In this episode of the Spuzziness Business Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with David Nordblad, the General Secretary of the Scandinavian Outdoor Group. Our conversation delved into David's personal journey within the outdoor industry, his professional experiences, and the vital role of the Scandinavian Outdoor Group in promoting collaboration among outdoor brands.

Contact details:

david@scandinavianoutdoorgroup.com, text: +46705491996 Insta: @‌dnordblad

Scandinavian Outdoor Group - Innovation and Passion from Scandinavia

David began by sharing a bit about himself, revealing that he is turning 40 this year and resides in Åre, Sweden, a picturesque ski town. He reflected on his upbringing on a small island off the west coast of Sweden, where community and familiarity shaped his values. This sense of connection and trust in relationships has been a cornerstone of his professional life, influencing how he interacts with brands and individuals in the industry.

We explored David's career trajectory, which began in retail and evolved through various roles, including sales representation for brands like Marmot and Smartwool, and later, as a buyer for an internet store. His experiences have provided him with a unique perspective on the outdoor industry, allowing him to understand the dynamics of both sales and purchasing.

As we shifted our focus to the Scandinavian Outdoor Group, David explained its mission and structure. Founded by a coalition of Scandinavian outdoor brands, the organization aims to enhance visibility and competitiveness in the global market through collaboration. With around 60 to 70 member brands, the group operates on three main pillars: sales and marketing activities, networking and knowledge sharing, and sustainability initiatives.

David highlighted the importance of the Scandinavian Village at trade shows like ISPO, where brands come together to create a unified presence, fostering connections and mutual support. He also discussed the group's commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the need for brands to make climate commitments and engage in collaborative projects to improve their environmental impact.

Throughout our conversation, David underscored the value of relationships in the outdoor industry, advocating for a culture of collaboration and kindness. He shared insights on the current challenges facing the industry, including geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, and how brands can adapt to these changes.

As we wrapped up, David expressed his enthusiasm for the future of the Scandinavian Outdoor Group and the outdoor industry as a whole. He encouraged listeners to embrace collaboration and to have fun in both their personal and professional lives.

This episode is a rich exploration of the outdoor industry's landscape, the importance of community, and the innovative approaches being taken by Scandinavian brands to thrive in a competitive market. Join us for this inspiring conversation that highlights the power of collaboration and the shared passion for the outdoors.

00:00:01 - Introduction to Spuzziness Business Podcast 00:00:33 - Meet David Nordblad: Personal Background 00:01:07 - David's Journey in the Outdoor Industry 00:03:16 - From Sales Rep to General Secretary 00:05:07 - Education and Early Career 00:06:38 - The Importance of Relationships in Business 00:09:03 - Sales and Marketing Insights 00:11:13 - Overview of Scandinavian Outdoor Group 00:14:05 - Sales and Marketing Projects: Scandinavian Village 00:17:12 - Networking Events and Opportunities 00:19:32 - Sustainability Initiatives and Status 00:22:18 - Collaboration with European Outdoor Group 00:24:44 - Current Industry Challenges and Future Outlook 00:28:13 - Future Steps for Scandinavian Outdoor Group 00:31:32 - Supporting Scandinavian Outdoor Group 00:32:08 - Quickfire Round: Personal Insights 00:36:03 - Making a Positive Impact 00:38:12 - Recommended Podcast: Acquired 00:39:31 - How to Connect with David Nordblad 00:40:19 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks