1. Aside from offering good prices, how does evogear.com offer value to the consumer?

When professional skier Bryce Phillips began selling closeout ski equipment out of his garage in 2001, he was hoping to make a little extra money to fund his ski vacations. Things went well with the first garage sale, and soon he had a few employees and started selling snowboard, skateboard, and wakeboarding gear. Almost by accident, at age 20, Phillips had a company on his hands. He pulled some equity out of his house—and online retailer Evo was born.

The company grew to 40 employees, then 60. Revenues came to nearly $6 million. Evogear.com became known worldwide by pros and amateurs alike looking for good deals on great stuff. They now offer all the top brands, closeouts, and used gear for every level and budget. All this success is quite surprising when you consider that buying skis or snowboards isn’t the kind of thing generally done online or through a catalog. To get fully outfitted can cost $500 to $1,000, and most people need some expert help with their purchase. Through the design of the site and Phillips’

desire to create a community for like-minded people, rather than simply another online discounter, Evogear.com is shredding the competition.