Top-10 QED Style Memories of 2018: A Year of Big Change
As the year changes, we can be quick to get geared up and look ahead. While I am guilty of this as well, 2018 was a monumental year at QED Style. Growth, expansion, new account relationships, new vendor partnerships...even new a life?? Here is a list of our top ten moments from last year!
10. QED Style Becomes a Retail Partner with ON Footwear:
So long are the days of QED solely offering apparel. QED Style partnered up with ON Footwear this past fall as a select retailer within Salt Lake City. We often describe QED as a performance lifestyle apparel brand. ON running shoes are a perfect footwear compliment to the lifestyle that we promote. The QED Style store has a wide range of men's and ladies' shoes available now with new Spring '19 shoes arriving this March. Come check them out! They have a great look with unmatched comfort. I wear mine working out, running, hiking, golfing or simply as a casual shoe. Most importantly, they look great with all QED Style bottoms.
9. An Abundance of QED Style Seen in Scottsdale at WMO:
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this business for me is the unexpected sight of QED in public. Emotions of pride and joy sweep over. The Waste Management Open in Scottsdale, Az has routinely become the highest populated sporting event in the world. The attendance record was broken last year as just under 720K people came out over the course of the week. Even with Scottsdale being one of our most popular markets, the joy of seeing QED never fades.
8. Another PGA Show in the Books:
The "Major of Golf Business" takes place every January at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. As most industry tradeshows are, it's a BIG production. Thousands of exhibitor booths fill up a convention center that seems to never end. While not as big as in the past, I was told that walking the entire PGA show would equal 12 miles. The months leading up to the show along with the week working it have always produced a stressful yet successful and satisfying experience. A huge thanks to the crew that helped make the 2018 show possible.
7. QED Style Dresses Featured in PGA Magazine:
QED Style was mentioned in a featured interview by Lisa Goulian Twiste discussing how dresses may be trending up in golf shops. Jane Schwab, merchandise buyer at Fossil Trace golf club, specifically mentions QED Style several times as a vendor who contributed to the newly developed concept of a "dress shop". With the lifestyle look already trending in men, why can't we see some of that in women's golf as well? The ultimate compliment is seeing our designs and motives influence golf shops to broaden perspective and open up in creativity. Thanks again, Lisa!
6. Stock Farm Club Trip:
"The key to this business is personal relationships" - Jerry McGuire
While probably true in any type of business, the same could be said about life. We had the incredible opportunity of meeting Gary and Elaina from Stock Farm Club at last year's PGA show (mentioned above). What began as a recommended stop-by turned into an incredible road trip and a friendship that will last a long time.
Located in Hamilton, MT at the base of the Bitterroot mountain range, Stock Farm Club is one of the few ultimate golf properties. After meeting at the PGA show, Gary and Elaina invited Marlene (QED Style VP of Sales) and me up to see the property and assist with merchandising QED in their golf shop. The scenery and soon to be friendship turned the work trip into an incredible experience. Montana is a beautiful place. A true highlight to the year.
5. QED Style is Host Apparel Vendor at "C Star" Member Guest Event at Cordillera Ranch:
Shoutout to another amazing property! We had the great honor of being a vendor partner at the annual "C Star" event at Cordillera Ranch Golf Club. The hill country of Texas is QED. Everything about it seems to resonate with our detailing, sense of style and design. When asked to take a large role in a member guest event this past October, it was a no brainer. Like the Stock Farm trip, the "C Star" turned into an unforgettable experience as my girlfriend, Jenna, and I drove to Texas and worked the event. A huge thanks to Camille Ferguson and everyone at Cordillera Ranch Golf Club for the support and new found friendship.
4. Fashion and Design Inspiration from North Africa and Spain Trip:
Creative inspiration can come from just about anywhere. Nothing probably fuels it more though than traveling. Different sounds, tastes, sights, experiences - all open you up to different cultures and ways of seeing the world. For some reason, my eyes have always been captivated by symmetry and fitting shapes. Jenna and I traveled through northern Africa and Spain this fall. The trip was visual heaven. The Moor's taste in architecture and visual design was an ensemble of geometric perfection over and over. I returned home inspired and wanting to incorporate those looks into our designs. One of our Fall '19 men's prints shows this inspiration and has trim detailing used from a photograph we took while at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
3.5 The Arrival of the Wellington Sweater:
I love this sweater.
3. "Team Will" and the Outdoor Chalkboard at QED Style:
QED Style was a quick resting spot for Team Will along their annual countrywide bike trip. Team Will is a community of cyclists committed to raising public awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. Each year they take on the "Go The Distance" ride in which they start by dipping their back tire in the Pacific Ocean and complete the trip by dipping their front tire in the Atlantic. Translation: San Fran to Jersey on a bike. It's an incredible journey dedicated to an amazing cause. Even more special is that Marlene's son, Isamu, is an annual cyclist participating on the ride.
2. QED Style Opens Flagship Store in Salt Lake City, Utah
June 8th, 2018 marked the grand opening of the QED Style Store located here in downtown Salt Lake City. While it was a celebration of our beginning in retail, internally it felt more like we were celebrating the maturation of QED. After seven years, the line felt like it had grown deep enough. The brand awareness was significantly stronger. A professional retail-like setting to showcase the product was needed. Some space opened up that was convenient. A scary move but the timing felt right.
Many of you were either at the opening party or have stopped in over the holidays. Thank you! Like many storefronts, we will continue to change things up and bring in additional vendors to help create a unique shopping experience within Salt Lake. If you're in the area, stop by! We are continually offering in-store specials or featuring new vendors.
1. Big Life Changes:
This part may be a little self-involved...apologies. In November, I became engaged to an incredible woman. I met Jenna Coil in July of 2017 and have never since felt more secure, confident and happy in my life. As a CRNA, she humbles me every day with her ability to treat and care for people needing anesthesia. She helps put the world of retail and sales into daily perspective. I'm excited to have a counterpart who keeps me grounded, makes me smarter and more complete. I know these all will infuse into what's put into each day here at QED.
Perhaps the greatest cherry on top is that I became an uncle this past October. My brother and his wife, Kayla, welcomed a baby boy (Easton). He's another example of putting everyday work life into perspective. Future tour player, future QED model, future...we'll see!
We want to thank you each one of you for your continued support over the years. 2019 will mark our 8th year. Crazy. QED continues to grow and establish itself with and amongst the apparel giants in golf. This can only be attributed to our internal passion as well as support from customers. We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. Cheers to great things in 2019!