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Utah has garnered worldwide renown as home to 'the greatest snow on earth.' As such, the ski industry generates millions of dollars in revenue to the local economy and employs thousands each winter. With such a strong winter sporting industry, it stands to reason that companies providing gear would arise. One such company is Salt Lake City-based Levelninesports.com.
Owner Richard Sinden was a ski instructor for eight years so he became familiar with winter sporting products. About a decade ago, after returning from a trip around the world, Rich was looking for a way to make money. Some of his friends were selling ski products online, so he decided to try his hand at that too. He was successful enough that he purchased ski equipment at the end of the season to sell the next year. Business grew over the next few years until Rich eventually moved the inventory to a small warehouse in Salt Lake City.
Today, Richard's company, Levelninesports.com, sells winter sporting goods including skis, snowboards, snow boots, jackets, pants and any other product related to the winter ski industry. The wide selection is almost exclusively overstock or European overstock that can be purchased at deeply discounted prices. Inventory changes yearly depending on what products Rich is able to procure. Everything Levelninesports.com sells is 60-80 percent off retail price.
Richard tells me his market tends to be intermediate skiing or snowboarding families looking to outfit their family for affordable prices. Since his company is primarily an Internet-based business, despite a small retail outlet in Salt Lake City, Rich says it's constantly changing as he adds new features to make it easier for his customers. He provides detailed information and ties related products together.
Levelninesports.com is distinguished by its unique product selection, quality and rapid growth without incurring debt. Rich is willing to consider stocking summer products but plans to streamline his winter selection before doing so.
