The birth of Volcom is a genuinely heart-warming success story. In 1991, Richard Woolcott and Tucker Hall made a life-changing decision during a snowboarding trip to Tahoe. Having made excuses to employers about being snowed in, the pair dedicated the extra time to carving fresh powder and fully embracing the lifestyle.
Two weeks later they quit their jobs, borrowed $5,000 from Richard’s dad, and started a company based on the three things they loved the most. Snowboarding, skating and surfing.
Woolcott and Hall knew nothing about making clothing, but that didn’t stop them running the entire operation out of Halls bedroom. They grossed $2,600 in their first year.
Despite the humble beginnings the Volcom logo, known as the Volcom Stone, has worked its way across the globe. Remaining true to its punk beginnings, Volcom has matured into a company that offers some of the finest fashion and technical apparel. Volcom also invests a lot of time into art, music and film.
Volcom supports sustainability via the Eco-True initiative, working with the Fair Labor Association and the Textile Exchange.
Table of Contents
History of Volcom
When was Volcom founded?
Volcom was founded in 1991, 30 years ago.
Where was it founded?
Volcom was founded by Richard “Wooly” Woolcott and Tucker “T-Dawg” Hall who based the ethos of the company on their own experiences with boardsports. In March 1991, the two friends went on a snowboarding trip to Tahoe, U.S., and afterward, they decided to start a clothing company for women.
Who were the founders?
Initially, Richard Woolcott and Tucker Hall talked of starting a clothing company during the Tahe trip but nothing was really final. After having their first real experience riding powder and the unstoppable new obsession the two came up with the idea of starting a riding company based around the three sports they enjoyed.
Important milestones in the company’s history
- In 1995, Volcom was the first action sports company to create a record label, Volcom Entertainment.
- In April 2005, the company adopted its current name, “Volcom, Inc.” Volcom became a publicly traded entity on June 29, 2005, when Wachovia Securities, D.A. Davidson and Piper Jaffray underwrote an initial public offering on NASDAQ. They priced 4.69 million shares at US$19 a share, raising a total of US$89 million.
- In early 2008, Volcom made its first acquisition, taking ownership of Electric Visual Evolution LLC for US$25.3 million.
- In early 2016, Kering announced Eric Crane had acquired the brand from Volcom for an undisclosed amount.
- On May 2, 2011, French luxury, sport, and lifestyle group Kering (previously known as Pinault-Printemps-Redoute and PPR until 18 June 2013) launched a friendly takeover offer to buy Volcom Inc. for US$24.50 a share, valuing the company at US$608 million
- On April 3, 2019, Authentic Brands Group had announced it acquired Volcom from Kering.
Any other important people who contributed to success?
- Brad Holman, CFO
- Todd Hymel, CEO
- Ryan Immegart, SVP Global Marketing
- Mike Aho, Creative Director
Company mission, vision and values
What does the company believe in?
At Volcom we believe that we are born to chase what we are “True To,” it’s not that we want to…we have to. It is this irrational pursuit of passions that united us all. Volcom is the collective vision of our entire eclectic and diverse global community. From our riders, ambassadors, employees, partners and retailers – all the way to the creative youth out there reshaping the world around them, we are all “True To This.”
| Volcom Vision | We have a vision that turns obstacles into opportunity, a creative courage to tempt the impossible… And embrace the strange. |
| Volcom Values | · A Riding Company · Product Driven · Long Term · New Future · Best Employer · Fun, Organized & Efficient |
The Company Today
Who is the CEO?
Todd M. Hymel is the CEO.
How many staff do they have?
Estimated 1000 to 5000 employees.
How much revenue do they earn?
Revenue is estimated to be 100K to 500K.
Where are they located?
Volcom headquarters is in Costa Mesa, California
Do they have a foundation / non-for-profit arm?
- Pangeaseed Foundation partnership
- Surfrider Foundation partnership
Which products do they specialize in?
Volcom specializes in skate, surf & swimwear, and snowboarding clothes.
In the News
Any mainstream news articles referencing the brand?
- Volcom targets China following new local partnership
- Volcom partners with the Ad Council to further #StayHomeCampaign
- Volcom opens two Chinese stores with new licensee
- 2 years for Volcom as a member of the Fair Labor Association
The Ambassadors
Who is sponsored by the company?
Alec Majerus, Arthur Longo, Austin Amelio, Axel Cruysbergs, Balaram Stack, Benny Milam, Bryan Iguchi, CJ Collins, Caswell Berry, Chris Pfanner, Coco Ho, Colin Provost, Dustin Dollin, Fat Tony, Gavin Beschen, Gavin Bottger, Gony Zubizarreta, Grant Taylor, Hailey Langland, Jack Robinson, Jackson Pilz, Jamie Flynn, Louie Lopez, Marcu Kleveland, Markus Keller, Mau Le Car, Mike Ravelson, Milton Martinez, Noa Deane, Omar Hassan, Ozzie Wright, Pat Moore, Peter Hewitt, Reid Smith, Run the Jewels, Ryan Burch, Scott Blum, Sierra Kerr, Simon Bannerot, Torgier Bergrem, Yago Dora
| Alec Majerus | Facebook |
| Arthur Longo | Facebook |
| Austin Amelio | Facebook |
| Axel Cruysbergs | Facebook |
| Balaram Stack | Facebook |
| Benny Milam | Facebook |
| Bryan Iguchi | Facebook |
| CJ Collins | Facebook |
| Caswell Berry | Facebook |
| Chris Pfanner | Facebook |
| Coco Ho | Facebook |
| Colin Provost | Facebook |
| Dustin Dollin | Facebook |
| Fat Tony | Facebook |
| Gavin Bottger | Facebook |
| Yago Dora | Facebook |
Sustainability
Do they produce any eco-friendly products or have a sustainability focus?
Yes, they focus on sustainability.
- Repreve recycled fiber helps Volcom make high-grade, more sustainable products for a new future
- Volcom brand jeans get “water aware”
- Econyl regenerated nylon in Volcom women’s swin collections
- Volcom’s certified traceable organic cotton program benefiting farmers and their communities
- Volcom snadals get eco-true treatment
- Hemp introduced in Volcom products more than 10 years ago and it’s back in a big way
Campaigns and Partnerships
Are they doing anything interesting in terms of campaigns or partnerships?
Introducing “Truly Defined” a revolutionized product campaign emphasizing the diversity of Volcom’s “True To This” brand mantra.
Showcase products
For more information
Visit Volcom website.