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Who loves an attorney (besides their spouse)? Let me explain…

Last week I had a meeting with my attorney regarding some general business and trademark questions. When you meet with your attorney, you meet at an office surrounded by volumes of legal books…right?

Not necessarily. In true Snoloha fashion, we met at a rooftop patio bar in downtown Traverse City and promptly ordered Coronas and Red Stripes. He donned jeans and flip flops for this particular client meeting.

He proceeded to inform me that after a recent vacation to Key West, he has decided to move there after taking the Florida Bar Exam this summer. People decide to move to warmer climates for many of the same reasons…the sun, the temperature, opportunity, change, etc. He is relocating for many of the same reasons…however what really struck me was his excitement of his main mode of transportation being one of his seven classic Schwinn bikes and wearing flip flops to court. “They’ll be leather”, he assured me.

This is why I love my attorney. He fits the lifestyle. And though I may have painted a “slacker-friendly” image here, he is a very talented attorney (so if you need a good one, let me know and I’ll pass his contact info on).

Luckily the majority of the legal work I need can be done from anywhere, so I still have a good attorney for the business. However, that is one less professional meeting that can take place at a roof top bar…so maybe I don’t like him all that much after all!

It’s getting about that time of the month when I have to pick a Snapshots & Scenery winner. There are some great photos to choose from. If you want a chance to win Snoloha gear…there are three ways to do so:

1. Visit the Snoloha Community. Create a profile. Upload photos.
2. Visit the Snoloha Facebook Page. Become a fan. Upload photos.
3. Send them to me via email.

Here’s a shot of Steve from Canada during a recent trip to San Francisco to catch a Jimmy Buffett concert.

When asked what it’s like to start and run your own business…I often answer, “it’s like a roller coaster ride.” Up and down, up and down. Luckily, it’s the best roller coaster I’ve ever been on. Yes, there are dips and days when you’re scared, nervous, stressed and maybe even second guess. But the ‘ups’ make it all worth it.

It’s also a juggling act. There is a lot to do. And it’s hard. But if it were easy, everybody would be doing it…right?!

So how do you stay focused during this roller-coaster ride of entrepreneurship?

Mike Michalowicz, author of “The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur” has compiled a list of 63 Ways To Stay Focused…check mine out at number 47.

You should also check out Mike’s book…it’s worth the read and the $24.95 (Click on the photo).

Tell ‘em Rod sent you and he’ll even sign it for you. Oh wait, he already does that when you use the code SIGNIT. Well, he’ll at least maybe think to himself….”Rod…isn’t that that Snoloha dude?“

Perfect timing with the summer season officially here. Snoloha Coolers are finally in stock and ready to ship.

We tested this during a sailing trip over the weekend. It comfortably held the 18 cans of adult beverages and a whole bag of ice that we brought along.

I’m confident it will also hold bottles of water, limes, margarita mix, a $5.00 Foot Long, fresh fruit or whatever else you may want to bring along to the beach, on the boat, to the park, to a cookout…or to work.

Check ‘em out

Actually, this weekend is more like “3 or 4 days.”

Memorial Day Weekend. The official kickoff to summer. Vehicles packed like sardines on the highways. Luggage racks, boat trailers and full tanks of gas.

Get out of town. Forget about life for a few days. Then feel bummed when it’s over.

Holiday weekends are great. But it’s unfortunate that so many people only take the opportunity to “escape from the realities of everyday life” when these long weekends roll around…like everything else, gotta keep that schedule.

Don’t get me wrong…taking care of business, your family, bills and planning for the future is important. BUT, as the great Lennon quote goes, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” We get too caught up with the small things and the headlines on CNN. What about that backyard calling your name? The grill that hasn’t been fired up yet, or is only reserved for the weekends (which is CRAZY)? The dog that needs it’s belly rubbed or the cold one in the fridge? A walk in the woods or on the beach?

It doesn’t have to be “away for a weekend.” It can be on a Tuesday after work.

Why try to cram it all in in a couple of days? Doesn’t make sense.

‘Steel band in the distance
And their music floats across the bay
While American women in moomoos
Talk about all the things they did today
And their husbands quack about fishing
As they slug those rum drinks down
Discussing who caught what and who sat on his butt
But it’s the only show in town.

They’re tryin’ to drink all the punches
They all may lose their lunches
Tryin’ to cram lost years into five or six days
Seems that blind ambition erased their intuition
Plowin’ straight ahead come what may.”
“Cowboy in the Jungle”, Jimmy Buffett

Need more Snoloha Coffee? Now’s a good time to order. I’ll be making the trek to Leelanau Roasting this weekend, so place your orders now.

I’m thinking a pot of Coconut Cream sounds good…

First, keep those photos coming! It always makes my day and puts a smile on my face when I get photos sent in from customers. It is so humbling to know that this little creation of mine has struck a chord with folks across the country.

There is new gear on the way, including new Definition T’s (guys and gals), new hats (including a gals fashion hat and fitted hats), the coolers will be in soon, and a new ladies tank top along with one other model (still be decided based on the feedback I’m getting).

Then it’s time to re-order Snoloha Li’ Ones gear…that inventory is very low. So if you’ve tried ordering something but it’s out of stock (or you are interested in something not on the site but you would like to see it on the site)…let me know.

I’ll be able to talk soon about some exciting collaborations I’ve been working on that should really be a nice opportunity for the brand and it’s exposure.

Finally, this TV opportunity that I’ve been talking about is still in the works. I’ve been reviewing the paperwork and the contract (which is full of attorney jargon). We’ll see what happens next. If anything happens, it will be crazy. If nothing happens, it’s extremely flattering to be contacted by a TV producer after learning about Snoloha.

One of my favorite comments from a Snoloha customer:

“Lounge pants- Check!
Sweet-ass Snoloha mug (now with freshly brewed coffee)- Check!

I’m waiting for my Snoloha gear to give me the super powers required to complete this financial project of blah-diddy-blah-blah.”

I guess that’s it for now…“that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

The new Contrast Pint Glasses are finally here.

They have been tested, and they do hold 16 full ounces of cold beer. Milk, juice and water have not yet been tested, but it’s safe to assume that they will work just fine.

Pricing goes like this:

One pint glass for $12.00

2 – 3 pint glasses are $10.00 each

4 or more are $9.00 each

Here’s the link, or click on the photo, silly.

Or at least be able to have your friends and family see you featured on a website (um, there are too many jokes that could be inserted there, so I’ll just walk away from inserting one).

I need to update the homepage images for Snoloha.com. Send me photos sporting your gear and there’s a good chance you’ll become an overnight internet celebrity, have paparazzi hiding in the bushes outside your house, be able to quit your day job and end up with appearances on The Today Show and Larry King.

Maybe I have that mixed up with…you’ll most likely have my appreciation and get some free Snoloha gear…yep, that’s more accurate.

Here’s all my contact info, minus the beeper.

Here’s a couple of my favorites that are up now:

Lots happenin’, here’s a few updates:

The Contrast Pint Glasses should show up on my door step any day now.

The Coolers should be here next week.

Received new hat samples (new styles and a new design)…I like ‘em and I will offer up pre-orders in just a bit.

I’m stocking up on Definition Ts and a few more hoodies (guys and gals). If you want one but in a different color or style that is not on the site, let me know and I’ll see if we can make it happen. I’m already doing a ladies v-neck as per a request, so throw your ideas at me.

A good meeting with a Snoloha retailer the other day that will hopefully result in more growth across the country.

Very exciting phone call and email exchange that I’m learning more about day by day regarding me, Snoloha and network TV. I can’t really say more than that, as I’m not sure if it’ll happen or what I’m allowed to even say in the first place. Regardless of what happens, it’s a real thrill and very flattering to even be contacted and considered.

I think that’s about it for now…“that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it”.