May 28, 2024

"I learn he’s a golfer. A good one. A great one. He was finishing college golf at UCLA and, though he definitely could go pro, really wasn’t feeling it."

5:45 - woke up

6:30 - first email

7:30 - yoga

12:00 - Campbell check in

2:00 - second email

3:00 - Shawn call

Every single conversation is an opportunity to create something meaningful.

Since MNML has committed to non-paid advertising and marketing, we’ve taken on the mind-set that we need to be the best at everything else . That includes digital, but more importantly, our real life relationships. We need to see every relationship as an opportunity to give.

We go into meetings with one mission: seek the opportunity for MNML to help the other party achieve their goal(s).

On this particular day we had three meetings. The first was with a friend who is branching out - after having a career of well-paid, successful positions - to be his own boss and help other brands utilize the experience he has gained. In this call it felt like Shawn came to the meeting with the same intention we did. So we ended up thinking of a bunch of ways to help each other and ultimately, scheduled another call.

6:00 - meeting with Kengo.

A little over two years ago I was getting ready to paddle out at el Porto and I noticed a college-aged guy, a college-aged girl, and another man on the beach, the younger guy getting ready to paddle out. I imagined it was probably a couple college students and the dad of one of them.

I’m still just there on the shore doing some stretches and observing and the young guy paddles out on a mid-length. Then I notice the girl on the beach start waving to him, at him. I walk over to the girl and (who I’m guessing is her dad) and ask if they need help or want me to deliver a message to the guy. She tells me he didn’t turn on his gopro.

I paddle out and relay the message.

We surf near each other for a while and then start chatting. “Where you from?” “where you from?” kind of stuff.

I learn he’s a golfer. A good one. A great one. He was finishing college golf at UCLA and, though he definitely could go pro, really wasn’t feeling it. More on Kengo here.

So we chatted more and I told him about MNML GOLF and to DM me if he ever needed anything.

A few days later we met at the club in Redondo where he told me a little more about his plans to move to Japan and work for (insert major financial institution here). He ended up getting a bag and introducing his friends to the brand…

And a few days ago he reached out. He is interested in doing something for MNML in Japan. We’re talking. Though we already have distribution there, I’d love to find a way to involve Kengo in the business. I truly believe these chance meetings have a hidden meaning to them and always try to give them as much attention as I can.

Whether it’s now or later, I’m looking forward to working together Kengo :)

7:00 - meeting with Matt

Matt represents athletes. He’s not a part of a three letter agency. He’s a guy who figured out instagram and then the NIL stuff and has found a niche in helping athletes develop their brands digitally.

I like his story. And I’ll dedicate a full blog post to him and our relationship soon. Stay tuned.

8:30 - surf content

9:30 - bed