Riding the Waves of Change: ACM Co-Founder Matt Barr's Journey from Snowboarding to Business Leadership

Join us in this episode of Sports and Outdoor Mentors as we sit down with Matt Barr, co-founder and co-owner of All Conditions Media, to explore his unique path from travelling the globe as a snowboarder to leading a successful action sports media agency.  Matt talks candidly about the early days of writing for snowboard magazines, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and adapting to a rapidly changing industry.  Whether you're into action sports or business innovation, Matt’s story is packed with valuable insights. Tune in, and don’t forget to subscribe and share! Sports + Outdoor Mentors is a source of inspiration, motivation, practical career, and business lessons for future and existing sports and outdoor industry leaders. Join us every other Sunday for a new episode. Follow Matt https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-barr-090b1516/ Follow ACM (All Conditions Media) https://www.linkedin.com/company/all-conditions-media/ Follow Looking Sideways https://www.wearelookingsideways.com https://www.youtube.com/@lookingsidewaysactionsport791 Follow Dan https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantrapp/ Follow Sports + Outdoor Mentors https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-and-outdoor-mentors/ Watch Sports + Outdoor Mentors YouTube: https://youtube.com/@S_OM1 00:00 - Introduction  03:00 - Matt discusses his early passion for skateboarding, snowboarding, and journalism. 05:00 - Serendipitous start in the industry and the influence of friends and mentors. 07:00 - Transitioning from freelance writing to co-founding ACM with Chris Moran. 10:00 - Importance of having a strong peer group and mentors. 12:00 - Evolution of his career from freelance work to business ownership. 14:00 - Learning on the job and the entrepreneurial spirit behind ACM. 17:00 - Challenges in the action sports industry. 19:00 - Impact of the 2008 financial crisis  22:00 - ACM's transition to remote work in 2020 and its impact on company culture. 24:00 - The decision to become an employee-owned business. 27:00 - The importance of empowering employees and fostering a strong internal culture. 30:00 - Reflection on lessons learned, 32:00 - Matt’s advice for future leaders in the industry