Introduction

This is the startup story of DC Shoes, a global action sports brand focused on footwear. The company was started by two friends while attending community college classes. Within 10 years, the company had reached sales of $100 Million when it was sold to Quicksilver in 2004 for $87 Million.

DC Shoes Stats

Revenue: $100 Million +
Employees: 400
Years to Acquisition: 10 years before it was sold to Quicksilver.

DC Shoes Founders

 DC Shoes was started by Damon Way and Ken Block after the two met during a community college class and launched a series of startups. The two friends started Eightball clothing, Blunt Magazine, Type A Snowboards, and Droors clothing over the subsequent years. Droors Clothing then became DC Shoes in 1993. By 1995, the companies revenue had hit  $7 Million in sales. 

Entrepreneurial Achievements

• Entrepreneurial Achievements: – Winner: 40 Under 40 Awards, Sports Business Journal 2005 
• One of the most influential people (#17) in Sports Business Journal 2004 
• Ad Age’s Marketing 50 in 2004
• One of the Fast 50 in Fast Company Magazine, 2004

DC Shoes Startup Timeline

1993: The DC Shoe brand is created and launched. Revenues hit $1.5 Million.
1995: DC Shoe Revenue hits $7 Million.
2000: DC Shoe revenue hits $60 Million.
2003: DC Shoe revenue reaches $100 Million per year.
2004: DC Shoes is acquired by Quicksilver for $87 Million, helping the company reach $1 Billion in revenue.
2005: Ken Block begins a career as a rally car driver while still leading brand vision for the company.
2007: Block moves from President to Chief Brand Officer.
2008: Damon Way transitions to a consulting role to focus on InCase.
2013: Ken Block releases a series of viral stunt videos promoting DC Shoes.