Yep, you read that right — $100 million. The Huntington Beach shaper was building a business and reputation for himself in Southern California when he caught the eye of Billabong, and they quickly struck a deal; soon enough, Bob Hurley was shilling products for the Australians all over the United States. With ever increasing popularity — largely as a result of Hurley’s stateside efforts — Billabong looked to go public, valued at a then-unbelievable $100 million. But instead of cashing in, Hurley walked away. The innovator wanted to do his own thing, and having been recently diagnosed with cancer, he figured it was time for him to make his mark. While his employees were initially wary of the sizable change (including the cash left on the table), they were on the cusp of a massive moment that would transform the industry.
The “microphone for youth” has since grown up to be similarly structured to Billabong — now public itself as a part of Nike — but the company from Costa Mesa has had an undeniable effect on surf.
