Costa graduate Mike West celebrates his 33rd year of successful outdoor brand “686”.
West graduated from Costa in 1989 and founded the brand in 1992, and has since been completely operated and owned by West. It is one of few independently owned outdoor apparel brands in California, and has distributed at over 2,500 retailers and sold all across the southbay in stores like ET Surf, Wave Rave, REI, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
West has not only turned his vision of outdoor apparel to a successful brand, but also went on to teach entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California. While at USC West first started 686 in 1992 graduating in 1993. In 2000 he graduated from Pepperdine University receiving his MBA through the Executive Program.
“All I wanted to do was make stuff that my friends and I would wear,” said West.
For West, 686 was something he was passionate about that could be turned into something he could share with others.
“A brand is more than a product and a service. To me, a brand is something that has a lasting impact on you,” said West.
West is proof that work is only work if you don’t enjoy what you do: he took something he was passionate about, and turned it into a career. West believes who you surround yourself with is incredibly important.
“What motivated me the most is surrounding myself with equally passionate people who are proud of their craft, who are present to help others and do better,” said West. “Constant improvements over a long period of time is very important to me.”
West has shown how success can come in different forms; you don’t have to have straight A’s to create something you are proud of, and don’t have to have everything figured out the second you graduate.
“Follow your passion and you never have to work a day in your life,” said West.
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