Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/80982
Everything from their "Day at the Office Video" which features a mix of work and play that includes awe inspiring and laughable trick shots, that include a pitch shot into a golf shoe placed on a moving skateboard in the back of the warehouse, to their "Oh We'll Sponsor That" section asking people if they are awesome and offering to sponsor them if they have a cool tournament or a wacky team. In addition to sponsor requests they feature four world champion wake boarders that are Kikkor athletes and their highlight videos that will have you redefining what cool is. You can also find them on You Tube, and it is well worth your while for a chuckle to check out their "Kikkor Tips – How to Golf in the Snow" featuring Lepp in a blindingly colourful skin tight luge suit offering tips from the snowy fairways. Lepp proudly proclaims in addition to all of his amateur titles, Tour wins, and shooting 59 at the Capilano Golf and Country Club that he can also toss a club 72 yards and notes, officially measured. He also tried his hand at golfing left handed after being a right handed player his whole career and after 4 rounds he got himself down to a 4.2 index. It is this fun loving and creative approach to the golf industry that has helped make Lepp a success story. In a recent interview Lepp shares some of his insights on starting his company and what the future holds. Inside Golf: What was the toughest part of starting a golf company in Canada? James Lepp: Well, we're competing against some pretty big players so that's not easy. We have to be very creative in how we stay ahead of the curve. IG: If you were to start from scratch again what would you do differently? JL: I don't think I would do anything differently to be completely honest. I learned so much through the hurdles and mistakes that come about. Learning is fun for me. IG: What has been the biggest reward for you since you launched the company? JL: I'm not sure if there is a 'biggest' reward. With every order that comes in, or every positive reaction, there's a small reward. Those accumulate to produce a pretty rewarding feeling. IG: What feedback do you get from people who buy your shoes? JL: They find them stylish and comfortable, no doubt. What surprises them is how comfortable they are. IG: Where do you see the company going? JL: Growing into more products. In fact, we have a tidy clothing line coming out for 2013. IG: You have recently finished filming The Big Break which will air on the Golf Channel in October 2012. What was that experience like? JL: It was tons of fun! I met some great people and made friendships that will last a long time. IG: Do you want to get back to playing competitive golf? If so what are your aspirations? JL: It always crosses my mind but nothing set in stone yet. I'm contemplating Q-School in the fall ...we'll see. James Lepp is a wildly talented Canadian. His foray into the golf industry with a fashion forward product coupled with his fun loving attitude and commitment to staying true to himself has made him a success both on and off the course and every player's favourite guy in their foursome. Lisa is the 7-Time Canadian Long Drive Champion and ranked #2 in the world. She can be reached through her website www.lisalongball.com. 33