Channel Mastery - Ep. 101: Mark Satkiewicz, Co-Founder of SBT GRVL

“Even the elite athletes that all have joined us—every one of them that we spoke to—represent the values that we have as an event. They're all super cool, they're all super engaged, they want to talk to people, they're not untouchable or unapproachable. I think that's really, really important.”
- Mark Satkiewicz

episode preview

I’m SO stoked to speak with Mark Satkiewicz, co-founder of SBT GRVL (pronounced Steamboat Gravel), in this episode. About a year ago, Mark and his three partners called my agency, Verde Brand Communications, about promoting a gravel grinder in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. (Full disclosure: SBT GRVL is a Verde client.) Here’s the thing: The race didn’t exist yet.

Not only did Mark and his partners create a brand new gravel event from scratch in about 10 months, it sold out within six days. SIX DAYS!!! We’re talking over 1,000 competitors and three courses. It is arguably one of the most successful cycling event launches of all time.

And now, after the inaugural SBT GRVL race took place on Aug. 18, 2019, we can officially report that not only did the team nail the launch, they nailed the event, too. The courses were incredible; the racers were happy; the cycling community is taking notice. For the record, that's not the PR-pro in me speaking; that’s spoken as an avid cyclist and racer, who competed on the long course.

Today, we talk about what made this event so exceptional right out of the gate, and the questions every event director and promoter should ask to ensure success. For Mark and his team, it was all about creating an accessible community. The focus was on the full experience - from registration to crossing the finish line - and ensuring that every touch point reinforced the spirit of inclusivity and support. The race itself was built on beauty and challenge, but the vibe was one of parity, breaking down barriers and encouraging everyone with an interest.

featuring

Mark Satkiewicz

Mark Satkiewicz, the co-founder of SBT GRVL, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He is the former CEO of Smartwool and held executive positions at TOMS, Keebler and Nike. Mark is an avid endurance athlete and cyclist.

topics covered

building community, inclusivity in cycling, transparency as a tool for engagement, event marketing, event production and promotion, consumer-centric marketing, establishing credibility around a new product

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“Regardless if this is a new bike cycling event, selling socks, selling shoes, selling apparel, base layer—whatever it is—the consumer is really all that matters, right? Are you fulfilling the needs of the consumer? Have you done a good job of relating to them, understanding them, speaking to them, really diving into finding out who they are and what they're looking for from whatever product or service that you're selling?”
“The inclusiveness side, which I think of the three aspects [beauty, challenge, inclusivity] is really the most important to be honest. How do you make it accessible?”“How do we knock down as many barriers for the rider as humanly possible?”
“Even the elite athletes that all have joined us—every one of them that we spoke to—represent the values that we have as an event. They're all super cool, they're all super engaged, they want to talk to people, they're not untouchable or unapproachable. I think that's really, really important.”
“I think the inclusiveness, the energy and the authentic experience that these folks had is our proudest thing, by far.”

Channel Mastery - Ep. 101: Mark Satkiewicz, Co-Founder of SBT GRVL

episode preview

featuring

Mark Satkiewicz

topics covered

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