Local surfboard manufacturer hangs 10 with tough economy
When
Randy Richenberg moved to the area in the late 1960s, he was not
much older
than his 16-year-old son is today.
His love of
surfing led him to become a surfboard manufacturer. His love for New
Smyrna Beach led to his active involvement in civic affairs.
Today,
Richenberg is on the New Smyrna Beach City Commission, having
prevailed in his first run for elected office in 2005.
His company,
Richenberg Surfboards, is a small manufacturing operation on Park
Avenue in Edgewater.
Having been in
the business for 32 years, Richenberg’s company is among the longest
running surfboard manufacturers in the field. His team of five
craftsmen design and build high performance surfboards under his own
brand as well as for labels including Wooster and Coyle, two
well-known brands among surfers.
Richenberg
Surfboards has produced ocean rescue surfboards under contract to a
Massachusetts municipality. The company also has produced
promotional surfboards for major brands including Coca-Cola,
Guinness Stout Beer, and Walt Disney World.
“We take great
pride in delivering exceptional quality, which has given us a great
reputation in the business,” said Richenberg. “This is important,
especially in a down economy.” Richenberg Surfboards, like all
manufacturers of discretionary products, has seen a steep decline in
orders. In a good year, his team will deliver 800 to 1,000 custom
surfboards.
“The quality
manufacturers will be there to serve the market when the market
comes
back, and we intend to be among them,” he said.
Meanwhile, his
company is diversifying. Richenberg plans to open a showroom and
increase his presence on the Internet. He also offers consultation
on composite applications, having advised companies including Owens
Corning and Bell Heliopter.
Both leads came to Richenberg through his company’s listing in
Thomas Register, an essential resource in the manufacturing world,
with listings for 650,000 companies in more than 67,000 industrial
categories. Richenberg holds a patent on a surf related
item with business associate Chris Coyle.
Richenberg and
his wife of 30 years share a love for New Smyrna Beach and often
contemplate its future.
“It’s a great
town with incredible potential,’ said Richenberg. “It’s well worth
the effort to work to protect quality and character of New Smyrna
Beach.”
