Don Meek: Business Leader, Media Expert, Surfer, Community Builder, and Environmental Steward

Don Meek has done a lot of things at a very high level and his stories are captivating and chock full of authentic soundbites, noteworthy quotes, and examples of all manner of success, failure, and the path through it all.

Whether it be his fitness mantra of “fit to play,” his long list of executive positions across multiple industries, or how his current roles with the New Earth Project, US Board Riders Clubs, and Fuel TV all interconnect with the goal of community building, storytelling, and environmental awareness and stewardship.

Don’s viewpoints, passion, and knowledge across all of these spectrums made for a super cool, informative, and compelling interview.

Don is rad. Be sure to check this one out for sure.⚡

00:00 - Exciting opportunity to talk with accomplished Don Meek!
9:41 - Regular childhood turned into a successful lifeguarding career.
13:51 - Enrolled in Berkeley on a whim with a strong academic record.
19:56 - Regular morning workouts at Heisler Park.
24:00 - Interest in advertising leads to an unexpected job offer!
33:19 - 80/20 rule applies to store performance.
40:41 - Surfing led to a career in sports marketing.
43:38 - Bought and revived Fuel TV, then sold it back.
52:27 - Focus on big, systemic changes, individual efforts are not enough.
53:39 - Multinational companies need to quit shipping problematic products.
1:02:00 - Local surfers established the West Coast Boardriders Association.
1:03:49 - Surfing transition from tradition to commercialism.
1:13:48 - The surf industry shaped culture through media influence.
1:15:59 - Surf apparel business hit its peak, unsure about future.
1:22:26 - “Let's work together to reduce plastic pollution!”