the local resorts.

That is the Snoloha lifestyle - taking advantage of, and making the best out of whatever season, climate, or weather that is thrown at us.

Share This

Great new song from Sammy Hagar’s latest disc, “Livin’ It Up”:

“Livin’ On A Coastline”

“We got a styrofoam chest full o’ ice cold beer
(Livin’ on a coastline)
We ain’t goin’ nowhere we got it all right here
(Livin’ on a coastline)
Yeah, stone guaranteed to cure the summertime blues
Put your feet in the sand
And throw away your shoes
You just step right up we got another fine day
Got a nice cool breeze
Blow your cares away
It don’t take much to have a lot to say
Don’t let the big one get away
We livin’ on a coastline
(Livin’ on a coastline)
Come on down, yeah”

Share This

I traveled to a friends house this past weekend for a backyard barbecue, and was completely surprised to see his Snoloha Ski Bar. Again, “Nice job Rob!”. He was even sporting his Snoloha t-shirt…I think someone is trying to win another Snapshots & Scenery contest.

This thing is so cool. It’s super sturdy, full of character, and decked out with old-school K2 straight skis. Perfect for a backyard, patio, basement, garage, or wherever you may entertain your guests.

Here’s the thing, he is planning on building another one. If you’re interested in owning your very own custom built Ski Bar, contact Rob Turmell. Or feel free to contact me as well and I can get in touch with Rob.

Share This

Check out the current episode of TropiCast with your hosts JimmyPirate and P.J. Bananas. There are some great tunes featured on the show. And a big thanks for mentioning Snoloha!

Just click on Showcase #15, then sit back, kick up your feet, and escape for awhile…

Click here to get your own player.

Share This

Share This

I stumbled across this site that I thought was worth sharing. It is called “Pursue the Passion”. The team at Pursue the Passion travel across the country interviewing people “who are propelled by a love for their work”. “It’s our belief that everyone should be passionate about their profession. We have made it our mission to provide inspiration, guidance, and community support to help you find work you’ll love.”

The site is full of interviews with various people on tropics from Business and Art, to Entrepreneurship and Travel.

Here’s a snippet from JoAnne Pavin:
“Just like golf, interruptions in life and business will happen all the time, you just need to step back up to the ball and give it your best shot. So with whatever you are to make of your paths, remember: through the bunkers, hazards, vast undulating fairways along the way, there is always the 19th hole! Never take yourself, or golf too seriously!”

Share This

I’m not sure where exactly I’m heading with this, so bare with me…

As I mentioned previously, last night I joined the crew aboard The Illusion and the Wednesday night sailing race for the 2nd week in a row. When it comes to sailing, I’m a total novice still. Last summer I was fortunate to learn quite a bit from Captain Dave over at Bay Breeze Yacht Charters. But again, sailing a race boat during a race is much, much more intense than just “cruising”, as I have become very fond of. It is, however, still exciting and challenging. During our race last night, it occurred to me that the learning curve for racing is quite steep. I couldn’t imagine just buying one of those boats and jumping in head first. There has to be a learning period. Time on the water. Lessons. Books. You get the idea.

Now imagine jumping into a business that you have absolutely no background or experience in. No learning period. No classes. No “time on the water”. You get the idea.

It’s funny, when I started (or I should say when I started telling people about) Snoloha, I had a fair share of naysayers (probably always will, but that’s okay). I guess maybe anyone that has started a business has experienced this. Perhaps just the shear thought of the risk involved is enough for people to “naysay” and think you’re insane. You may even begin to think that yourself. Which is probably quite normal.

But if you have that time on the water experience. You’ve taken the classes. You’ve read the books. You know the industry. Then starting that business isn’t as insane as one may lead you to think. After all, it’s not like you’re buying a Tripp ‘36 (I hope I have that right) rigged with Quantum Sails, and suddenly need to learn a new language consisting of terms like Spinnakers, Puffs, Jibs, Genoas, Halyards, Tacks, and Jibes.

The point of this rant, you ask?

I guess the point goes back to that Mark Twain quote that I love so much:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the things that you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover”

What are you waiting for? Are you looking at buying a racing sail boat with no experience? Or has your time on the water prepared you to purchase and sail that boat of your own?

(Pictured is America’s Cup BMW ORACLE Racing Team)

Share This