Memorial Day "Thank You"

Many of us in the U.S. have come to think of Memorial Day as the three day weekend that kicks off the summer. It’s a time to go to the beach for the first time, watch the Indy 500 and/or the Coca Cola 600 and BBQ with friends.

But, there is such a deeper meaning than that. The true meaning of the holiday sometimes gets lost in our frantic rush to start summer. Memorial Day is the time to commemorate U.S. men and women who died during military service to our country. It’s a time to remember all of those we have lost, say “thanks”, if even in a silent prayer, and show kindness to the families they left behind.

For me personally, it’s also been a time to remember those who are serving, and who did serve -those who are very much alive and giving selflessly of themselves. Take the time to thank them for all they have done, and continue to do, so we can all live the lives we live. So we can go out on that long bike ride or ride down the highway or along a winding country road on a motorcycle - all without fear. We are free to wander where we may. So we can go to the beaches and the mountains and the lakes on our long weekend and know that we are as safe as we can be.

Now, things have changed quite a lot since 2001, and we need to be more vigilant here in the States, but when you look at the unrest in many other parts of the world, please do count your blessings. Those blessings are on Naval ships around the world, they are in Air Force planes and on the ground in Marine, Army and National Guard uniforms.

Please take the time to thank those around you who serve, or who have served. And, if they are far away, in one of those unsafe places, say a prayer for their safe return.

My personal thanks go to each and every one of the troops past and present, but especially those who have touched my world the most and served our country….my dad, George D., John K., Ronnie H., Pete K., Brian T., Sev, Rich S. and, in the Kryptonite family, Gustavo and Roby.

Gustavo

Roby

Thankfully, they are all out of harms way, but there are those who, courageously and unselfishly, still are out there doing their best to keep all that we hold near and dear safe..….in my world that means two I consider family, John and Travis (I’m so proud of you guys)….and Miss Meg, of course….and Eric, who is in the middle of it all right now. Please do keep them all in your prayers.

John

Travis with colleagues

To Eric and this brave unit...prayers for a safe return

Stay safe, my friends. And Thank You!

Brad Pitt and Kryptonite

That's the subject line of an email I woke up to this morning from Fritz. I was curious because we don't have any kind of deal with Brad (I wish...) or anything in the works. I didn't think Fritz would be pulling my leg about this one, though....

Seems like Mr. Pitt has a new movie scheduled for release later this year called, "Burn After Reading". Big surprise, he's starring opposite George Clooney. Anyway, I'd seen this picture somewhere before of Brad on a Bianchi but didn't pay too much attention to it, although I should have...if you look closely there is something that should have popped out at me. But, I was a slacker that day, apparently, and it didn't.


However, the photo Fritz sent me is amazing...check it out:

Do you see what I see? Yes, people, that's a big honkin' Kryptonite chain that Brad Pitt is rockin' on that bike. I don't know much about the Coen brothers movie, but they were filming in New York so at least this part of the set dressing is authentic.

Is there any doubt what movie I'll be first in line for as soon as it comes out? I'm going to have to remember that I'm in a theatre, though, so I don't start jumping up and down while wildly clapping when this shot (or something similar) comes on the screen. I'll work on that...but no promises.

Thanks, Fritz!!!!

Happy New Year!

So, it's the end of the year....a time for reflection and looking ahead, right? Ok, I can do that...

2007 was a big one here at Kryptonite. We started a transformation of our brand, which was quite time consuming, but fairly successful. We tripped up a few places - the new stickers weren't such a big hit. Street stencils? What were we thinking there? Total bust. But, the posters were received very well (who doesn't like penguins?!). The outdoor campaign with billboards and ads were good.

Being involved with the bicycle valet programs was fantastic! We also loved placing bike racks in cities around the country. We hope that both of these programs assisted, and will continue to assist, cyclists in these cities.

2007 was also the year that we caught up with the rest of the world and totally revamped our website. It seems like a hundred years ago that I was cramming to get copy and photos to our agency so we could put up the site in just over 6 weeks. I'm not kidding....soup to nuts in just over 6 weeks. I never want to do that again! Don't get me wrong, creating a new site from scratch is a blast! Doing it in 6 weeks is a complete stretch. We had a few growing pains in the beginning and we are still adding to the site, but all in all we love it and hope you do, too.

Then there was this blog. It's still not what I want it to be, but it's an evolving process. I think it's a good start. Thanks to everyone who has given us feedback and supported this effort. Personally, I'm quite thankful to you all. And to those who shared their Unbreakable Bonds, thank you. We couldn't have asked for a better group of people to share their stories.

The products in 2007 were pretty darn cool, too. How about that oval crossbar on the Evolution series 4? Sweet, huh?! And then there was the complete cable redesign. Yikes! That was a lot of work, but so worth it.

Team Kryptonite grew by one this year when Nicole Hoffman signed on with us. And Jody Perewitz became an 'unofficial' Team Kryptonite member. Both represented us well at events and races and even blogged their thoughts here when their schedules allowed.

Our internal team grew, too, with the addition of our regional managers. We're happy to have them aboard!

There was much more, but hey, these are just the highlights.

So...2008...what will that bring? So much stuff, I can't even tell you....ok, I can tell you some, both professional and personal.

Products - yup, there will be new products. First up are some products for the motorcycle market that dealers will see at the Dealer Expo show in February. That's right around the corner, which means we need to kick some butt with a few things to get that all worked out in time. But, we will. We work well under pressure.

There will also be some upgrades to a few products that will be hitting sooner rather than later. Big and bad, I promise you!

We're also in the process of working on something that will dazzle you. That won't be until later in the year, but I'll keep you posted as we move along with that project.

Marketing - it isn't official yet, but there will be some major news to announce probably in the next month between us and.....ok, I can't tell you that, but it will be big. Huge. You'll know as soon as the ink is dry on the contract. I'm so excited, but I can't say just yet because, well the ink hasn't even hit the paper yet. We're working on it. You will be the first to know, of course.

We are also looking to support bike valet programs again this year and place bike racks in some more cities. We are already working on getting this program together and have identified cities that we'd like to work with on this. As soon as we know more we'll let you know.

The website will continue to evolve. Soon (January, I think) we'll add some new functionality to the site which will be very different for us. We'll also have some new folks telling their stories on the front pages - I'm working on that right now. I'm going to try to keep up with the website changes a little more frequently this year, too.

As I mentioned, the blog has had a good start, but I'm not totally happy with it. Life happens and I've slacked on getting some more Unbreakable Bonds stories, but I've got a few folks that I'm going to have do this at the beginning of the year...and if you want to share your story, please send me an email! Share your story, c'mon this is a partnership here....I give...you give...c'mon..share.

What else would I change? Having more people from here contribute. Aren't you sick of me yet? Seriously. There will be more participation from the sales team and some other folks here. Really. There will. You'll also hear from Team Kryptonite some more.

Speaking of Team Kryptonite...we'll officially be adding a new member in the new year. That should give you a hint as to who it is. And, we'll be starting some new programs with two of the Team Kryptonite members. I can't wait to share all the details with you soon (February).

Oh, and there will be weddings....at least two that we'll share with you in the new year (one maybe very, very soon).

We've got a few other things up our sleeve for the new year, too, but I'm still working out a few of them. One I'm so psyched about I'll be telling you before I've got it all done, I'm sure. I won't be able to contain myself. It's not quite on par as the partnership deal I mentioned, but it will be cool (I hope).

So, that's a lot of stuff...without really saying too much, right? I know, I know, I'm teasing a little bit, but some of the things aren't finalized yet and 1) I don't want to jinx anything, I'm superstitious that way and 2) we really can't say something about partnerships and such until they are signed.

However, I can tell you some things that I, personally, am hoping to accomplish in the new year.
- Lose weight. I watched several people here drop pounds like they were going out of style and then there was Susan Perewitz who made a fabulous transformation over the summer. Truly, they are all inspirational. Tomorrow, I start. We'll see how it goes.
- Chalk the roads again! It's been way too long since I chalked the road at a pro race. But, it's not a professional goal. This year, I have a personal reason to get to a race, chalk the road and cheer on my friend Tyler who will be back in the peloton where he belongs. When the schedule comes out I'll let y'all know which race I'll be at. I'd love to meet some of you on the roads.
- I WILL participate in more Spokesmen podcasts. I'm very thankful that my fellow Spokesmen have been so patient with me and my crazy schedule. I feel embarrassed to even say that I'm part of that group because I didn't make many of the episodes this year, but I've got a new headset, no shortage of opinions and I'm ready to go.
- I'll start blogging again over on my blog. I let that go when we started this blog, but I've always got a lot to say and not all of it is work related...my opinions have been bottling up now and it's the right time to start again for me personally. Don't know if I will have retained any interest there, but we'll see. I know that Masiguy has started to video blog (bravo!), but that's not something I'll get into (I have a face for podcasting and blogging!). So, yes, the new year will bring more Tidbits from me.
- I started contributing to the new Plog (Perewitz blog) this year, but only once. You'll see more from me there, too.
- Get a camera again. I lost mine at Interbike in Vegas and I've missed taking photos both for the blog and personally. I'm looking for a good sale and I'll pick one up. You'll start to see more photos here then...like sneak peeks of new products etc...
- And....I'll ride this year. Really ride my bike. Not just one little jaunt around the neighborhood. I'll get back on in the spring (c'mon it's snowing here and I'm not big into riding and freezing...I am a fair weather rider, get over it). You'll hear all about my trials and tribulations here about that, too.

So, that's it from here for now. Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your support this year. We all appreciate it more than you know.

From all of us...to all of you...happy, safe new year!

Event Support/Sponsorships

I'm in the midst of reviewing the pile of sponsorship requests that came in during the last 4 months. Normally, I review once a quarter, but I'm about a month late so it's 4 months between this time around. Hey, it was a busy fall what can I say?

Since we get so many requests, as I'm sure every other company in the industry does, I thought I'd go through our process here so you can make some sense (or not) out of it.

We get, literally, hundreds of requests each year asking for anything from 1 lock to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Those big ones make me giggle and remind me of a post my friend Karl Wiedemann wrote when he was at Pedros (he's now at Thule). Please read it - there are great tips about submitting an event proposal.

Anyway, when requests come in they go into a pile on my desk. I don't read them right away - right or wrong, I just don't. I used to review each request as they came in, but that was too time consuming so I went to the once a quarter system. I know some companies that do once a year, but I recognize that not everyone is so organized that they can get requests in for once a year. So, I'm somewhere in between every day/week and once a year. Works for me.

When that once a quarter comes around I take the stack and start going through it. Unfortunately, at that point we've missed some of the events, but when you send the request the week before your event that you've had planned for months, well yea, we miss it. I do reply to most everyone though - I know some people have slipped through the cracks and I'm sorry about that - I do the best I can. I try to get back to everyone.

Mostly we support events through product donations so I set aside a couple of days and start packing boxes in my office. Yup, every one of those boxes is packed and shipped by me. We try to do as many as we can and as many as make sense to our customers. I'd say that we support about 100 events a year or more - maybe not in huge ways all the time, but something to help out.

Now, in addition to Karl's tips (seriously, if you want to send a request to any company read Karl's tips...), here are a couple of my own....

- include the date of your event - it helps tremendously if I know if the event has past or is just upon us or isn't for another 2 months. What if your event is three days after I sit down to review? If I think it's a great event, I'll ship you something overnight but if I don't know the date it goes into the 'need more info pile' which takes more time and by then your event is over.

- include a shipping address. I can't tell you how many times I get emails or notes where someone wants product for an event, "can you send some products for our event"....well, maybe, but since you didn't include a shipping address it's kind of hard. Yup, people who want products don't always include a shipping address (can anyone answer that one for me?!). I've never been a good mind reader so I don't really know where you live...honest.

- tell me what type of event you are putting on. I love when I get notes like this..."I'm putting on a race and want to know if you are interested in sponsoring it". Hmmm...don't know you from Adam but I still might be interested if I knew if it was a bike or powersports event...or even what type...are you racing ATVs or mountain bikes? Do tell. Again, not so good with that mind reading thing....

- if you do get something from a company for your event, send a thank you note. Doesn't have to be fancy and doesn't have to be by mail - email is free remember! - but send a note. Trust me, it goes a long way towards a repeat. I've got some fun things as thank yous, and some "interesting" ones, too (boxer shorts come to mind...) but the best thank you? A simple, short note on a ripped piece of paper. Why? The guy had put on a first time charity event for a very special reason - probably didn't have a lot of money, but he has a ton of manners. Worked for me and guess what? He'll get product again for another race.

So, between Karl and I we've given you some good tips here. Should help you whether you are contacting Kryptonite or Thule or any other company along the way.

Oh, yea, and if you are waiting to hear from me? I've got the stack down from 6 inches to about 4 inches on my desk. I'm getting there. Please have patience! Thank you!

Sharing November 15 with Richard Petty and Jeff Gordon

A few weeks ago the NASCAR guys were in Atlanta where they celebrated the 15 year anniversary of a major milestone. It was at that track 15 years ago where King Richard Petty made his last NASCAR start and a young guy named Jeff Gordon made his first NASCAR start. Talk about a baton pass – wow! Of course, nobody knew then about Jeff Gordon’s career what we all know now….4 championships later. But, still, it’s pretty poignant.

The actual date of that race was November 15. When I looked at that date I realized that another significant event happened that day. No, not to the world at large, but in my little world. It’s the day I started at Kryptonite. Yes, 8 years ago today I walked into the doors of a funky, fun family business. The air was electric and dynamic – and sometimes held balls that sailed by your head when you least expected it (affectionately, of course).

Day to day you didn’t know what might happen – a pick up flag football game in the back yard, movie clips played over the intercom system, a dog wandering the hall or practical jokes orchestrated by quite a few pranksters on just about anyone (nobody was immune). The one thing that you were always guaranteed to find was passion and hard work. We had fun, sure, but we all worked really, really hard. It was a magical time and I couldn’t believe my good fortune at being picked to work at this great company (thanks Peter, Gary and Karen).

My dog Chauncey (RIP) goofing off in my first office shortly after I started.

She spent many days at the office with me and loved all the attention from her friends!

Through the 8 years I’ve traveled around the US, to many different countries (I highly recommend Lago di Garda in the spring) and met some incredible people along the way. Some I consider more friends than colleagues or business associates – a couple I’d consider just about family even. I think that’s just the nature of the business we are in, though. The people in the bicycle and powersports worlds are nice, down to earth, fun people. People I really enjoy spending time with. I’ve been lucky, very lucky.

In 8 years the building has changed (we moved), my office has moved (5 different ones and counting) and many things along the way are now different. But, the passion for the brand is still very much alive by everyone here. And the fun? I haven’t had a ball wiz by my head recently, but the practical jokes? They still happen – just ask Roby about the Snowball (cupcake-like desert) and his car......
So, happy NASCAR anniversary, Mr. Gordon and to all those who have made my time at Kryptonite special...thank you.

A NASCAR Surprise

Thanks to my friend Jeremy Pepper, who knows I'm a NASCAR nut, a got a fantabulous surprise yesterday! Even our UPS guy was impressed. Turns out he's a NASCAR fan, too.

Check it out!

Yes, folks that's an actual tire that was used on Jeff Gordon's car during the 2003 'Dega race. It even as a certificate of authenticity. The action figure is just an added bonus. The real treat is the tire. My office smells like rubber now. That's just too cool.

Thank you, Jeremy!!!! I absolutely love it!

And, this all came at a perfect time...I arrived today in Charlotte. Why? Well, there's a NASCAR race here this weekend, of course. Mr. Gordon just qualified 4th for Saturday night. So...think he'll give up his practice tires? I only need 3 to complete the set....

Thanks Rapid Transit!

We’ve got some of the best dealers in the world. We really do. They are knowledgeable, passionate and down right fun. Rapid Transit Cycleshop in Chicago is one of those dealers. They’ve carried Kryptonite for years and our reps love visiting their store when they are in town.

They’ve recently written a kick butt post on their blog about avoiding bike theft. This is a great service for all their customers and internet readers. Not only do they talk about great locks, but they give terrific proper lock up advice. Read it. You will be glad you did!

And...if you check out their blog further, you'll see that they are offering a coupon for 10% off a u-lock, u-lock w/cable or u-lock and skewer set. No brand is specified so go get your favorite - just get a lock! If you live in the area, print the coupon and bring it in. It's valid until Sunday, May 20, 2007.

Thanks for the plug, Rapid Transit, but more importantly, thanks for giving your customers such great proper lock up advice!

Congrats to A&F Pro Development Team

A belated congratulations to Mark Hekman, Abercrombie & Fitch Team, for winning the Athens Twilight Criterium this past weekend. If you haven't heard all about it, Masiguy is shouting it from the rooftops. Why? Because they ride Masis, of course. And, because he's been caught up in the pure excitement of the win for this young team. It's nice to see in this day and age of doom and gloom in the pro cycling ranks.

Thank you, one and all, for the ray of sunshine guys! Keep up the good work.

Wow. What a Welcome!

I don't know about the rest of the company, but I am completely blown away by the generosity of my fellow bloggers. My friends and blogging mentors Shel, Carlton, Fritz and Lee all touched me deeply, personally, by the kind things they've said. Thank you, my friends.

There are, also, the folks that I haven't 'met' yet who were equally as kind and welcoming on their blogs, welcoming us with 'open arms' as Jeremiah puts it. And then, of course, the folks who took the time to comment and leave their thoughts for us on our first couple of days in the blogosphere. Thank you all. I read every one - some of them twice. Personally, I am humbled. And...slightly grateful since my boss' boss is watching.

We were even Twittered at least once, which I think it kind of fun.

Thank you all. I hope that we continue to interest you and that you come back often.

Behind the Scenes

A blog is not the work of just one person and this one certainly isn't and won't be. If it is a company blog ideas for posts come not only from the author, but from customers, associates, co-workers, colleagues and issues in the marketplace, too. If it is a personal blog ideas can come from conversations with friends and family and just about anywhere else, too.

As I mentioned, as we evolve this blog more people from here will chime in and I expect that all of you will have quite a few things to contribute, too. I'm counting on both those things, actually.

But, there are also the contributions that happened behind the scenes that got this blog started. Support from 'the top', of course. Not only the director of marketing here, but also our GM and the head of corporate communications for our parent company. They are all very supportive and, to be honest, this blog wouldn't be here without that support.

Then there is the creative. Do you think that I created the banner at the top of the page? I'm lucky I can draw stick figures, even on the computer. Our graphic designer did that and I think it's kind of cool. He also created the little lock icons at the start of each post. That, to me anyway, is a nice touch.

And, a big thank you goes out to photographer Kevin Dillard who not only provided some photos for our new brand website (live next week!), but he also took the photo to the right especially for us a week or so ago at a messenger event in Richmond, Virginia. How nice is that? We certainly appreciate that and it is the perfect compliment to the design of this blog.

Thank you one and all. I think this is going to be a great adventure for our brand.