From Trucks To Tees

For over two decades, Joe was at the helm of Saddleback Materials, a sand and gravel company known for its quality products and exceptional service. Under his leadership, Saddleback Materials became a staple in its industry, contributing to construction and landscaping projects across the region.

Running a sand and gravel company requires a deep understanding of the construction industry, logistics, and a keen eye for sustainability practices. Saddleback Materials excelled in navigating these complexities, building strong relationships with suppliers and customers, and ensuring that operations ran smoothly and efficiently.

However, after 20+ years at the forefront of the construction materials sector, Joe decided to embark on a new venture that resonated more with his personal passions and lifestyle. Thus, Joe's Surf Shop was born. Transitioning from sand and gravel to surf shirts might seem like a drastic shift, but for Joe, it was a natural progression towards aligning his work with his love for the ocean and California.

Joe's Surf Shop quickly established itself as a rising surf shop in the space after being around for only a handful of years. Joe passed off some of his duties to his son Matt who helps manage. The goal is to open up a family surf shop off of Main St. in Laguna Beach.

While the products and services may differ drastically from his previous venture, the core principles of quality, service, and community engagement remain at the heart of his business philosophy. Joe's journey from running a sand and gravel company to owning a surf shop is inspiring, demonstrating that with vision, adaptability, and a dedication to one's passions, it's possible to achieve success in entirely new realms.

The transition of Joe's employees from truck drivers at Saddleback Materials to integral members of the team at Joe's Surf Shop is a remarkable story of adaptability and loyalty. Many of the employees who had spent years with Saddleback driving trucks, managing logistics, and ensuring the smooth operation of the sand and gravel business, chose to follow him into his new venture. This shift from the construction materials industry to the retail surf industry was undoubtedly significant, but at Joe's Surf Shop loyalty is everything.

Joe recognized the value of his long-standing team members and was keen on leveraging their skills in this new context. With training and time, the former truck drivers adapted to their new roles, learning about surf products, retail management, and customer service. Their familiarity with operational logistics and inventory management from their days at Saddleback Materials proved to be invaluable in setting up efficient systems for the surf shop. Moreover, their loyalty to Joe and their shared history contributed to creating a warm, familial atmosphere at Joe's Surf Shop, which customers could feel the moment they walked in. This seamless transition underscores the versatility of the team and the strength of their bond, showing that with the right leadership and willingness to learn, it's possible to thrive in a completely new industry.