Mick Fanning sharpens his exit strategy
On the eve of the Billabong Pro Teahupoo, Mick Fanning has spent the past week filling copy space in the business section of the press. First was a new sponsorship with Mercedes Benz, following on from Audi, and before that Ford, and overnight came news that Fanning has become part owner in long time sponsor, Creatures of Leisure.
Fanning first signed with Creatures of Leisure in 1997 when he was 16-years old and his contract with the accesories comapny was coming up for renewal.
“We started talking about future plans and ownership was put on the table as a way of me becoming more involved in the business” says Fanning, “and I thought that sounded absolutely perfect!”
Though he's yet to announce his retirement, the shift from sponsorship to part-owner is a way of deriving income when Fanning's competitive days are done. He's also a part-owner in Balter Brewery and has just released his own line of softboards.
The overnight news mirrors a shift in the surf industry where pro surfer-owned brands are finding a foothold, the most obvious being Dane Ryenolds and Craig Anderson with Former. Yet many other pros such as Josh Kerr, Taj, Luke Egan, and of course Kelly Slater are discovering the entrepreneurial spirit and parlaying their celebrity into successful businesses.
Comments
Smart move. Equity.
Always good to have a piece of the pie.
That top photo gave me a little buzz.
Flat out ,high line tube stance goodness.
I was thinking the same, that's a great shot
+3 As soon as I saw that photo all I could think about was the buzz of dropping the clutch and speeding down the line.
+4. A bloody great shot.
Having never bought a tail pad I find it strange that they are good business ventures. In general how many would a surfer go through in a year? Do people change them up for aesthetics or do they wear out?
If Bob HURLEY can have every kook wearing his crap with his name in capital letters plastered all over imagine what a real name like "FANNING" should be able to do.
How come Aussies are so into Bob Hurley anyway? When is HURLEY going to come out with clothes that have "BOB" written all over them? Never. You know why? Because people will say who the hell is Bob? That's right who the hell is Bob? Oh Bob is an American who used to work for Billabong and he has even shaped some surfboards. So if you ask me wearing American Bob clothes is very bad for the Australian surf industry. If Mick come out with Mick or Fanning all over his clothes Aussies can be proud and say ! have you ever heard of the guy that punched a shark in the head oh yeah and he also won 3 world titles.
They're not into Bob Mr. Wax, they're into John John and Julian who are sponsored by Hurley.
Every little (or big) kid wants to be JJF and every teen girl wants to smash Julian. That's what sells them clothes with the big 'H'.
p.s. regardless of geography.