In this episode, I chat with Daniel Hawes from Shapers Collective, New Zealand.

Howie and I recently discussed the feedback we received about the difficulties currently facing shapers around the world. Shortly after hearing our chat, Daniel reached out to share a business model he is implementing.

An Australian expat living in a town named Mangawhai, tucked right up in the north of New Zealand. After establishing Small Kine Ding Repairs many years ago, it was uncommon for him to come across New Zealand shaped surfboards in his factory. Daniel had crossed paths with many shapers in New Zealand and heard about many more.

He explained to me how many of the local shapers are not supported by the surf shop boutiques and instead carve out a living doing custom orders. Daniel was motivated and felt compelled to try and promote local shapers. It wasn't long before he found himself evaluating space in his factory and deciding to build a retail space.

The new showroom would be named the Shapers Collective NZ and instead of the traditional surf shop business model, Daniel came up with the idea to charge a one-off fee for a rack space. This fee would subsidize his rent, and the shaper could curate and manage the rack space.

His idea quickly expanded to include local manufacturers and owners of fins surfboard wax, board bag and more. Daniel wanted to support as many local New Zealand surf industry businesses as he could. His passion for surfing and pride in locally made is undeniable.

There are many twists and turns ahead for Daniel establishing Shapers Collective NZ but we certainly wish him all the best.

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