Skull Candy's Rick Alden Up for Entrepreneur of the Year
Park City, UT – Rick Alden, founder and CEO of Skullcandy, has been named one-of-five finalists for the Entrepreneur of 2009 contest in Entrepreneur magazine presented by The UPS Store®, perhaps the most prestigious award bestowed upon entrepreneurs today. Now through October 12, 2009, Skullcandy customers and supporters can vote for industry veteran Alden to become the Entrepreneur of 2009 at http://www.entrepreneur.com/e2009/vote/established.php#633.
“All of the finalists exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and are making a real impact with their businesses,” said Amy Cosper, VP/editor in chief at Entrepreneur. “While they’re at the top of our list, it’s ultimately up to the business community to decide who their favorite is by voting. We encourage everyone to go online now to make their pick.”
“Each of the finalists is making a big difference with his or her business, and they represent the innovative entrepreneurs we see in our centers every day,” said Tom Crockett, vice president of sales and marketing at Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., franchisor of The UPS Store. “We look forward to seeing whom the entrepreneurial community chooses as the winners.”
Skullcandy’s success is a result of Alden’s over 20 year career in the snowboard, surf, and skate industries. Skullcandy was an effort to strap time proven core-marketing techniques onto an entirely new product category for the action sports retail environment. Later, these products were rolled out through more traditional consumer electronic retailers. Alden’s strategy proved to successful as Skullcandy quickly grew to become the second most sold headphone brand in the world.
“The greatest part of Skullcandy for me has been the association with an incredible team of employees. Being blessed to work with these people every day is the best part of the ride,” Alden stated. “I likely have a dysfunctionaly high opinion of the importance of entrepreneurship in America, so to be included with this caliber of other founders in the premier magazine for entrepreneurs, as one of the five finalists is an insane honor.”
In 2003, Alden launched Skullcandy to integrate audio and mobile technologies into skateboard, snowboard and lifestyle products. In just six years, Skullcandy has introduced a line of more than 100 SKU’s of headphones as well as many other audio products, such as backpacks with built in speakers and iPod accessories to over 50 countries. Skullcandy currently has collaborations with artists and brands such as Snoop Dogg, Mix Master Mike, Def Jam Records, Giro Helmets, Smith Optics, Paul Frank, Von Zipper, Dragon Alliance and many others.
To see Alden’s full business profile and video—and to vote, go to http://www.entrepreneur.com/e2009/vote/established.php#633
www.entrepreneur.com/e2009.
About Skullcandy, Inc.
Skullcandy was launched in 2003 in Park City, Utah. They are designers of headphones, mp3 player watches, audio accessories and other audio-enabled lifestyle products, such as backpacks with built-in speakers and iPod controls. Skullcandy also collaborates with select brands to integrate its audio technology into products from snow helmets to outerwear, apparel, packs and bags. Skullcandy gear is sold worldwide through top retailers, specialty outlets and online at www.skullcandy.com.
About Entrepreneur Media Inc.
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After 32 years, nobody reaches more growing businesses. As the original magazine for the small and midsize business community, Entrepreneur continues to be the definitive guide to all the diverse challenges of business ownership. Entrepreneur.com is the most widely used website by entrepreneurs and emerging businesses worldwide. Entrepreneur Press publishes the books that turn entrepreneurial skills into business success.
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About The UPS Store
With approximately 4,800 locations, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. ® network comprises the world’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, document and business service centers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. In the United States, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., a UPS subsidiary. In Canada, locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of master licensee MBEC Canada. For additional information, please visit www.theupsstore.com or www.mbe.com.