Brad Smith (entrepreneur): Difference between revisions
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Bradley “Brad” Smith (born 1 July 1987) is an Australian entrepreneur, keynote speaker, champion Superlite MX motocross rider and advocate for safe motocross riding practices. Smith is best known for establishing the motorcycle brand “braaap” and the recipient of several achievement awards including 2010 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania, Australian Young Entrepreneur of the year and International Young Entrepreneur of the year runner up. |
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In 2008 Smith launched the first braaap store, a retail outlet intended to be “the motocross equivalent of a surf shop”. braaap has since expanded via company owned outlets and existing dealerships in Australia and via Distributors in Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, Ecudor, Mexico. |
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In 2010 braaap signed a deal with NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose to launch into the United States in 2011. braaap Exited from the US in 2013 after winning a title at the Las Vegas Indoor MMSX. |
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In 2008 Smith launched the first braaap store, a [[retail outlet]] intended to be “the motocross equivalent of a surf shop”.<ref name="aboutbradsmith" /> braaap has since expanded to four retail outlets across [[Tasmania]] and [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], with a [[franchising|franchise]] model to enable further expansion throughout Australia, and the rest of the world.<ref name="braaapcasestudy">{{cite interview|url=http://www.commbank.com.au/business/betterbusiness/work-smarter/braaap-case-study.aspx |title=braaap Case Study |interviewer=Switzer, Peter |last=Smith |first=Brad |date=June 2010 |publisher=Commonwealth Bank |accessdate=28 November 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvblen0H?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.commbank.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Fbetterbusiness%2Fwork-smarter%2Fbraaap-case-study.aspx |archivedate=22 January 2011 |df=dmy }} </ref> In 2010 braaap signed a deal with [[NASCAR]] driver [[Marcos Ambrose]] to launch into the United States in 2011.<ref name="marcosambrose">{{cite news|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2010/03/11/133045_tasmania-news.html |title=Tassie bike firm eyes US |last=Paine |first=Michelle |date=11 March 2010 |newspaper=The Mercury Newspaper |accessdate=28 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbmHyqn?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.themercury.com.au%2Farticle%2F2010%2F03%2F11%2F133045_tasmania-news.html |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="tassiebikefirmseyes">{{cite web|url=http://www.smartcompany.com.au/entrepreneurs/20100907-braaap-founder-to-expand-business-to-the-us.html |title=braaap founder to expand business to the US |last=Millman |first=Oliver |date=7 September 2010 |publisher=Smart Company |accessdate=28 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbnUaIU?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smartcompany.com.au%2Fentrepreneurs%2F20100907-braaap-founder-to-expand-business-to-the-us.html |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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Braaap is the 4 time Australian Specialised retail business of the year. |
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Smith now resides between Launceston, Tasmania and Frankston, Victoria. Australia. |
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Braaap is the 3 time Australian Specialised retail business of the year.<ref name="fiveminuteswithbradsmith">{{cite web|url=http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2010/03/11/133045_tasmania-news.html |title=Five Minutes With... Brad Smith |date=29 January 2010 |publisher=Motorcycling Australia |accessdate=29 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbmHyqn?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.themercury.com.au%2Farticle%2F2010%2F03%2F11%2F133045_tasmania-news.html |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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== Personal life == |
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Smith was born in [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]], Tasmania, Australia to parents from a middleclass background who grew up in a government [[Public housing|housing commission]] residences.<ref name="actionman">{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/small-business/action-man-revs-up-operations-motorcycle-enthusiast/story-e6frg9hf-1225941430316 |title=Action man revs up operations: motorcycle enthusiast |last=Kaye |first=Tony |date=29 October 2010 |newspaper=The Australian |accessdate=29 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbp86LZ?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Fsmall-business%2Faction-man-revs-up-operations-motorcycle-enthusiast%2Fstory-e6frg9hf-1225941430316 |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> Smith acknowledges he was neither the most popular or academically successful student at school and attributes much of his success to his parents who encouraged him to think big and believe in himself.<ref name="tasyoungaust" /> |
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2007: Despite being told “street clothes and motorbikes won’t sell under the one roof”, Smith collaborated widely to develop a business model for a motocross lifestyle store aimed towards families and recreational riding. As a result, braaap stores not only sell mini bikes but offer a variety of street apparel, DVDs, equipment and motocross paraphernalia. Each store also has a club and provides access to coaching and in-store bike mechanics. |
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His parents purchased his first motorcycle when he was four years old, fuelling his passion for motocross.<ref name="aboutbradsmith" /> Smith has channelled this passion into the braaap club and community group, initiatives which assist young people to discover their own interest in affordable adrenalin sports. He states his life mission is to “educate people on how to get their adrenaline rush from action sport or their passion rather than from drugs, violence and alcohol.”<ref name="newspacefortrailbikeriders">{{cite news|url=http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/news/crime-and-law/new-space-for-trail-bike-riders/1730486.aspx |title=New space for trail bike riders |last=Dawtrey |first=Zara |date=21 January 2010 |newspaper=The Examiner Newspaper |accessdate=28 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbq5eAi?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.examiner.com.au%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fnews%2Fcrime-and-law%2Fnew-space-for-trail-bike-riders%2F1730486.aspx |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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braaap’s exponential growth created challenges when procuring funding. Smith overcame this obstacle after winning awards for 2008 Australian Small Business Retailer of the Year and Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Years, both sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank. After the award ceremony Smith informally propositioned Commonwealth Bank officials who in turn agreed to provide braaap funding. |
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The first the braaap store opened in Launceston in 2005, with additional Tasmanian stores in Hobart and Devonport, and another in Frankston, Victoria. |
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“We are in the business of affordable adrenaline sports, my passion is the Superlite industry but as a retailer our concept store is designed to be the affordable adrenaline sport super store, we are using what we have learned from the Superlite industry to engage other affordable adrenaline sport that line up with our mission and values, E.g. BMX, Extreme POGO, Extreme Scooter, etc.” — Brad Smith, December 2010 |
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Smith is involved with the Tony Robbins Platinum partnership which has assisted to establish soccer programs throughout Israel. These programs unite families in communities through their enthusiasm for soccer in troubled regions like Hebron.<ref name="holyland">{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/small-business/action-man-revs-up-operations-motorcycle-enthusiast/story-e6frg9hf-1225941430316 |title=The Holy Land |last=Smith |first=Brad |date=20 November 2010 |publisher=Bradley Smith Blog |accessdate=2 December 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbp86LZ?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Fsmall-business%2Faction-man-revs-up-operations-motorcycle-enthusiast%2Fstory-e6frg9hf-1225941430316 |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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2013: Refining the brand |
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Smith now resides in Legana, Tasmania.<ref name="tasyoungaust" /> |
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The braaap brand went through a major refinement in 2013 as its core customer went from the youth off road market with an average age segment of 15-23 year olds to the more sophisticated road segment with the average customer becoming 28 - 44 year old male. The over 50’s segment grew with the introduction of road motorcycles as did the female segment. |
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braaap Concept stores took a major shift with the introduction of street legal range of motorcycles. |
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The product mix took a pivotal shift as braaap moved into the road legal market with the 125cc superlite Street and the 250cc “CAFE RACER”. The cafe racer proved a phenomenal success as reported by the Australian Financial review in December 2015. |
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== Braaap == |
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"A 250 engine may not be huge on a normal road bike," Smith says. "But a cafe racer is stripped-back and light, so you get performance and fuel economy. A city bike really needs performance from zero to 80." – Brad Smith |
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=== Initial attempt === |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Braaap-mmsx-step-up.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Brad Smith on Superlite Bike|Brad Smith on Superlite Bike.]] --> |
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At age 16 Smith had a vision to establish mini motocross Superlite MX in Australia. In 2004 he identified the need to develop an affordable Superlite pit bike which could be ridden and jumped confidently by adults.<ref name="aboutbradsmith" /> To raise funds to import his first shipment of mini bikes from China, Smith worked numerous jobs and undertook various small entrepreneurial activities including manufacturing [[Hacky Sack]]s, selling [[movie posters]] on [[eBay]], mowing lawns for the elderly in his neighbourhood, and trading options on the US [[stock market]]. Despite investing considerable time in these undertakings, he deemed the quality of the bikes as unsatisfactory upon their arrival.<ref name="braaapcasestudy" /> |
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Read more: http://www.afr.com/lifestyle/cars-bikes-and-boats/cafe-racers-are-putting-cool-back-into-motorbikes-20151126-gl8gak#ixzz4mayzz4CC |
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=== Founding of braaap === |
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Evermore determined Smith set about designing his own bikes and researched the market extensively. He frequently travelled to mainland Australia where he participated in motocross events to build his reputation and accumulate knowledge from the best motocross riders. At the time Smith was a provisional driver and could not hire rental cars, so to overcome this limitation he sponsored riders to participate in the events he was unable to attend.<ref name="aboutbradsmith" /> |
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Through these experiences Smith ascertained the requirements to build mini bikes capable of rivalling the American models. Lacking the means to produce them he saw no choice but to visit China and source a manufacturer capable of building mini bikes to his specification.<ref name="bikemadbrad">{{cite interview|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/03/19/2851259.htm |title=Bike Mad Brad |interviewer=Breen, Fiona |last=Smith |first=Brad |date=19 March 2010 |work=Stateline |publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |accessdate=28 November 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbt1FCn?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc.net.au%2Fnews%2Fvideo%2F2010%2F03%2F19%2F2851259.htm |archivedate=22 January 2011 |df=dmy }} </ref> |
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FAMILY |
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Despite having little international business experience and no distribution channels, upon turning 18 Smith embarked on a two-week venture to liaise with Chinese motorcycle manufacturers. He was ridiculed by dozens by business managers but eventually found a manufacturing plant willing to support his vision.<ref name="bikemadbrad" /> |
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braaap motorcycles are now manufactured by engineers and companies across the world, the front suspension in Italy, exhausts in Europe, bike frames in France, engines in Japan and performance parts in the United States. The motorcycles are assembled locally by mechanics in Braaap stores to ensure quality and reliability.<ref name="aboutbradsmith" /> |
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In 2015 The weekend Australian revealed that braaap has become a family business: |
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=== braaap retail stores === |
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"what makes this family business a little bit different from most others is that Brad didn’t inherit this firm -- he actually started it from scratch -- and among his loyal troop of employees are his parents, Paul and Andrea. |
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His father is head mechanic, while his mother oversees the group’s retail operations, and his younger sister Sheridan is brought into the business for special projects. |
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http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/business-spectator/a-young-entrepreneur-whos-powering-ahead/news-story/3ccccb28a2d0118cb66b63d5268f4092 |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Braaap-store-launceston.jpg|thumb|left|alt=braaap store Launceston|braaap store Launceston.]] --> |
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DIRB it UP |
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Despite being told “street clothes and motorbikes won’t sell under the one roof”, Smith collaborated widely to develop a business model for a motocross lifestyle store aimed towards families and recreational riding. As a result, braaap stores not only sell mini bikes but offer a variety of street apparel, DVDs, equipment and motocross paraphernalia. Each store also has a club and provides access to coaching and in-store bike mechanics.<ref name="aboutbradsmith" /> |
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in 2015 New Holland publishers launched Brad Smiths book” Dirb it UP” |
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Competitor Pressure / Legal Allegations |
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braaap’s exponential growth created challenges when procuring funding. Smith overcame this obstacle after winning awards for 2008 Australian Small Business Retailer of the Year and Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Years,<ref name="braaap_boss_tretains_title">{{cite web|url=http://www.bikesales.com.au/news/2010/braap-boss-brad-smith-retains-entrepreneur-title-18155 |title=Braap boss Brad Smith 'retains' entrepreneur title |work= |publisher=BikeSales.com.au |accessdate=15 July 2011 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbtjz0q?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bikesales.com.au%2Fnews%2F2010%2Fbraap-boss-brad-smith-retains-entrepreneur-title-18155 |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="braaap_founder_awarded">{{cite web|url=http://www.bikesales.com.au/news/2010/braap-boss-brad-smith-retains-entrepreneur-title-18155 |title=braaap founder awarded Young Champion Entrepreneur Award 2 years running |date=29 January 2010 |publisher=FullNoise.com.au |accessdate=28 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbtjz0q?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bikesales.com.au%2Fnews%2F2010%2Fbraap-boss-brad-smith-retains-entrepreneur-title-18155 |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> both sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank. After the award ceremony Smith informally propositioned Commonwealth Bank officials who in turn agreed to provide braaap funding.<ref name="dc_strategy_interview">{{cite interview|url=http://www.dcstrategy.com/mediacentre/interview.php?id=46 |title=Media Centre: Interviews braaap |interviewer=DC Strategy |last=Smith |first=Brad |date=4 August 2010 |publisher=DC Strategy |accessdate=28 November 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbvy5CQ?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcstrategy.com%2Fmediacentre%2Finterview.php%3Fid%3D46 |archivedate=22 January 2011 |df=dmy }} </ref> |
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In 2016 braaap came under competitive pressure and allegations turned into a legal matter for braaap to defend. |
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Motorcycle company braaap founded by the young Brad Smith has denied allegations pressed upon him and is preparing to lodge a defence. |
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Source: https://www.tasmaniatalks.com.au/the-show/6218-braaap-founder-brad-smith-to-lodge-defence-against-fraud-charges |
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The first the braaap store opened in Launceston in 2005, with additional Tasmanian stores in Hobart and Devonport, and another in Frankston, Victoria.<ref name="braaap_locations">{{cite web|url=http://www.braaap.com.au/AboutBradSmith |title=Locations |publisher=braaap website |accessdate=30 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbiI2o1?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.braaap.com.au%2FAboutBradSmith |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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The Show |
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© Tasmania Talks |
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http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/motorcycle-boss-says-mps-have-been-supportive/news-story/bf848c9b4415e8a1abe6aaac9753e188 |
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{{quote|text=''“We are in the business of affordable adrenaline sports, my passion is the Superlite industry but as a retailer our concept store is designed to be the affordable adrenaline sport super store, we are using what we have learned from the Superlite industry to engage other affordable adrenaline sport that line up with our mission and values, E.g. BMX, Extreme POGO, Extreme Scooter, etc.”''|sign=Brad Smith|source=December 2010 {{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}}} |
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== Franchise Model == |
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Working meticulously with the legal and consultancy firm DC Strategy, Smith spent three years developing a franchise model to enable the replication of braaap’s retail store format throughout Australia and eventually the rest of the world.<ref name="dc_strategy_interview" /><ref name="dc_case_study">{{cite web|url=http://www.dcstrategy.com/mediacentre/full_article.php?article=304 |title=Expertise: Case Studies braaap |publisher=DC Strategy |accessdate=29 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvby17mv?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcstrategy.com%2Fmediacentre%2Ffull_article.php%3Farticle%3D304 |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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== Marcos Ambrose and expansion into the USA == |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Brad smith and marcus ambrose.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Brad smith and Marcos Ambrose|Brad smith and [[Marcos Ambrose]].]] --> |
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NASCAR race driver and dual Australian V8 Supercar Champion Marcos Ambrose made his first visit to a braaap retail store in early 2010. Impressed with both the store and product, Ambrose bought three braaap bikes for cross-training and began negotiating with Smith to acquire the master franchise rights to introduce the brand and retail outlets into the United States in 2011.<ref name="marcosambrose" /><ref name="tassiebikefirmseyes" /> |
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Academy of growth |
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== braaap in the community == |
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smith is the key talent for the “Academy of growth” charing the advisory board program. http://www.academyofgrowth.com.au |
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Together, with the chairmen of your board and the 7 other board members we will open your business up for examination and teach you the same tools and strategies that are used by the top performing companies in the world. |
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http://themercury-au.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/iphone/homepage.aspx#_article3324566a-1f21-4ca8-879f-9302037b9c92/waarticle3324566a-1f21-4ca8-879f-9302037b9c92/3324566a-1f21-4ca8-879f-9302037b9c92//true |
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=== braaap Club === |
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The Academy of growth focus on both Impact and Income: |
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braaap has established two permanent club facilities with plans to establish more. The aim is to provide a safe and fun riding environment for the entire family. Flat tracks are available for beginner riders while intermediate motocross tracks are provided for riders who wish to build skill and confidence. A Las Vegas replica supercross track is also available for advanced riders.<ref name="newspacefortrailbikeriders" /> |
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Reserve Bank of Australia |
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=== Combating illegal riding === |
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Smith served on the reserve bank of australia advisory panel for a full term of 3 years finishing in 2016, representing small business. |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Cambridge moto braaap mini sx track hobart.jpg|thumb|right|alt=braaap Mini Moto SX Track near Hobart|braaap Mini Moto SX Track near [[Hobart]].]] --> |
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZmhXeH1pNE |
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Prompted by an increase in illegal bike riding, Smith assisted various stakeholders in organising a venue for Superlite riders to practice and compete. As early as 2005 he approached the [[Launceston City Council]] to arrange allocation of land at [[Rocherlea, Tasmania|Rocherlea]] for trail bike use.<ref name="newspacefortrailbikeriders" /> |
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http://www.rba.gov.au/about-rba/panels/ |
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The Small Business Finance Advisory Panel was established by the Reserve Bank in 1993. To gain a variety of perspectives, panellists are selected from a range of industries and locations across Australia and serve on the Panel for three years. |
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Condemning the practice of dangerous riding Smith hopes to work with police to determine a suitable disciplinary measure for those caught riding illegally: |
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{{quote|text=''“We want to do something like if your bike's impounded you come out to the local braaap club and do a course with us […] These kids have got so much passion – imagine if we could harness that passion and use it to develop their life skills.”''|sign=Brad Smith|source=“New space for trail bike riders”, The Examiner Newspaper, 21 January 2010}} |
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Smith aims to provide young people with an outlet to receive adrenaline rushes through stimulating activities like trail bike riding rather than drugs, alcohol or crime.<ref name="newspacefortrailbikeriders" /> |
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Keynote speaking |
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== Adrenalin Plan == |
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Frustrated by finance companies tightening as result of the [[Global Financial Crisis]], Smith established Adrenalin Plan during 2010 to divide the cost of purchasing a motorcycle into affordable weekly payments. Mostly known for its redundant $3 a day marketing campaign, Adrenalin Plan has proven a tremendous success and propelled braaap’s year on year growth. |
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http://themercury-au.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/iphone/homepage.aspx#_article3324566a-1f21-4ca8-879f-9302037b9c92/waarticle3324566a-1f21-4ca8-879f-9302037b9c92/3324566a-1f21-4ca8-879f-9302037b9c92//true |
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Smith stated the broader retail market could accommodate an on demand financing company and was seeking capital to expand into new markets. |
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Thanks Heaps |
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{{quote|text=''“We need a ‘live life now’ style payment plan, people don't want to wait to go riding, we live in an instant world so we need to give people access to what they want fast!”''|sign=Brad Smith|source= 2010 {{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}}} |
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Brad Smith |
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During 2011 Adrenalin Plan partnered with a [[private equity]] company and re-launched in 2012 under new branding. The relaunch included a fully automated system, new management team and resources to build a financial operation with the capacity to satisfy the broader market.<ref name="adrenalin_plan">{{cite web |url=http://vimeo.com/51262206|title=Braaap Adrenaline Plan TVC|publisher= |accessdate=14 February 2013}}{{dead link|date=January 2017|bot=medic}}</ref> |
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2 x Australian Young Entrepreneur of the year |
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4 x Australian Business of the Year |
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== The industry – Superlite == |
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Superlite is an emerging niche in the motorsport industry which Smith plans to develop into a professional sport and industry in its own right. He also aims to expand Superlite into affordable adrenaline sport which the whole family can enjoy through the braaap club and community group facilities.<ref name="braaap_club">{{cite web|url=http://www.braaap.com.au/braaapClub |title=Braaap Club |work= |accessdate=29 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbzJd2d?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.braaap.com.au%2FbraaapClub |archivedate=22 January 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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The term “Superlite” originated from braaap’s desire to rebrand the industry and create uniformity. Superlite bikes have been referred by many names, including “bikes”, “pitbikes”, “thumpsters”, “minibikes” and “50s”, none of which Smith considered empowering or a true reflection of the sport which they represent. Smith’s primary concern with terms such as “mini bike” or “pit bike” is the misassumption the bikes are small or a refer to a secondary level sport.{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}} |
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{{quote|text=''“Superlite riding is a full on action sport in the USA they have the Mini Moto SX, the largest Superlite race on the planet with up to 800 riders, and 10,000 fans. It’s a big deal. People ride Superlite bikes exclusively because they are high adrenaline, they are affordable and they are accessible. Superlite is a rebrand of our industry to bring not only an empowering brand to lead the sport but a professional look and feel that this great sport deserves.”''|sign=Brad Smith|source=December 2010 {{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}}} |
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== Australian Superlite Champion == |
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In June 2010 Smith was placed as the highest ranking Australian at the World Mini SX Championships in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]]. After the 2010 World finals he finished in 11th place, competing against full-time professional riders from around the world.<ref name="superlite_champion">{{cite web|url=http://www.ma.org.au/index.php?id=12&tx_ttnews%5bcat%5d=28&tx_ttnews%5btt_news%5d=2366&tx_ttnews%5bbackPid%5d=6&cHash=27898a57d4|title=Smith becomes highest ranked Australian in World Mini SX Championships |work=|accessdate=29 November 2010|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5vvbzoYBa?url=http://www.ma.org.au/index.php?id%3D12%26tx_ttnews%5Bcat%5D%3D28%26tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D%3D2366%26tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D%3D6%26cHash%3D27898a57d4 |archivedate = 22 January 2011|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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== Other == |
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=== Speaking Engagements === |
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Through ICMI Smith educates corporate audiences on expansion and development strategies that produce compounded and consistent growth. Smith often enters the stage wheel standing on a braaap motorcycle.<ref name="icmi">{{cite web|url=http://www.icmi.com.au/brad-smith|title=Speaker Brad Smith – Speakers Bureau ICMI|work=|accessdate=14 February 2013|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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=== Commonwealth Bank === |
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During 2008 the Commonwealth Bank engaged Peter Switzer to interview Smith. The video became the most watched interview on the bank’s YouTube channel with over 100,000 viewers.<ref name="braaapcasestudy" /><ref name="youtube">{{cite interview|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e43SljKMx_M&list=PL560BEDADC825D10F|title= Small Business Case Study: Building your business takes passion|interviewer=Switzer, Peter|last=Smith|first=Brad|date=June 2010|publisher=Commonwealth Bank|accessdate=20 February 2013}}</ref> |
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=== Visa === |
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[[Visa Inc.|Visa]] selected Smith as the inspirational story for their 2010 GoBiz campaign and produced two [[infomercials]] detailing his success. This resulted in a significant social media boost for braaap, stimulating public relations and advertisements in major Australian newspapers and business magazines.<ref name="visa">{{cite web|url=https://www.visagobiz.com.au/success-stories/braaap.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410085525/https://www.visagobiz.com.au/success-stories/braaap.aspx|dead-url=yes|archive-date=10 April 2013|title=How Visa keeps up with braaap |work=|accessdate=14 February 2013}}</ref> |
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=== Trivia === |
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* The name “braaap” originates from the noise produced by a Superlite engine and was also Smith’s childhood nickname.<ref name="braaapcasestudy" /> |
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== References == |
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{{Reflist|3}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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Revision as of 06:21, 12 July 2017
 | This article contains promotional content. (February 2016) |
Brad Smith | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Brad Smith | |
| Born | Bradley Smith 1 July 1987 Launceston, Tasmania, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur Motocross Champion |
| Years active | 2007 – present |
| Known for | Founder and Director of braaap 2010 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania Australian Young Entrepreneur of the year |
| Website | http://www.braaap.com.au |
Bradley “Brad” Smith (born 1 July 1987) is an Australian entrepreneur, keynote speaker, champion Superlite MX motocross rider and advocate for safe motocross riding practices. Smith is best known for establishing the motorcycle brand “braaap” and the recipient of several achievement awards including 2010 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania, Australian Young Entrepreneur of the year and International Young Entrepreneur of the year runner up.
In 2008 Smith launched the first braaap store, a retail outlet intended to be “the motocross equivalent of a surf shop”. braaap has since expanded via company owned outlets and existing dealerships in Australia and via Distributors in Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, Ecudor, Mexico.
In 2010 braaap signed a deal with NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose to launch into the United States in 2011. braaap Exited from the US in 2013 after winning a title at the Las Vegas Indoor MMSX.
Braaap is the 4 time Australian Specialised retail business of the year. Smith now resides between Launceston, Tasmania and Frankston, Victoria. Australia.
2007: Despite being told “street clothes and motorbikes won’t sell under the one roof”, Smith collaborated widely to develop a business model for a motocross lifestyle store aimed towards families and recreational riding. As a result, braaap stores not only sell mini bikes but offer a variety of street apparel, DVDs, equipment and motocross paraphernalia. Each store also has a club and provides access to coaching and in-store bike mechanics.
braaap’s exponential growth created challenges when procuring funding. Smith overcame this obstacle after winning awards for 2008 Australian Small Business Retailer of the Year and Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Years, both sponsored by the Commonwealth Bank. After the award ceremony Smith informally propositioned Commonwealth Bank officials who in turn agreed to provide braaap funding.
The first the braaap store opened in Launceston in 2005, with additional Tasmanian stores in Hobart and Devonport, and another in Frankston, Victoria.
“We are in the business of affordable adrenaline sports, my passion is the Superlite industry but as a retailer our concept store is designed to be the affordable adrenaline sport super store, we are using what we have learned from the Superlite industry to engage other affordable adrenaline sport that line up with our mission and values, E.g. BMX, Extreme POGO, Extreme Scooter, etc.” — Brad Smith, December 2010
2013: Refining the brand
The braaap brand went through a major refinement in 2013 as its core customer went from the youth off road market with an average age segment of 15-23 year olds to the more sophisticated road segment with the average customer becoming 28 - 44 year old male. The over 50’s segment grew with the introduction of road motorcycles as did the female segment.
braaap Concept stores took a major shift with the introduction of street legal range of motorcycles.
The product mix took a pivotal shift as braaap moved into the road legal market with the 125cc superlite Street and the 250cc “CAFE RACER”. The cafe racer proved a phenomenal success as reported by the Australian Financial review in December 2015.
"A 250 engine may not be huge on a normal road bike," Smith says. "But a cafe racer is stripped-back and light, so you get performance and fuel economy. A city bike really needs performance from zero to 80." – Brad Smith
FAMILY
In 2015 The weekend Australian revealed that braaap has become a family business: "what makes this family business a little bit different from most others is that Brad didn’t inherit this firm -- he actually started it from scratch -- and among his loyal troop of employees are his parents, Paul and Andrea. His father is head mechanic, while his mother oversees the group’s retail operations, and his younger sister Sheridan is brought into the business for special projects. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/business-spectator/a-young-entrepreneur-whos-powering-ahead/news-story/3ccccb28a2d0118cb66b63d5268f4092
DIRB it UP
in 2015 New Holland publishers launched Brad Smiths book” Dirb it UP”
Competitor Pressure / Legal Allegations In 2016 braaap came under competitive pressure and allegations turned into a legal matter for braaap to defend. Motorcycle company braaap founded by the young Brad Smith has denied allegations pressed upon him and is preparing to lodge a defence.
Source: https://www.tasmaniatalks.com.au/the-show/6218-braaap-founder-brad-smith-to-lodge-defence-against-fraud-charges The Show © Tasmania Talks
Academy of growth smith is the key talent for the “Academy of growth” charing the advisory board program. http://www.academyofgrowth.com.au Together, with the chairmen of your board and the 7 other board members we will open your business up for examination and teach you the same tools and strategies that are used by the top performing companies in the world.
The Academy of growth focus on both Impact and Income:
Reserve Bank of Australia Smith served on the reserve bank of australia advisory panel for a full term of 3 years finishing in 2016, representing small business.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZmhXeH1pNE http://www.rba.gov.au/about-rba/panels/
The Small Business Finance Advisory Panel was established by the Reserve Bank in 1993. To gain a variety of perspectives, panellists are selected from a range of industries and locations across Australia and serve on the Panel for three years.
Keynote speaking
Thanks Heaps
Brad Smith 2 x Australian Young Entrepreneur of the year 4 x Australian Business of the Year