January 22, 2020 • 6 mins
In the latest episode of CEO's You Should Know, Jane Wells interviews CEO Michael West, of 686 Technical Apparel, a company that makes winter apparel for skiers, snowboarders and anyone who likes to go outside. Or, as they like to say on their website, 686 Technical Apparel seeks to push current boundaries of "design construction and interaction."
Over the years, 686 Technical Apparel has grown into a worldwide brand, with clothing being sold by nearly 3,000 retailers worldwide. It's a long way from when he sewed his first pieces of clothing, and created a catalog on his own - something that would eventually land him an order for $100,000.
His company's name has a dual, personal meaning for him. He started the business at age 20 (6+8+6) and in June 1986, his Japanese mother and grandmother reconciled.
When asked what he believes his biggest mistake has been over the years, Michael has to think about it for a moment.
"I'm constantly making mistakes, " he says with a laugh. "I think the biggest mistake we have is when we take on too much and you lose focus."
Over the years, 686 Technical Apparel has grown into a worldwide brand, with clothing being sold by nearly 3,000 retailers worldwide. It's a long way from when he sewed his first pieces of clothing, and created a catalog on his own - something that would eventually land him an order for $100,000.
His company's name has a dual, personal meaning for him. He started the business at age 20 (6+8+6) and in June 1986, his Japanese mother and grandmother reconciled.
When asked what he believes his biggest mistake has been over the years, Michael has to think about it for a moment.
"I'm constantly making mistakes, " he says with a laugh. "I think the biggest mistake we have is when we take on too much and you lose focus."
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Nikki Glaser Podcast
Every week comedian and infamous roaster Nikki Glaser provides a fun, fast-paced, and brutally honest look into current pop-culture and her own personal life.