Mike Reilly - Quiksilver VP of Operations

When and where did you first start surfing?
First started surfing at Seal Beach with Travis Potter (top indo charger).

Do you remember your first board?
It was a Harbour that my dad won in a raffle.

What is it that you love about surfing?
Just the freedom of thought. It allows me to get a release from life and do something creative. I also really love sharing my surf moments with friends and rooting each other on. Nothing better.

Do you have a session that stands out as your most memorable?
I have so many to be honest. Many early mornings in seal with the SBLG crew. Also some fun days at Ulu's in Bali. Also some epic sessions at Povones in Costa Rica.

What kind of education have you had?
I have slaved my way through an MBA in Global Business. Actually I really love school and would love to go back and get my PHD in business.

What was your very first job?
Retail at Inflight which at the time was one of the first Quiksilver boardriders clubs.

You spent some time surfing on the tour, how did you find the transition to a "normal" job?
After I did the WQS I actually did some US events while going to college so it was a hybrid approach. Getting my first job was easy as I have always loved business.

How has your time on the tour helped you in your working life?
It has in terms of all the global experiences and global friendships. At the end of the day everything in business is based on interpersonal skills combined with analytical thinking. Both were important on tour.

What is your current job and what does it involve?
I'm the VP of Operations and Sales Manager at Quiksilver. I try and help accounts and reps acheive their goals of making money and being profitible. I try and remove barriers while keeping them accountable to goals and strategies.

How did you get to the position you are in today?
Hard work. I work really hard but I enjoy it so it makes it easy.

What is it that you love about working for Quiksilver and in the Surf Industry as a whole?
Talking surf. Going surfing. Talking boards. Talking about the tour. Talking about product and what makes it sell. Talking about demand creation and what works.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years down the track?
I'm all about learning. If I'm continuously learning I'm happy.

Where can we find you online?

Posted by: Troy Roennfeldt, on March 26, 2014
Categories: Interviews

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