Oct 01, 2012 8 Questions With: Lyndon Cormack
Lyndon Cormack, along with his brother Jamie, heads up one of the most interesting, fastest-growing bag brands around. Having worked at a well-respected footwear company for ten years, Lyndon was able to leverage his knowledge of fashion trends and the retail landscape in order to identify a very real hole in the market, and fill it. “We felt that bags in general were getting overly technical and all had a similar look.” So the two brothers set out to deliver affordable, trend-right, timeless products, with fine attention to detail. And in 2009, Herschel Supply Co. Brand was born. The Vancouver-based operation was launched right in the middle of the global economic slowdown, but as Lyndon points out, it might have worked in their favor. The only way for the brand was up. In the few years since 2009, Herschel have opened roughly 3500 doors, with distribution across 37 countries. Upcoming projects include partnerships with the likes of Stussy, New Balance, and even Apple. Lyndon was kind enough to find a gap in his hectic travel schedule to fill us in on how he works…
What are you currently working on?
Currently we are working on finalizing all of the Spring 2013 sales and are in our final stages of development for the Fall 2013 product – the final tailoring and adjustments so we have a complete and well-curated collection to offer our retailers coming forward for Fall 2013. There are a few special projects that include the works of New Balance, Stussy, Mark McNairy, Ronnie Fieg, Beams, Journal Standard and United Arrows. To say the least, we are busy.
How would you describe your job?
There are day-to-day changes but overall, I oversee the sales, marketing, production, operations and finance of Herschel Supply. I co-own the brand with my brother Jamie who is in charge of design, which is a lot of work in itself in regards to all product and all design.
What does your average work day look like?
See above.
Where do you find inspiration?
I am constantly drawing inspiration from everywhere… from the contrasting colors in the sky, past and current iconic brands, architecture, and the thousands of creative people that are doing projects everyday that we get to appreciate. There is definitely a fine inspiration internally for clothing and usage of materials, seasonal trends and the creative people who are involved behind the scenes creating which may seem to be simple layering to some people but the forecasting and executions for this are a lot of work.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
Growing up I was skateboarding, snowboarding, enjoying summers, boating and really just being a kid. I didn’t know what I wanted to be… most likely an entrepreneur. I suppose I still wanted to be a kid and have that ‘free spirit lifestyle’.
What are you reading at the moment?
With the extensive traveling I do, I usually stick to books on business – recently some of the dissection of Apple computers and also the processes around successful retail organizations. I have a five year old and six year old so right now I am reading the works of Beatrix Potter, which is incredible literature.
What’s the best thing about living & working in Vancouver?
Vancouver is called one of the most livable cities, however I am certain that the city of Vancouver only flies the people from The Economist over between July and August and do not come in November when it is pouring rain. Rain aside, we have clean air, we are very close to the ocean, an hour and a half away from Whistler, and we have a great airport. Based on our proximity to the US, this enables spur of the moment opportunities over there. We are a melting pot society with many people from different backgrounds coming from different places to work and live in a city together.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Home.
