Ep 19: Talking Shop with SRAM Co-Founder Stan Day and CEO Ken Lousberg
Want to hear all about the fascinating history and recent changes at industry stalwart SRAM? Well, you have come to the right place! Today we sit down with Co-Founder Stan Day, and recently appointed CEO Ken Lousberg, to go deep on SRAM's most pivotal moments, the ethos of the company, and the elements of the cycling world and industry that keep both of our guests inspired and excited! To kick things off, we look back at the early days of the company in the 1980s, the acquisitions that aided its growth, and the building of an amazing talent pool. Stan and Ken share about some of the challenges they have each been privy to at different points and even some surprising occurrences during the pandemic era. We also get to unpack a bit of the entrepreneurial identity of SRAM and how this still informs their attitude towards new products and their customers. Make sure to tune in to this great conversation and catch it all!
Key Points From This Episode:
Stan and Ken's recent tour through Portugal.
Thoughts on indoor cycling as a separate discipline.
Charting some of the important moments in the history of SRAM.
Tricky times in the early days and how SRAM managed to survive.
The transition that the company went through in 2019 with Ken stepping in to lead.
Benefits of different leadership styles for different seasons.
The role of a CEO around purpose, resources, and allowing space.
Ken shares the current company purpose and values at SRAM.
A little about the shrewd acquisitions that SRAM has made over the years.
SRAM's approach to adding talent to the team and the high value they place on this.
Innovations from the last decade; our guests talk about which ones they rate highly!
The entrepreneurial spirit at SRAM and what this means for its team members.
Advice for new company founders in cycling right now.
Potential growth for cycling in the next decade in light of the needs of the planet and society.
SRAM's approach to involving themselves in the e-mountain bike space.
Strides and expansion for the sport; Ken and Stan's thoughts on e-bikes.
Reflections on the last year in cycling; standout moments for our guests.
The current situation at SRAM with regards to returning to the office post-quarantine.
Balancing longevity and innovation and how SRAM draws on the passion of their community.
Tweetables:
“I had this view that we were going to take over the road market, the road shifting market because, at that time, all the shifting was done on a down tube, that product didn’t do so well.” — Stan Day [0:05:29]
“After leading the company for 25 to almost 30 years, I wanted to pass the baton while I was still running full speed.” — Stan Day [0:08:45]
“We believe in the power of bicycles and expanding the potential of cycling. We create manufactured components that inspire cyclists.” — Ken Lousberg [0:12:55]
“Our values are integrity, innovation, collaboration, passion, commitment, and inclusivity.” — Ken Lousberg [0:13:38]