News / Press

The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act requires us to disclose our efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from our direct supply chains.

Verification of Product Supply Chains: We maintain a policy to assess product supply chains to reduce risks of human trafficking and slavery. Audits are not currently conducted by a third party.

Supplier Compliance Audits: We are currently developing an audit schedule and process for supplier evaluation, which we plan to be both announced and unannounced.

Direct Supplier Certification: We are continuing to develop a process for our direct suppliers to certify compliance with slavery and human trafficking laws of their respective countries.

Internal Accountability Standards and Procedures: Contractors will be required to be familiar with our slavery and trafficking standards. Contractors found to be out of compliance will be responsible for developing an action plan. If the action plan goals are not met, the contractor will be subject to sanctions and possibly contract termination.

Training of Company Employees and Management: Training and updates will be provided to employees and management with direct responsibility for supply chain management, with a particular focus on reducing slavery and trafficking risks in the supply chain.

LJG announced a global license agreement with renowned motorcycle and exhaust manufacturer, FMF Racing. As part of the agreement, LJG will oversee the expansion of an FMF apparel collection focused on core and specialty action sports and moto distribution, and extending the current line of men’s and women’s apparel including t-shirts, sweatshirts, riding jackets, hats and other accessories. LJG will also support and expand FMF’s athlete roster, currently anchored by some of the world’s best athletes in Supercross, Motocross, Off-road, Freestyle MX, and Road Racing.

FMF Racing Founder and Owner, Don Emler, had a simple vision for the company when he started it in his garage back in 1973: Provide top-level U.S. racing equipment at the grassroots level. 38 years later, FMF Racing is known for delivering the world’s top performance exhaust products to off-road motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere. Don’s vision continues to guide the family-operated company, which has expanded into a 90,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., and houses the world’s best design and production teams in the U.S. under one roof.

“We are always looking at opportunities to grow and diversify our portfolio, and FMF is an ideal brand for us to continue expansion into areas that have strong growth potential,” said La Jolla Group CEO, Toby Bost. “Motorsports, particularly motocross and off-road racing, have seen a tremendous increase in popularity during recent years. With FMF, we’re looking to establish a deeper percentage of the overall market share, while helping the brand further connect with existing and new consumers.”

“We could not be more pleased with our new partnership with the La Jolla Group,” added FMF Marketing Director,
Don Emler, Jr. “Our brand is at the core of motorsports and has so much momentum right now, so we are looking forward to bringing FMF to new audiences and developing a very successful apparel line with the best in business.”

FMF will have an apparel division based in LJG’s headquarters in Irvine, Calif. alongside the company’s other youth lifestyle brands. FMF Racing’s exhaust line and performance product business will continue to operate from FMF’s Rancho Dominguez, Calif. offices.

LJG and Berrics form new relationship for continued growth among core skate fans and retail partners, at home and internationally.

February 11, 2011 (Irvine, Calif.) – La Jolla Group (http://www.lajollagroup.com), the world’s premier youth lifestyle licensing company, has announced a landmark partnership with the world’s leading skateboarding website and facility, The Berrics, founded in 2007 by professional skateboarders Eric Koston and Steve Berra. The announcement marks LJG’s first official and unique approach into skateboarding, following long-term relationships with surf and moto brands.

“The Berrics brings an exciting media and business model to our industry, and we want to reinforce the groundbreaking efforts they have made these last three years,” said La Jolla Group CEO, Toby Bost. “It’s about giving them what they need to expand skate culture to an even wider audience globally in ways that only they can. By supporting the home to a very dedicated fan base as a result of the site’s content, events and grassroots ambitions, we can accomplish those goals.”

The Berrics’ grassroots approach extends itself in many directions, one of which includes offering independent skate retailers (in all
50 states and Canada) opportunities to buy special collaborative product and advertise, via geo-targeting, on the site through the Berrics Unified program, an important part of The Berrics’ DNA.

“Eric and I started The Berrics because we felt the industry, and its professionals, had lost their footing largely in part to technology change. Our goal has always been to do what we can to help create a healthier industry by providing a destination, both physically and in cyberspace, whereupon the pros, the ams, the companies, the shops and the skateboarders not only felt closer to one another,
but were all empowered, winning and communicating with each other,” said Berra.

“With the resources that have been available to us so far, our own pocketbooks, I think we’ve done a fantastic job. When given the opportunity to partner with someone like La Jolla Group, take advantage of their infrastructure, still retain full control and ownership of our company, not have to worry about them having skate brands that compete with our advertisers AND get the job done was something we couldn’t pass on. We want to see skateboarding and the people who make it happen, from top to bottom, do better, especially in these tumultuous times.”

With LJG’s 21st century infrastructure, The Berrics will continue to build and protect the successful business platform Berra and Koston have created. The relationship will improve The Berrics’ existing and future initiatives, help extend them globally, and continue to
fulfill LJG’s diversification strategy as a leader in youth culture. The partnership with LJG will also enable The Berrics to focus more
on their philanthropic endeavors in North America, following their first public skate park in Westchester, Calif., which is scheduled to open in late Spring 2011.

“Skate is here to stay, and with The Berrics leading the sport’s grassroots future, LJG will offer our trademark collaborative approach, putting our best minds together to make sure this is a win-win for everyone,” said Bost.

Thank you to everyone who came out to Pala Raceway on Wednesday, February 9 and to those who watched the event live on Facebook. It was a great day in celebration of Jeremy.

Check out the video with interviews from the Lusk Memorial Ride Day!

Local Newspaper covers the Grand Opening of the Pala AFMXA Freestyle Motocross Park.

Check out the story here.

“The tragic death of freestyle motocross star and San Diego native Jeremy Lusk served as the inspiration for the grand opening of a one-of-a-kind freestyle motocross practice facility, which emphasizes safety and opened to the public on Saturday at the Pala Raceway.
The track features several jumps and a foam pit. Unlike any other track, Pala is open to amateurs.”

La Jolla Group (“LJG”), the premiere multi-brand apparel licensing company with a portfolio of prominent brands including O’Neill Clothing USA, Lost Clothing, Metal Mulisha Clothing, and Rusty North America, today announced the appointment of Jim Shubin as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for its latest acquisition, True Love & False Idols (“TLFI”). Effective immediately, Shubin will report to Toby Bost and Bill Bussiere, LJG’s CEO and President respectively, and will be based out of the company’s headquarters in Irvine, Calif. In his new position, Shubin will play a key role in solidifying the TLFI brand platform, overseeing development and partnerships, and implementing a global distribution strategy.

“Shubin is the perfect match for La Jolla Group and the right leader for the journey we are embarking on with True Love & False Idols,” commented Bost. “His understanding of the streetwear sector, combined with his business relationships, charisma, and overall positive spirit are all attributes that will make him successful in this position. We are excited for what will undoubtedly be a fun and successful venture.”

A Southern California native, Shubin has worked in the fashion and action sports industries for more than 20 years, and has become known by his peers as “the brand builder.” Most recently, he has consulted for CLASS and the Nielsen Group on the launch of CLASS@ASR in San Diego, CA; and managed various international apparel brands looking to expand into the U.S. market, most notably, WeSC. While at WeSC, Shubin conceptualized and implemented all marketing efforts and product launches, streamlined alliances and established a nationwide retail presence.

Earlier in his career, Shubin served as VP of Marketing and International Sales at Ezekiel, where he worked closely with the sales and design teams to reposition the brand and increased sales by 300%. Prior to Ezekiel, Shubin was the Director of Sales and Marketing at Dwindle Distribution, home to 10 of the most influential brands in skateboarding, including Almost, Enjoi, World Industries, Blind Skateboards, Tensor, Speed Demons, Darkstar, and Droors. During his tenure, Shubin’s non-traditional marketing approach and deep global network helped build Enjoi and then launch Almost Skateboards into two of the most recognizable names in action sports.

Shubin added, “I am excited about the challenge of building an emerging brand with tons of potential – especially one with as much depth and DNA as TLFI. La Jolla Group’s solid infrastructure provides a great foundation to further this brand’s growth and product evolution.”

TransWorld Business caught up with La Jolla Group CEO Toby Bost at Surf Expo in Orlando last week to talk with him about the recent news surrounding the company, its latest licensing deal with streetwear brand True Love and False Idols and O’Neill’s venture into eyewear. Watch the video at Transworld.

La Jolla Group (LJG) has entered into a long term licensing agreement with authentic streetwear brand, True Love and False Idols. In keeping with LJG’s diversification strategy and identifying the streetwear market as a core growth area, the company has taken on the master license for TLFI, recognizing it as one of the hottest “street couture” lines out of California.

“LJG has built a versatile company with strong operational and service capabilities. This acquisition presents an incredible opportunity to enter new markets and build a young up and coming brand. It also marks LJG’s commitment to partnership with its retail clients [and] bringing “newness” to the retail floor.” – Toby Bost, CEO, La Jolla Group.

Over the next few weeks, LJG will announce the addition of a sales executive to grow the brand’s national account base that includes high-end specialty retailers, boutiques, and other distribution channels, and tap into opportunities in the international market. TLFI will be based out of La Jolla Group’s corporate headquarters in Irvine, CA, effective Monday, January 11, 2010.

Group Y Panel Discussion & Gathering
“Inside the La Jolla Group”
presented by FUEL TV

Thursday, December 10, 2009
La Jolla Group headquarters

Executive speakers will include:
+ Bill Bussiere , LJG President & CFO
+ Steve Ward, O’Neill VP of Marketing, All Categories and VP of Sales, O’Neill Men & Boys
+ Michelle Devine, O’Neill VP of Sales, Juniors & Girls
+ Ryan Rush, O’Neill VP Men’s M&D
+ Michael Tomson, Design Consultant
+ Ryan Divel, Lost VP Sales & Marketing
+ Ryan Hagy, Metal Mulisha Marketing

Panel moderated by Jim Shubin

More info & upcoming events at www.groupYnetwork.com

group Y Panel Discussion & Gathering; “Inside the La Jolla Group”

Watch it LIVE at 6:30pm on lajollagroup.com/live

presented by Fuel TV

Thursday, December 10, 2009
6:30pm – 10pm

La Jolla Group headquarters
14350 Myford Rd
Irvine, CA 92606 map

A panel discussion on the inner workings of the La Jolla Group (Rusty, O’Neill, Lost & Metal Mulisha), presented by group Y and FUEL TV.

Execs from the company will discuss various topics including: the dynamics of having multiple brands under one roof, developing and designing a collection from A-Z, the importance of maximizing athlete relationships to engage & influence brand perception and purchase behavior, and more. Guests are encouraged to mingle outside the discussion and enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers – and a holiday gift bag at the end of the night.

Executive speakers will include:

* Bill Bussiere , LJG President & CFO
* Steve Ward, O’Neill VP of Marketing, All Categories and VP of Sales, O’Neill Men & Boys
* Michelle Devine, O’Neill VP of Sales, Juniors & Girls
* Ryan Rush, O’Neill VP Men’s M&D
* Michael Tomson, Design Consultant
* Ryan Divel, Lost VP Sales & Marketing
* Ryan Hagy, Metal Mulisha Marketing

Panel moderated by Jim Shubin

Registration

$25 pre-registration, $30 at door (cash only) CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Apps, drinks, beer and wine will be provided.

The panel discussion will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.

group Y and La Jolla Group invite all those involved with the action sports, youth marketing, brand marketing, entertainment & communications industries to attend. College Students interested in action sports and youth marketing are welcome to join us.

PLEASE READ:
-Pre registration ends on Wednesday, December 9th at midnight. If you are not pre-registered and paid before it closes, you must pay the walk-up fee of $30–CASH ONLY–at the door.
-If you need a receipt for business purposes, please use pre-pay!
-If you have any other questions and/or problems with registration, please email us.