Press Release:
Local Surf Shop Owner’s Perspective on Small business Saturday
In 1974, Bill “Burnin” Bernard, Surf Ride owner, founded a small surf shop in Oceanside. Over the years, Surf Ride has been carefully molded by Bill and now his sons, Dustin and Josh, into a leading action sports retailer, with 2 stores and a growing online presence. Surf Ride is an icon in the community and was quick to take part in a day dedicated to small businesses alike. We caught up with Bill at his local surf spot to get his perspective on Small Business Saturday.
Watch video here: https://vimeo.com/32540224
Small Business Saturday® is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. As a successful business owner, Bill emphasizes the impact of small businesses on the nation’s economy. “When you support a big business, a large portion of the profits that they make, are invested in another state or area” says Bill.
The profit of a small business creates jobs, boosts the economy, and preserves neighborhoods in the surrounding community. “If you look at the towns with the big box stores that go in, the whole downtown dries up, and disintegrates. Sure, the people in town may save $.50 on an item.” November 26th is a day created to make consumers aware of the irreplaceable impact that spending money at small businesses has.
“Overtime I would say that we have employed probably well over 1,000 young people,” said Bill. There is indisputable proof that small businesses create nearly all new jobs. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, since 1989, small businesses have created 90 percent of all net new jobs. Bill always thought that one of his jobs as a small business owner was to train young people, teach them work ethics and mold them into citizens. Aside from creating numerous jobs and employing members of the local community, Surf Ride gives back in many ways; participation in community events, sponsorships, charity golf tournaments, donations and high school internship programs are just a few. Per capita, the amount that Surf Ride gives back to the community far outweighs the big box stores.
As Bill puts it, “We live in a country where anybody can do anything they want. If they save and they sacrifice a little bit, they can pull off whatever they want. That’s the foundation of our country.”
Although small businesses have been hit the hardest in this economy, they still must exist. When we all shop small, it will be huge.
Surf Ride has joined the movement and, as a small, local business, couldn’t help but appreciate this holiday and want to extend appreciation to loyal customers. On Saturday, November 26th Surf Ride is hosting a free BBQ from 11am-2pm at both of stores and anyone who visits will receive a free gift. In addition, all Surf Ride brand products will be Buy 1 Get 1 Free, including apparel, surf accessories, and surfboards.
About Small Business Saturday
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, there’s the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday, the day people support small businesses. Pledge to Shop SmallSM on Nov 26th. If millions of Americans shop small, it will be huge.
About Surf Ride
Starting as a seedling in the 1970’s, Surf Ride has grown from the ground up, sprouting first in Oceanside, and branching out to a second location in Solana Beach. With both store fronts rooted along the Pacific Coast Highway, Surf Ride is committed to providing customers with as many product choices as possible. Our hard work has paid off and has led to recognition from Transworld Business as ‘Hardgoods Retailer of the Year’. To keep up with the rise of the internet world, an online shop was developed, providing product to your doorstep with the click of a button. www.surfride.com
