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Ski towns are a hot breeding ground for mountain-sports-related startups, and for good reason: Ski bums are always coming up with creative solutions to esoteric skiing-related problems. Unfortunately, most of them are too niche to be economically viable. Personally, I was pretty sure that the world was ready for backcountry jetpacks, but the invisible hand smacked that genius idea back into my dreams. Oh well, maybe in ten years...
Once in a while, though, a good idea gains some traction. The Arcade Belt Co., founded in Squaw Valley, CA, is the result of one such idea. A few years ago, roommates Cody Townsend, Tristan Queen, and David Bronkie realized that they didn’t like the existing options for belts, and decided to make their own. We caught up with Arcade's Marketing Director, Jake Martin, to learn a little more about his rapidly-growing business:
TGR: When was Arcade Belts founded?
Jake: 2010
TGR: What was the inspiration behind starting a belt company?
Jake: At the time, we were spending every day in the mountains, traveling or spending time on the coast. We simply didn't like the options that we were finding in the marketplace and really didn't feel that anyone was creating a belt that worked as well as the rest of our gear. We eventually took it upon ourselves to solve our own problem.
TGR: You call your belts the best in the world. What makes your belts different?
Jake: More than anything, we want to make sure our products work and that our customers are happy with the product. All of our material choices, product development and design direction revolve around putting function first. It can seem like such a basic accessory until you really start thinking about every aspect of the product and considering every touch point and area for improvement. Thinking about these aspects of the belt is really our happy place and serves as the north star for our company.
TGR: Did Squaw influence your design/process in any way?
Jake: Absolutely. We have the ultimate testing grounds for developing and testing new product as well as an incredible network of local adventurers that help field test our products.
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TGR: Why did you choose to keep your headquarters at Squaw?
Jake: We have fought to build our personal lives here and to build our company here because of the incredible natural resources and the loyal local community. It's our Mecca, our Disneyland and our Fountain of Youth all rolled into one.
TGR: How has the company evolved since day one? Do you have plans to expand the business into other areas besides belts, or are you going to stick with what you know works?
Jake: We are constantly evolving as the marketplace changes, our access to innovative & sustainable materials progresses & our team grows. We try to always have one foot in today and one foot in tomorrow. Our goal is to develop the best belts in the world, we are focussing on making sure we deliver on that goal.
TGR: What kind of support have you guys had from the local community?
Jake: The local community has been incredibly loyal and supportive, we try to make sure we return the favor as much as possible. In the early days, they were our life support and helped us keep the lights on, we continue to see that level of support and are eternally grateful for it.
TGR: When we were talking with Squaw about which company to highlight, they pointed us in your direction. Why do you think that is?
Jake: The people and the mountains in this place are what keep us honest and they help define our purpose. This is our home and we care about making a positive contribution to the fabric that makes up Squaw.
