Skip Yowell

To say the least Skip Yowell has lead an interesting life.  Skip has climbed mountains, both metaphorically and literally.  His photos from k2 to Mt Ranier he has literally risked his life for his passion.  The most interesting part of the lecture though was how he climbed the metaphorical mountains, in his business.

Jansport started in an empty apartment above a buidling in Seattle and grew from there.  They were actually the first company to use zippers in the construction of day packs.  The zippers appealed to college students who could zip there books up in the rainy weather of Seattle.  This was the beginning of Market that Jansport still focus’s on today, college bookstores.  By expanding from that niche market and “paying attention”  to the consumer they were able to growto where they are today.  This in it self is a lesson in entrepreneurship.

What I learned most from this lecture is a true sense of business.  Skip commented on some of the challenges and success’s he had when starting Jansport.  When asked what the greatest hurrdle was he answered “financing”.  This is very useful to anyone who is thinking of starting a business or wanting to grow a business.