David Dennis is an incredibly interesting individual. He has a degree in sociology, a masters in political science, a career working with major tech companies such as Microsoft, and he is co-founder of a surfboard company focused on ocean conservation.
Dennis is co-founder of Ventana Surfboards & Supplies. They produce hollow, reclaimed wooden surfboards; bodysurfing handplanes; and eco surf supplies. The boards are high performance, surfable works of art that jumpstart conversations in homes and wave lineups.
“I wanted to use my skills to give back in more a meaningful way to the community in the areas that I care most about: homelessness, ocean conservation and education.”
Ventana gained clarity of purpose through research and a simple vision of creating the most loved surf company in the world, “and sometimes we put surf in brackets because we want to be the most loved company in the world.” In an effort to create the most loved company in the world, Dennis focuses on three brand values:
Craftsmanship Responsibility Adventure
“We vet everything we’re going to do against that vision and against those brand values and that’s helped us keep very focused.”
One way that Ventana maintains their values is the Ventana Upcycle Partner Program. The pitch is simple: Ventana allows companies and individuals to reduce the amount wood and other materials they send to the landfill; they market partners as environmentally responsible; and then they create beautiful, high-quality craftsman products as a result.
Ventana uses upcycled wood from donors like Santa Cruz Guitars, a Czech Republic swamp, wine barrels from SoCal vineyards, offcuts from Knotty Hole Woodworks, wood from the boardwalk rollercoaster, old cedar benches from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and pieces of John Steinbeck’s original home.
“The short version of what we’re doing is we’re taking other people’s trash and we’re turning it into amazing products.”
For David and his co-founder to maintain focus on their brand values and mission, they have remained bootstrapped since the company launched – and they hope to continue to do that as long as possible.
“Find what you’re passionate about and see if you can amplify it for social good.”
David is a passionate and courageous entrepreneur endeavoring to make a positive difference in the world by doing what he’s good at, and what he loves. He’s an inspiring and impactful business leader, and I greatly appreciate him coming on the show.
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Resources:
Learn more about Ventana: Website | Twitter |Ep. 195 - Necessary Endings and New Beginnings
Ep. 194 - How to Have More Fun & Be More Productive - with Mike Rucker, Ph.D
Ep. 193 - Helping Others Grow - with Tim Croll
Ep. 192 - Sound Impact: How Music Changes, Heals, & Unites - with Rebecca Jackson (Replay)
Ep. 191 - In Pursuit of Wholeness - with Evan Herrman
Ep. 190 - Find Your Worth
Ep. 189 - When Corporate Life Ain’t For You - with Hamilton Chan
Ep. 188 - Living Life Curious, Fulfilled, & with Purpose – with Marie Forleo (Replay)
Ep. 187 - Employee Engagement and Appreciation at Work - with Dr. Paul White
Ep. 186 - depression2extinction: Stepping Into the Good Possibilities of Your Day - with Luke Frazier
Ep. 185 - Bet On Talent - with Dee Ann Turner
Ep. 184 - It’s All People - with Gustavo Fernández
Ep. 183 - It’s Never Just Business - with Taylor Sledge
Ep. 182 - Running Toward the Flames - with Heather Adams
Ep. 181 - You Can’t Grow Without Failure - with Remi Adeleke
Ep. 180 - Do What You Love - with Vicky Oliver
Ep. 179 - Sucking The Marrow Out Of Life - with Alexis Meschi
Ep. 178 - Speaking Out To Save Lives - with Colin Morgan
Ep. 177 - Grab the Gold Ring - with Eddie Osterland
Ep. 176 - Radical Honesty: The First Step - with Tommy Baker
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