Kevin Backstrom, a style icon in snowboarding and founder of Beyond Medals, shares his journey from competition to creating streetwear. He candidly discusses the challenges of brand evolution, including a legal battle with the Olympic Committee. Blue Montgomery from Capita joins to explore craftsmanship in snowboard production, emphasizing collaboration and innovation. The duo reflects on exhilarating moments on the slopes and the culture of snowboarding, highlighting the importance of community and memorable adventures.
Kevin Backstrom transformed a challenging situation into a successful brand, Beyond Metals, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit in snowboarding.
The Capita Mothership factory tour illuminated the intricate manufacturing process and commitment to sustainability in snowboard production.
Kevin’s early competitive experiences cultivated his passion and network, ultimately shaping his professional career in snowboarding.
Through Beyond Metals, Kevin emphasizes capturing the true essence of snowboarding culture by blending fun with authentic experiences.
Collaboration and camaraderie among snowboarders play a vital role in inspiring creativity and motivation within the industry, according to Kevin.
Deep dives
The Excitement of the Episode
The episode features Kevin Backstrom, a renowned style icon in snowboarding, and the co-host Henry Jackson. It’s the first-ever European remote podcast, recorded at the Capita Mothership factory. Kevin has built his brand, Beyond Metals, which started from a web series to blockbusters and has expanded into streetwear and outerwear. The conversation promises unique insights into the snowboarding world, plus information on keeping snowboard content fresh and contemporary.
The Stunning Capita Factory Tour
Kevin and Henry take listeners through the impressive Capita Mothership factory in Austria, highlighting the complex process of snowboard manufacturing. They describe how seeing the entire assembly line transforms one's appreciation for snowboards. A tour of the factory showcases not only the machinery but also the commitment to quality control and eco-friendly production methods, including the use of 100% clean energy. This experience underscores the craftsmanship that goes into creating the products that snowboarders utilize.
Kevin's Snowboarding Journey
Kevin discusses his humble beginnings in Ulysänhamn, Sweden, where he spent his childhood snowboarding on a small ski hill, thanks to his father, who groomed the slopes. His early participation in local contests sparked his passion for competitive snowboarding. At just 13, he began making waves on the national scene after securing a sponsorship and riding in prominent contests. Kevin's determination and work ethic have since propelled him into the professional snowboarding world.
The Transition to a Professional Snowboarder
Kevin recalls his growth in the sport, noting the tournaments he participated in, including the Burton European Open Junior event at age 13, which led him to higher levels of competition. The exposure he gained in those early years allowed him to connect with peers and expand his network. He attended a specialized snowboard school that fostered talent and brought him further into the spotlight. The experiences and contacts he made through competition were instrumental in shaping his professional career.
The Development of Beyond Metals
The brand Beyond Metals started as a web series showcasing a fun and casual approach to snowboarding while documenting Kevin and his friends’ lifestyles. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged production, developing both video content and skateboarding. The brand's identity is grounded in an authentic portrayal of snowboarding culture, maintaining a balance between excitement and genuine experiences. Kevin emphasizes the importance of capturing the essence of snowboarding, bringing fun back into the sport.
Natural Selection Experiences
Kevin shares his experiences participating in the Natural Selection contests, where he faced extreme competition from top riders. His first appearance at Jackson Hole was characterized by nerves but ultimately culminated in a strong performance, even against the likes of Travis Rice. Although he did not win, he earned recognition for his style and approach during the event. Later, he appeared again at the Natural Selection Duels, facing fellow riders and adapting to challenging conditions while maintaining his competitive spirit.
Collaboration and Sponsorships
Kevin details his sponsorships, including Capita, Union, and Monster, alongside his collaborations with brands like Deluxe and Dragon. He highlights the importance of working with companies that share similar values and allow for creative expression. His journey illustrates the significance of building a personal brand through partnership and community rather than solely focusing on individual successes. Each collaboration enables Kevin to push his creativity in both design and riding styles.
The Importance of Team Dynamics
Throughout the podcast, the camaraderie among snowboarders pivots around the supportive environment created within teams, particularly in Beyond Metals. Kevin emphasizes the joy of working with friends and the sense of family that develops among team members. The collaborations foster creativity and mutual motivation when filming or participating in events. The discussions highlight how working with other talented and passionate individuals ultimately inspires better performance.
Memorable Snowboarding Moments
Kevin reflects on significant moments in his career, such as the friendships formed with other riders and the thrills of competing in prestigious contests. Stories shared about challenges faced, whether in competition, filming, or simply having a good time, add layers to his journey. He fondly recalls unique experiences and connections made throughout his years in snowboarding, showcasing the relational aspect of the sport. These moments not only define his personality but also inspire the next generation of snowboarders.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Kevin expresses excitement for upcoming projects with Beyond Metals, including new films and collaborations, while maintaining his performance in snowboarding. His vision remains clear: to create content that resonates while developing enjoyable experiences for spectators. Kevin's desire to explore new frontiers in his riding, coupled with the ongoing evolution of Beyond Metals, reflects a commitment to growth in both his profession and influence in the industry. However, he plans to focus on quality while ensuring the fun element remains intact.
Kevin Backstrom is a style icon on and off the snowboard. He turned what many might consider a nightmare into a thriving business and now helps design and produce outerwear and streetwear for some of the best snowboarders in the world. Beyond Medals is where good times meets rebellion. Paving their own, unique path through the industry, Kevin and the rest of the team are making a lasting impact on the culture. Find out how Kevin got to where he is today and everything in between on this week’s episode of The Bomb Hole!
Special thank you to our Patreon Members for making our show possible! Ask us questions and suggest topics for guests and Group Chat when you become a member. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/thebombhole
Chapters
00:00 Intro
3:45 Finding Snowboarding In Sweden
6:34 The Contest Scene
14:01 Style
6:28 Getting Kicked Off The National Team
25:47 Ads (Melin, Pub Beer, Shredbots)
28:11 Beyond Medals
55:00 Less Is More / LAAX
1:04:19 Ads (Oakley, Yeti, Vaer)
1:06:20 Doing It All / The Beyond Medals Team
1:12:04 NTVP
1:14:17 Swedish GOATs /Lewis Hamilton
1:20:43 Filming In America vs Europe
1:24:06 Ads (Woodward, Kodiak Cakes, Arc’teryx)
1:27:16 Blue Montgomery Joins the Show: Kevin Getting on CAPiTA / The Mothership
1:50:08 Sponsors & Designs
1:56:34 Ads (Mammoth, Bubs Naturals, Mint Tours)
2:02:10 Natural Selection
2:14:37 Driving
2:17:42 Hot Takes
2:22:17 Set Ups / What’s Next / Thank Yous
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