If you ski, then you are probably aware of how hard it is to carry everything you need, from your car to the slope, at one time.
Julie Hall was aware. As an avid skier herself, it wasn’t uncommon for her to lose an item while trying to carry all of her ski gear at once. Thinking that there had to be a better option, she created one. Julie’s ski and snowboard carriers offer an almost hands-free approach for carrying ski gear.
Through a little friendly prompting and her passion for the product, Julie launched Koala Snow Sports in 2008. So far this single mom and retired U.S. Army Veteran has done well.
What inspired you to launch Koala Snow Sports?
My experiences as a single mom of a family with both skiers and snowboarders. It was difficult to manage children along with mountain gear — not to mention a cup of coffee or the car keys — with only two hands.
How has your business grown or changed since its launch last year?
I also have developed many partnerships that have contributed to my success. Jim Laubham of Capital Accounting encouraged me to take the leap and do this full time and I am eternally grateful to him for giving me the push I needed. I am also grateful for Deb Falco of Falco Images for helping me get my initial photography done for my website as well as initial marketing plans.
Do you have any plans for expansion in the near future?
Yes, we are implementing product enhancement as well as adding key personnel that will be necessary to grow the business.
What was the most unexpected step that you encountered during the startup process?
Launching a new product given the current economic status.
What has your business taught you?
How important networking is. There is always someone that knows someone that can help your business — the more you talk about it the more contacts you have available. The business has also increased my financial knowledge and how to properly gauge a budget. I have also learned that all start-up companies are a 24/7 business!
When you look back on your life, do you think you were always heading towards a life as an entrepreneur?
Yes — I have always been inventing things. With my broad background — being in the ARMY, being a consultant as well as working in corporate America — has taught me most of the necessary skills needed to not only invent a product but the knowledge to know how to produce and market it and how to know when I need to hire a professional in areas that aren’t my expertise.
What goals do you have for Koala Snow Sports, as well as yourself?
To offer the best carriers and accessories to enhance mountain sports experiences.
To always love what I do.
Do you have any tips or tricks that have helped you balance your business and your personal life?
#1 — Family First!
#2 — Love what you do and share it with your family.
In one sentence, what advice would you like to give to an aspiring business owner?
Love what you plan to do, create a thorough financial plan — then double it!