Learning To Fly: Jeff Hubbard

Welcome to Episode 35 of The Incredible Machines Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation, Jon Oliff and Luke Holden sit down with Jeff Dean Hubbard, a professional bodyboarder and entrepreneur from Hawaii. We discuss Jeff’s journey from his early days on Kauai to becoming a world champion and co-founding Hub Boards with his brother Dave.   He shares insights on bodyboarding culture, product innovation, and the challenges of running a specialized sports brand. The conversation covers community traditions, the cyclical nature of the sport, and balancing family life with business. Jeff’s reflections highlight the importance of passion, resilience, and staying connected to both the sport and its evolving community.  This episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and a deep passion for bodyboarding and entrepreneurship. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just curious about the sport, there's something here for everyone.        ⏱ Timestamped Overview  00:10 – Introduction, Personal Reflections and Advice to Younger Self  02:07 – Family Background and Early Life  03:49 – Discovering Bodyboarding and Early Influences  05:05 – Beginning to Compete and College Years   06:22 – Parents’ Origins and Moving to Oahu  07:16 – No Friends Crew and Community  09:04 – Bodyboarding in South Africa and Global Peak  11:45 – No Friends Videos and Favourite Memories   12:58 – Returning to School and Applying Business Skill  15:13 – Entrepreneurial Ventures Before Hubboards  16:58 – Launching and Running Hubboards  18:04 – Product Range and Design Philosophy  19:42 – Branding and Tagline  20:22 – Recent Achievements and Family Success  24:26 – Personal Brand and Daily Routine  26:20 – Technology and Surf Forecasting Evolution  27:55 – Exercise, Family Life, and Kids  29:07 – Plans and Product Development for 2025   32:45 – Challenges of Manufacturing and Tariffs  34:24 – Managing Product SKUs and Inventory  37:48 – Production and Quality Control  38:14 – Trends, Colours, and Customer Preferences  40:23 – Demographics and the Adult Bodyboarding Boom  43:41 – Why Older Bodyboarders Return   47:11 – Favourite and Heaviest Waves  48:28 – Traditions and Branding in Bodyboarding   51:06 – Jeff Hubbard's Future Plans and Reflections        💬 Quote of the Episode  “When you love something, but it’s withheld, your passion for it grows.” – Jeff Dean Hubbard    🧠 Related Campaign Example     Corona Lime Ritual TV Commercial — Jeff mentions how the iconic ritual of adding a lime to a Corona wasn’t originally a cultural norm but was created as a “full branding thing,” underscoring the power of simple, memorable brand rituals.  Corona Lime Ritual TV Commercial: https://youtu.be/YeVW40mftyw?si=OYolX8odKYlkrswj        👣 Relevant Links    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100044349105096   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreydeanhubbard/     Hubboards Website: https://hubboards.com/   Hubboards Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopHUBBOARDS/   Hubboards Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hubboards/   Hubboards Twitter: https://x.com/hubboards   Hubboards YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzlQPZmqKiWQSHw9FHhX_aw/feed       🌐 Connect with Tim Africa  🔗 Website: https://www.tim.africa  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.africa  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timdotafrica  🎧 Podcast Page: https://www.pod.tim.africa