Jason Mason loved snowboarding in jeans, which posed a slight problem: if he fell, he’d be soaking wet for the rest of the day.
Unsatisfied with the “look-a-alike” denim outerwear options available, he decided to take matters into his own hands in the summer of 2011. That was the spark that led to the creation of Mason Industries.
As if by fate, he found a sewing machine thrown away in a dumpster in his building – and after nearly two years of hard work – he officially launched his Classic Rock Pants in March 2013.
As a long-time snowboarder, Jason had a good idea of what snowboarders would want from denim outerwear, so he started off with very specific criteria.”If I wasn’t adding anything new, short of revolutionary, then I had no business making outerwear,” says Jason. “We make the best outerwear in the world for action sports. It’s fitted, water-resistant, fully-lined, breathable stretch denim for action sports. High tech on the inside, low tech on the outside.”
Help Along the Way
It was a long road to his product launch, but luckily he didn’t have to go it alone. After doing some preliminary research on the web and starting a business plan with the help of an online app, Jason soon realized that he would need real market research and real numbers to include in his plan.
He started by attending market research analyst Mark Eversfield’s seminar at Small Business BC and was able to learn everything he needed to know about basic market research methods, formulas, and surveying techniques in a few short hours.
When he finally finished the first draft of his business plan, he turned to Small Business BC’s business plan advisors for a professional critique. Using their input and advice, Jason was able to finalize his plan and was approved for financing the first time he applied.
But even with a completed business plan in hand, he makes sure to keep in touch with Small Business BC. “I still go to Small Business BC to talk to Mark and the Small Business BC team and update them, as I know I’m going to need their expertise and assistance moving forward,” says Jason.
The Journey from Concept to Store Shelves
Taking the leap to become an entrepreneur can be a difficult decision, and as Jason notes it requires sacrifice, especially at the outset: “It takes a willingness to live the way most people won’t, for the opportunity to live the way most people can’t.”
So as Jason worked to launch his product, he made sure he recognized and celebrated smaller victories along the way, including creating the first prototype of the pants himself, finishing his business plan and receiving his first batch of inventory.
There have been lessons over the last two years too. But the biggest one so far? “To know my business. Know all aspects of it so that I can talk to anyone about it. Whether I’m talking about the design, the business plan, the production, the importing, the website – all of it,” says Jason. “If someone asks you about your business, you better have an answer.”
While Jason’s product line just officially launched this spring his company has already received considerable attention. His Classic Rock Pants are now worn by well-known snowboarders Wes Makepeace and Jeff Muirhead, and Jason has also been featured on CTV’s Steele on Your Side and in Business in Vancouver magazine. The pants are also now available for purchase on his website and in multiple stores in Whistler.
One Last Piece of Advice
Jason took the time to lay a solid, research-based foundation for his business, and he advises other entrepreneurs to do the same: “Everybody’s got a million dollar idea. Can you show the work? Walk the walk before you talk the talk. Write a business plan. Have a business plan. Update your business plan. Business plan. Business plan. Business plan.”
