“A powerful overview of a highly
lucrative and rapidly growing sector of the market -- action sports. This book
is excellent!”
Ace Greenberg, former CEO and Chairman,
BEAR STEARNS
“This book is a front seat look into the
workings of the action sports culture. This perspective of the influence (and
affluence) of these outdoor individual sports is refreshing, informative and
different than other books.”
Bob McKnight, CEO, Quiksilver, Roxy and
DC Shoes
"Consumer driven along with generational
change ... an insightful look at what is driving a 20 billion dollar (retail)
global business. Alex has done a thorough job of getting the real story."
Bob Hurley, Founder and Chairman, Hurley
Int'l
“The action sports business is 50 years
old, drives youth culture global, boasts billions in sales and is filled with
Peter Pan’s Lost Boys … Striler has captured an intimate perspective on the
inner workings of this fascinating industry.”
CJ Olivares, Executive Vice President,
FUEL TV
“Alex's ability to communicate the world
of action sports is second to none. This is a must read.”
Ricky Johnson, Supercross Champion, AMA
Champion, Baja 1000 winner and NASCAR driver
“Everything you always wanted to know on
how the action sports industry does business.“
Wing Lam, Co-Founder, Wahoo’s Fish Taco
“An informative read for anyone
interested in the business
of action sports. It sparks ideas.”
Richard Woolcott, CEO, Volcom
"A detailed look inside what
it's like to work for a 21st century corporation -- a social experience
for everyone involved.”
Toby Bost, CEO and Chairman of the
Board, La Jolla Group (O’Neill, Lost, Rusty and Metal Mulisha)
“Alex’s diverse experience gives him
great insight into action sports marketing. He gets it!”
Greg Adler, CEO, 4 Wheel Parts
Performance Centers
“Thirty-two years of my life! A little
slice of American youth!”
Tom Campion, Founder, Zumiez
“A must read.”
Len Grossi, former President Columbia
Tristar Television; CEO, Baseline Media and Entertainment
“Insightful and authoritative. This is a
compelling description of the evolution of a great industry.”
Bruce Smith, Portfolio Manager, Alphinity
Investment Management
"You can't get a Major in Action
Sports Business from an Ivy League School. X PLAY NATION is
about as close as it gets to this kind of insight and
inside perspective."
Don Durban, Founder, Planet X Television
"The book is a must read for anyone
interested in the lifestyle of action sports and racing. It provides a great
insight and is highly accurate.”
Dave Reed, CEO, Approved Memory and
NASCAR Race Team owner
"A must-have read for anyone
looking to break into the
world of action sports."
Michael Brooke, Publisher, Concrete Wave
Magazine
"A rare inside look into action
sports marketing
and its success stories. Alex gets it
straight for you. And, how they did it right from the industry's heaviest
hitters.”
Jen O'Brien, Skateboarder, X-Games
Silver Medalist and 2002 Women's World Cup Champion
"Alex's insightfulness and
experience makes this book a necessary addition to the library of anyone
who wants to know what is going on behind the scenes of the successful and ever
growing action sports industry."
Scott Rehn, Live Nation Announcer of the
Year
“Bob Costas should have read this before
he interviewed Shaun White after Shaun won his first Olympic gold.”
Chad Mihalick,
Founder, Malakye.com
“A unique and rarely documented look at
what goes inside the highly impenetrable world of action sports. A must read
for anyone that would like to get an idea of what makes action sports work,
without spending a minimum of 10 years living it.”
Tony Mag, Founder, Osiris Shoes and
H-Street Skateboards
"X PLAY NATION is not only good for
those in the trenches of the street or behind a desk in the industry, it
helps you understand the esoteric world of action sports. This book is the Art
of War for people working in the fast track world of board and motor
sports."
Nate Sherwood, Professional Skateboarder
and skate industry journalist
“A clear insider’s view, very
insightful. An informative read for anyone inside or outside of the action
sports industry.”
Will Howard, CEO, Dragon
“This is a must read for Brand Managers
who struggle with their strategy and leveraging of sponsorship dollars. Alex
provides several examples to prove that without activation your sponsorship is
just another media buy that leaves you with your fingers crossed. Insightful!”
Todd Steen, President, Variable
Marketing
“This book really helps you understand
what others did… who made it, who failed and why. I love it when someone can
explain something that I thought I already knew, GREAT BOOK.”
John Castro, Founder Playground
Skateboards
"A brief, but concise report on the
evolution of the action sports business from the inside. Alex offers insight
and clues for success for anyone wishing to enter the action sports business --
at any level."
Don Brown, National Motorsports Manager,
Toyota Motor Sales, USA
“Anyone who has ever been curious of our
lifestyle will enjoy discovering the exciting business of action sports. Easy
to read and filled with great takeaways for every level of entrepreneur and
dreamer.”
Vipe Desai, Senior Director of
Marketing, TransWorld Media
“Many people know the athletes and
brands that collectively make up the action sports category, but few know the
real story of the people, personalities, and events that have driven this
business to a global, multi-billion dollar industry. Alex consolidates these
stories into an exciting and informative narrative that will quickly become a
must read for any action sports enthusiast.”
Andy Tompkins, ASR Show Director