Friends to the End: How La Jolla Group Survived and Thrived in the Surf Industry with a Team of Lifelong Pals

Rich Brown, the majority owner of La Jolla Group, is not just a businessman but also a longtime friend to the group of people who own the company. Among them are Bill Zolg, who played high school football with Brown, Linda Rambis and Kurt Rambis, a former LA Laker star who attended college with Brown, and Doug Cosbie, a former NFL star who also went to college with Brown. In addition to his friends, his son-in-law and current Executive Chairman Daniel Neukomm and former La Jolla Group CEO John Warner are also part of the group.

In an exclusive interview with SES, Brown shared how he and his college buddies acquired the O’Neill Clothing license 30 years ago, which led to the establishment of La Jolla Group. He discussed the challenges faced by the company over the years and how it managed to survive in the constantly evolving surf industry. Brown also shared his insights on where he believes the surf industry is heading, especially in light of the current state of the market.

Brown emphasized that La Jolla Group is not just a corporation but rather a collection of longtime friends who have known each other for 50 years. Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, they have always been able to work together towards common goals. The success of La Jolla Group can be attributed to their strong bond and mutual respect.

Overall, Rich Brown’s story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs everywhere. It shows that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck, anyone can achieve their dreams. Whether you are starting a new business or looking to grow an existing one, it is important to surround yourself with people who support you and share your vision for success.