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Tim Parr
founder / CEO / Caddis / Music Farming / Board Member
Tim Parr is the Founder and CEO of CADDIS, a lifestyle brand focused on eyewear and wellness products for individuals aged 40 and older.12 Here are some key details about Tim Parr's background and career:
Professional Experience
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Founder/CEO of CADDIS (January 2014 - Present) Based in Mill Valley, CA, CADDIS aims to address the health and wellness needs of people over 40, challenging traditional youth-focused marketing in lifestyle brands.1
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Founder of Swobo (2007-2010 and 1991-1999) Tim founded the iconic counter-culture cycling brand Swobo twice. In his second stint, he doubled the company's gross revenue and expanded into hardgoods.1
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General Manager at Patagonia's WaterGirl (1999-2001) He led the renewal of Patagonia's standalone surf business, WaterGirl, significantly improving its product demand.1
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Founder/President of Parr Goldman & Byrne (2002-2007) A brand strategy and communication solutions firm serving various markets.1
Education
Tim Parr studied Geography at the University of California at Santa Barbara from 1987 to 1991.1
Entrepreneurial Approach
Tim is known for his innovative approach to branding and marketing, particularly in challenging age stereotypes. With CADDIS, he aims to create "the world's best lifestyle aging brand," focusing on authenticity and embracing aging rather than fighting it.23
Additional Interests
In 2013, Tim formed a bluegrass band and toured the Western United States, showcasing his diverse interests beyond business.2
Recognition
Tim has been invited to lecture at prestigious institutions including Stanford School of Design, San Francisco Academy of Art, and California College of Arts. His expertise has been sought by major brands like Patagonia, L.L. Bean, and Filson.34
Tim Parr's career demonstrates a consistent pattern of entrepreneurship, brand-building, and challenging industry norms, particularly in lifestyle and sporting goods sectors.
Highlights
Many thanks to Ken Pilot and his excellent podcast, "The Retail Pilot". Give Ken a review and a follow....always great talking. Thanks Ken!
More lessons with Yvon Chouinard: Early morning we were hauling three barrels of Yak manure into his panel van, in the rain, early morning, before surf. Rumour was Yak manure was great compost.
Yvon: "Every time we do something good for the environment, and Patagonia donates money, Patagonia makes more money." Me: (dumb nervous laugh) Yvon: "I'm serious. Not some of the time...every time. People just can't figure it out and it's so simple." Me: "You do realize that is the most punk rock thing ever?" Yvon: (No comment..the analogy was lost in translation) Coming from a person who just gave Patagonia away to the Earth, no one will question his motives with that statement. Giving back is good for business, and the programs companies support.
Caddis gives back in the form of music education. We donate a % of all sales to Music Farming, an organization we helped create. Caddis wants both kids and adults to have access to music education across the U.S.
I wish I was taking better notes Yvon, but maybe the discussions in the shitty (literally) panel van stick because I didn't.
www.caddislife.com www.musicfarming.org
