All up in the Business!

The Business of Endurance Sports - Women’s Edition

Here at SOAS, we’re getting ready for the annual pilgrimage of bike manufacturers, retailers and gear geeks from around the globe: INTERBIKE! 

Held every year in Las Vegas, it will be the first time the show has a spotlight on triathlon.

We were so thrilled to see Triathlon Business International not only hosting a Triathlon Pavilion, but also a Women’s Lounge.

To use a cliche, “We’ve Come A Long Way, Baby!”

More and more, being active and athletic is just a way of life for women. In triathlon specifically, women are quickly taking an equal place next to our male counterparts. We are the fastest growing segment of triathlon and endurance running.

Not surprisingly, along with the growth of women participating in the sport, we’re now seeing more women involved in the business of the sport.

Examples are popping up everywhere: 

• Kristen Mayer of Brand Betty

• Tanya Maslach who founded the women’s social networking site GOTRIbal.com, endorsed by none other than Ironman World Champion & record holder Chrissie Wellington 

• Diana Bertsch, race director of the Hawaii Ironman & the many other female race directors

• Twin sisters Cindy Baker & Christy Lynch of Running Skirts 

• Cheryl Kellond & Sylvia Marino, founders of the new women’s GPS watch company, Bia Sport  (I know - its time we had one that actually fit on OUR wrists, right?!)

• and, of course, Steph and I here at SOAS

In almost every case, the women not only run the business but they are also competitive in their respective sports. Kristen, Tanya, Steph &  I are all triathletes; Cheryl and Sylvia swim, run & compete in triathlons; while Lynch & Baker have both run the Boston Marathon. What better place to go for legit products and services than to the companies founded by athletes that  already know from personal experience what you need?

I believe that this deep involvement in the sport has given us the right mindset for business, and allowed us all to identify business opportunities that we might have otherwise missed. Instead of the reality TV show stereotype of women always being in catfights, I can honestly say I have been amazed & humbled by the collaborative and encouraging outreach all these women business owners have shown. They have each shown purity of intent in trying to promote the best knowledge, service and products to our customers and the endurance sports community. 

And while we’re sure that the giant sports manufacturers of the world will eventually go after this increasingly economically valuable segment of the sports market, I couldn’t be more confident about the ability of small, woman-owned businesses to stand toe-to-toe with them and thrive.

Not only because of the quality of our products but because of our natural desire to compete and win, and the sports that compels us to do so.  

After all, we are athletes first.

Best!
Kebby