World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s 150+ private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 110 San Diego companies in turning $1 million in export grants into $106 million in new international sales, 552 new international contracts, and 28 new offices around the world.
We sat down with Ranney Lochtefeld, a partner at MetroConnect VII finalist Surf Loch, to discuss the company’s artificial wave pools and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.
Tell us about Surf Loch and its mission.
Surf Loch is a company based in San Diego,
California that specializes in designing and building surf pools and wave-generating technology for surfing. We are utilize highly-controllable pneumatic wave generating technology (compressed air and vacuum) to create quality surfing waves, just like the ocean and design and engineer the underlying technology that makes man-made surfing lagoons possible, offering controlled and repeatable waves for surfers of all levels, anywhere away from the ocean.
Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?
We applied to be in MetroConnect to optimize our international exporting. Being able to competitively export our products to minimize customs duties has proven difficult, as we utilize many original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that can be purchased in-country, but our specialty expertise is assembling them together and providing our software to connect everything.
Determining the mix between ‘services’ exports and ‘durable goods’ exports with our integrated systems adds a layer of complexity to our export process but also opens opportunities to minimize taxable duty.
How did MetroConnect help your company?
Our company was unaware of all the support, grant, and mentorship opportunities that were available to us before our introduction to the MetroConnect program. The program has been an invaluable resource for us to help navigate the complex world of international exports.
We appreciate the resources they have put together and the way they make it easy for us to have a one-stop shop to find the resources we need to effectively sell our products and services abroad. We intend on using the contacts made and resources made available in the future as we continue to expand our global footprint.
What is on the horizon for Surf Loch’s international growth?
The international expansion of the surf pool market is growing rapidly. We believe that there is a strong market for our products and services abroad and we are actively expanding our business in Europe, MENA, and Brazil. We intend on continuing to utilize the resources made available to us from the MetroConnect program for years to come.
What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?
Ensure that you understand the regulatory compliance requirements of where you are exporting to, and whether you will be subject to domestic licensing or reporting requirements.
Before starting the program, we were unaware that there were so many potential export requirements we could be subject to, so the MetroConnect program was very helpful in providing information on these topics.
On June 5, Surf Loch is pitching to win $25,000 toward international growth:
Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!
Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.
The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Plus: Learn how 110 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 66 percent average export growth and 45 percent average revenue growth.