Welcome to Episode 35 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Jeff Dean Hubbard, a professional bodyboarder and entrepreneur from Hawaii. We discuss Jeff’s journey from his early days on Kauai to becoming a world champion and co-founding Hub Boards with his brother Dave.
He shares insights on bodyboarding culture, product innovation, and the challenges of running a specialized sports brand. The conversation covers community traditions, the cyclical nature of the sport,...
Welcome to Episode 35 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Jeff Dean Hubbard, a professional bodyboarder and entrepreneur from Hawaii. We discuss Jeff’s journey from his early days on Kauai to becoming a world champion and co-founding Hub Boards with his brother Dave.
He shares insights on bodyboarding culture, product innovation, and the challenges of running a specialized sports brand. The conversation covers community traditions, the cyclical nature of the sport, and balancing family life with business. Jeff’s reflections highlight the importance of passion, resilience, and staying connected to both the sport and its evolving community.
This episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and a deep passion for bodyboarding and entrepreneurship. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just curious about the sport, there's something here for everyone.
⏱ Timestamped Overview
00:10 – Introduction, Personal Reflections and Advice to Younger Self
02:07 – Family Background and Early Life
03:49 – Discovering Bodyboarding and Early Influences
05:05 – Beginning to Compete and College Years
06:22 – Parents’ Origins and Moving to Oahu
07:16 – No Friends Crew and Community
09:04 – Bodyboarding in South Africa and Global Peak
11:45 – No Friends Videos and Favourite Memories
12:58 – Returning to School and Applying Business Skill
15:13 – Entrepreneurial Ventures Before Hubboards
16:58 – Launching and Running Hubboards
18:04 – Product Range and Design Philosophy
19:42 – Branding and Tagline
20:22 – Recent Achievements and Family Success
24:26 – Personal Brand and Daily Routine
26:20 – Technology and Surf Forecasting Evolution
27:55 – Exercise, Family Life, and Kids
29:07 – Plans and Product Development for 2025
32:45 – Challenges of Manufacturing and Tariffs
34:24 – Managing Product SKUs and Inventory
37:48 – Production and Quality Control
38:14 – Trends, Colours, and Customer Preferences
40:23 – Demographics and the Adult Bodyboarding Boom
43:41 – Why Older Bodyboarders Return
47:11 – Favourite and Heaviest Waves
48:28 – Traditions and Branding in Bodyboarding
51:06 – Jeff Hubbard's Future Plans and Reflections
💬 Quote of the Episode
“When you love something, but it’s withheld, your passion for it grows.” – Jeff Dean Hubbard
🧠 Related Campaign Example
Corona Lime Ritual TV Commercial — Jeff mentions how the iconic ritual of adding a lime to a Corona wasn’t originally a cultural norm but was created as a “full branding thing,” underscoring the power of simple, memorable brand rituals.
Corona Lime Ritual TV Commercial: https://youtu.be/YeVW40mftyw?si=OYolX8odKYlkrswj
👣 Relevant Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100044349105096
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreydeanhubbard/
Hubboards Website: https://hubboards.com/
Hubboards Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopHUBBOARDS/
Hubboards Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubboards/
Hubboards Twitter: https://x.com/hubboards
Hubboards YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzlQPZmqKiWQSHw9FHhX_aw/feed
🌐 Connect with Tim Africa
🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica
🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa
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