john clapham - from volcom australia ceo to raglan surf emporium
John Clapham's journey from tagging surf leashes in a retail shop to building a business empire is nothing short of extraordinary. In a recent episode of "How I Built My Small Business," JC shared his remarkable story that spans continents, industries, and decades of entrepreneurial wisdom.
JC's story begins in 1991 when a friend offered him a job at Aloha Surf in Manly, Australia. What started as a retail position quickly evolved when he met Wes Fab, who had secured distribution rights for a new brand called Volcom. With no experience in apparel manufacturing, JC and his partner dove headfirst into the business. "We just learned on the fly," JC recalls, describing how their two-bedroom house transformed into their first warehouse, with boxes lining the hallway and patterns spread across the kitchen table. From these humble beginnings, they built Volcom Australia into a $30 million company with 70 employees before selling it back to Volcom USA in 2011.
The transition from running a multi-million dollar corporation to returning to New Zealand marked a significant shift in JC's entrepreneurial journey. Upon his return, he purchased a shareholding in Raglan Roast Coffee (which now boasts 11 locations across New Zealand) and took over a local surf shop with his wife, Melissa. This became the Raglan Surf Emporium, a cornerstone of the local community and a testament to JC's belief in authentic customer service.
What sets JC apart as a business leader is his people-first approach. "The most important thing I've learned is having a good team around you," he shares. "Richard Wolcott, one of the founders of Volcom, told me to surround yourself with good people, people that are going to be better than you that you're going to learn from." This philosophy has guided his leadership style across all his ventures, creating workplaces where people are excited to contribute rather than simply showing up for a paycheck.
Customer service stands as another pillar of JC's business strategy. In the Raglan Surf Emporium, genuine interactions with customers aren't just encouraged—they're essential to the store's identity. "Nine times out of ten, if they're from Hawaii or California, I'll know someone," JC explains, highlighting how these authentic connections turn casual browsers into loyal customers. This approach stands in stark contrast to the increasingly corporate retail landscape, where personalized service is becoming rarer.
Beyond his business ventures, JC demonstrates a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of surfers and entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like the "Ledge of the Ledge" barrel competition, which offers $5,000 in prize money with free entry, he's creating opportunities for young athletes while emphasizing the importance of preparing for "life after surfing." This holistic approach extends to his own team, where he encourages education and skill development alongside athletic pursuits.
Perhaps the most valuable insight from JC's journey is his approach to business planning. "The numbers don't lie," he emphasizes, stressing the importance of budgeting for worst-case scenarios. "A lot of people are blue sky—'Oh, we're going to get 20% growth'—and you've got to go, 'Well, what if?'" This pragmatic approach has helped him navigate economic downturns and build sustainable businesses across multiple industries.
As our conversation concluded, JC offered advice that transcends business: "Slow down a bit more and enjoy it. There's no finish line. It's a marathon, not a race." His journey reminds us that entrepreneurial success is about building relationships, communities, and a life that brings fulfillment beyond the balance sheet.
