A Look At Female-Fronted Endurance Companies
- By
- Published Aug 25, 2011
Susan Otcenas
Team Estrogen
Hillsboro, Ore.
Teamestrogen.com
Like many women, Susan Otcenas’s weight moved up and down. But as a triathlete, she found that the sports world hadn’t noticed the female body. “Everything was very male dominated, not made for women. But I’m not built like a man,” said Otcenas.
So at the dawn of the Internet, Otcenas and a business partner set off to form a women’s-focused cycling apparel company and soon thereafter expanded into the triathlon world. But she separated herself from the competition by catering to niche markets: Athena and children.
Otcenas began offering a large selection of plus-size clothing. “I wanted women to be comfortable in their own skin. This happens if they are in clothes that are more comfortable,” explained Otcenas. She now carries apparel up to a size 26 and down to an extra small for kids. “I really believe we need to bring kids into this sport or it’s just going to become an aging sport,” said Otcenas.
She has worked with vendors such as Nineteen Wetsuits to create “extended” sizes and encourages the companies to attend the sprint triathlons. “Most of these vendors go to events like Kona, but where the sport is really growing is at the sprint distance. I’m working to convince them to add plus-sized products to their lines,” said Otcenas.
Because of her success and knowledge, Otcenas also mentors small business owners on how to turn profits back into their companies and gives them a basic understanding of cash flow.
Fun Fact: Team Estrogen’s staff all compete in a local triathlon together. The company pays for their entry fees and they can take apparel out of stock. They also have a tailgate party to celebrate.
FILED UNDER: Features TAGS: Nicole DeBoom / TriSwim / women's gear
