NHS, Inc. - Overview
NHS, Inc. is a US-based skateboard distribution company headquartered in Santa Cruz, California. Founded in 1973 by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman, the company has consistently been an influential player in the skateboard industry. NHS encompasses several prominent brands, including Independent Truck Company, Krux Trucks, Ricta Wheel Dynamics, OJ Wheels, Mob Grip, Nor Cal, Creature Skateboards, Surfboards and Snowboards, Bronson Speed Co., Slimeball Wheels, and Bullet Skateboards & Safety Gear.
Jeff Kendall - Professional Background
Current Positions
- President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): As of September 2019, Jeff Kendall holds the dual titles of President and CMO at NHS, Inc., overseeing Sales, Marketing, and Branding. He is responsible for developing both long-term strategies and shorter-term operating plans, aiming to drive the company's future growth.
Career Progression
- Early Career: Jeff Kendall began his involvement with NHS as a professional skateboarder for Santa Cruz Skateboards and Independent Truck Company from 1986 until his retirement in 1992.
- Transition to Business: Post-retirement, Jeff seamlessly transitioned into the business side of skateboarding. Over the years, he has taken on various key roles at NHS, including team manager, senior marketing director, and Vice President.
- Promotion to President and CMO: In his role as Vice President, Kendall was instrumental in the company's extensive marketing revamp. His promotion to President and CMO reflects his accomplished career and deep-rooted experience within NHS.
Leadership and Vision
- Reputation and Skills: Jeff Kendall is recognized for his energy, talent, and intelligence, which have been pivotal for NHS's reinvention and modernization efforts. His consistent growth and focus have earned him significant respect within the skateboard industry.
- Strategic Initiatives: Kendall is noted for leading NHS's adoption of innovative marketing and branding strategies. His future vision includes expanding NHS's global presence and nurturing skateboarding's growth across diverse demographics and global markets.
Company Contributions and Industry Impact
- Modernization Efforts: Kendall’s tenure has seen a successful overhaul of NHS's marketing approach, addressing both digital and traditional channels.
- Philanthropy: NHS contributes 1% of online sales from the NHS Skate Direct store to various causes, reflecting the company’s commitment to giving back to the skateboarding community.
Industry Insights
- Global Expansion: Under Kendall's leadership, NHS has broadened its global distribution, tapping into emerging markets throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and embracing the diverse, inclusive nature of contemporary skateboarding.
- Pandemic Resilience: Kendall has adeptly navigated NHS through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging skateboarding's unique appeal and accessibility to maintain and even boost sales.
- Future Outlook: Kendall anticipates a continued period of growth for skateboarding, driven by a comprehensive strategy that includes supporting the development of skateparks and nurturing lifelong skateboarders worldwide.
Community and Personal Reflections
- Skateboarding Influence: Reflecting on his personal journey, Kendall attributes much of his success to the supportive, risk-taking culture at NHS, encouraging constant innovation and improvement.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: [Jeff Kendall - LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jekendall)
- Contact Through NHS: For detailed contact information, please refer to Jeff Kendall’s profile on platforms like RocketReach and Wiza, or NHS’s official website.
Through his dynamic leadership and extensive knowledge of the skateboarding industry, Jeff Kendall continues to propel NHS, Inc. forward, reinforcing its legacy while embracing future opportunities for growth and innovation.
