The Fishman has come BACK to the surf industry!
What’s up and how’zit gang? My name is Steven Fisher and I am the new Buyer Relations Manager for Boardsports at Surf Expo. I am so STOKED to be back in the surf biz! Let me take a couple of minutes to give you a quick peek at who I am, where I am from, and what I can do for you!
For those of you that are new to this event, Surf Expo does something a bit different that sets us apart from the average trade show and that is our Buyer Relations department. Let’s see what this role is all about and what it means to you, the buyer and exhibitor, as I interview… myself!
Q: Can I call you Fish?
A: Sure – most people do…
Q: O.K., Fish… What’s this Buyer Relation thing all about?
A: Simple… Trade shows are meant to bring people together for business, right? Well, we’re here to pair the best exhibitors with the best retailers in the Surf, Beach Lifestyle and Resort industry!
Q: And what makes you qualified for this AWESOME task?
A: I’ve been in the retail biz for around 20 years, or so… Grew up in the surf industry as the Men’s buyer for Wave Riding Vehicle’s flagship store in Va. Beach and then moved into product development, sourcing and design to support WRV's wholesale line. Been a BIG BOX buyer too when I was with the Naval Exchange System (NEXCOM) - and it doesn’t get much bigger than the US Navy, folks, let me tell ya! I’ve been an exhibitor at Surf Expo as well with WRV so I have some experience on both sides of the table. Oh… and I was an importer with Paramount Parks, as a Director, developing branded and licensed product for the theme park biz and handling sourcing and production overseas. I’ve pretty much done it all so I can relate to almost anything you can throw at me.
Q: Wow… you are amazing… and so humble…
A: Thanks… To be honest I am simply thrilled to be back in the surf industry – I’ve been gone way too long. It’s great to be here and in this position to help retailers and vendors meet. The buyers call and ask us to track down vendors they are trying to work with. The vendors contact me looking for a certain buying group or a segment of retailers or stores they’ve been struggling to hook up with. I am like a matchmaker for the surf biz! We can help you with registration; even put you in touch with our Travel Staff for housing in Orlando too!
Q: Fantastic! How much to you charge for this service? Sounds pretty expensive…
A: That’s the best part… IT’S FREE!!!
Q: What??? No way!!!
A: Yep… totally FREE. Exhibitors - call me to help find a buyer. Retailers – call me and I’ll personally walk with you to introduce you to a vendor you’ve had trouble contacting. It’s what I do and what we at Surf Expo bring to the table. Any questions, concerns… suggestions… Just call to chat about how amazing this FREE service is!
Q: And where can buyers and exhibitors reach you?
A: E-mail is sfisher@surfexpo.com and my direct phone number is 678-781-7975. Did I mention this service is FREE?
Q: Yes… yes you did… a few times. Thanks so much for your time. You better get back to the phones and e-mail.
A: My pleasure. Yep… pretty busy around here! The show opens on September 12th and runs to the 14th! That’s right around the corner! Registration is open so please take a minute to sign up! We’ve got great rates on Orlando hotels too! See you in September!!!
Steven Fisher
Buyer Relations Manager
678.781.7975 vox
sfisher@surfexpo.com
My new home!!!
Come on in! The water's fine!
Overseeing the kingdom...
Packing them in!
