Please join me – Tyler Anspach – in a look ‘behind the curtain’ into my career path that has led me to managing the day-to-day affairs of one of the globe’s leading saddle manufacturers:
In February, 2001, I cut my teeth as an intern at SDG to obtain credits as a marketing student at Cal State Long Beach University, in Southern California. The Company had two divisions then, bicycle and motorsports. I had the privilege to serve as a marketing assistant / customer service representative for both divisions and quite frankly, I did a boatload of work for both. Truly, I thought it would be a semester or two stint, but I enjoyed the atmosphere, and shared a global passion for the business and really felt as though I was contributing to both divisions’ growth.

The former owner soon offered me a paid, full-time position to continue on and my first task was to set up the domestic distribution on the bicycle side, which later led to building the international distributor business as well. Keep in mind that I was just a kid (early 20s) at this point, with little experience but a strong desire to learn. I began traveling the globe on the Brand’s behalf! I remember how rewarding it was to obtain my first passport, how frustrated I was after getting lost in the Tokyo subway and how I felt judged by my youthful appearance and anything-but-corporate attire. Little did people know I was an executive in training!

The owner saw potential, and he began to increase my responsibilities. I soon began to oversee production, frequently visiting Taiwan and mainland China. Quite the learning experience to be sure. I’m fascinated by the Far East and its culture and realized early on that it takes years to build relationships. I adjusted to the crazy summer humidity, and of course – partook in the many ‘kampais’ that are part of the business negotiation process. The owner’s faith in me continued, and I secured the General Manager position for the Bicycle Division. This promotion boosted my responsibilities again – adding to the pressure to perform – but all the while I was learning the dynamic of doing business in the global bicycle industry, a business that like many others, that is predicated on building genuine, long-lasting relationships. Building these relationships with cycling industry executives around the globe has been – without question – the driving force behind my passion to make a difference in this category. For the past few years it has been increasingly apparent that this is the industry for me, for the long term. That reality was cemented when in late 2008 I began to have meaningful dialogue with SDG’s founder regarding his desire to exit Bicycle Division. After several months of negotiations we were able to craft a deal that worked for the both of us, and I acquired the inventory and intellectual property, and formed a new entity, SDG COMPONENTS. As you may have noticed, we have a new logo and one focus: to develop relevant bicycle components (no motorsports).

I’ve been fortunate in that I have learned from the ground up – the ultimate experience. I’m embracing the challenges and opportunities that are part of managing the daily affairs of the Company. The Brand has been in the marketplace since 1993, and building upon the foundation, authenticity and credibility is exciting! We have built a small, yet dedicated team of employees who are honest and passionate – and have a vested interest in the Company’s sustainability. I have also assembled an advisory board compiled of industry veterans, engineers, designers, financial consultants and others who will help guide and manage this enterprise.

In the short term, our goal is to unveil facelift that we’ve given the Brand: the new logo, new packaging, and launch the new website – all while remaining true to the core philosophy of SDG COMPONENTS that’s based on quality, innovation and relationships.

In the medium term, we will continue pushing the limits with the I-Beam Technology, which is still in its infant stages – even though it has evolved immensely over the years. It’s our goal to develop new product that truly advances the industry – in lieu of ‘me too’ line extensions. In addition, the Company will continue to expand on and forge new OEM relationships with like-minded, relationship-based bicycle manufacturers.

Thank you for taking the time to read this note. While we don’t have 100 years in the marketplace, we do have the desire to connect with you. Should you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email me at tyler@sdgcomponents.com.