.jpg)
The Team
Where the Passion Begins
John Chenciner
Founder and CEO
John Chenciner is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Surf 9. A lifelong entrepreneur, John brings constant innovation to the sporting and consumer goods industries. John has over 40 years of experience in design, global manufacturing, private labeling, sales, and marketing.
No stranger to hard work and persistence, John developed his first successful product as a teenager in Montreal, Canada, which he then quickly grew into Canada’s largest skateboarding company. Focused on creating innovative solutions, he was determined to make a better roller skate. A natural collaborator, John worked with engineers at DuPont to develop and patent the first composite chassis for roller skates. This new experience with injection molding led John into the footwear industry, creating Canada’s largest direct injection shoe factory until off-shore production shifted the global market and he moved production to China.
John relocated to Florida and in 2005 launched Surf 9, recognizing an opportunity to combine his lifelong passion for paddling and problem-solving. Since procuring the Body Glove License in 2005, John has amassed multiple patents for design and utility for both sporting goods and footwear. He has led the company to become the third-largest retailer of paddle boards worldwide and to be listed as #2439 on the Inc 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies list in 2018.
John has fostered a company culture that's a perfect balance between relentless work ethic and enjoying life to its fullest. Building a team of experts, John leads by example and demonstrates persistence each day, encouraging his team not only to give their best, but to constantly raise the bar and identify new ways to do things better. It is this team culture that John attributes as the “secret sauce” to their competitive advantage.
John resides in Florida with his wife and has two adult children. You can find John and his family “product testing” around Florida or at his lake house up north each summer.
Marshall Crosby
COO
Marshall Crosby is the Chief Operating Officer at Surf 9, responsible for driving business operations and building the team culture. Passionate about the business, he has assembled a team of driven and experienced individuals to manage key deliverables across Surf 9. A strategic leader, he is integrated into all aspects of the business, with an ability to quickly advance new opportunities for exceptional growth and long-term success.
Before joining Surf 9 in 2015 as employee #2, Marshall spent seven years as a Senior Planner at Chico’s FAS. Prior to that he worked as a Planning Manager at Mervyns and got his start in retail at Foot Locker. Marshall holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Johnson & Wales University.
Marshall resides in Florida with his wife and young son. Passionate about the outdoors, Marshall organizes many of the Surf 9 social activities including BBQ’s on the beach or a round of golf.
Dan Thompson
CFO
Dan Thompson is the Chief Financial Officer at Surf 9, responsible for the financial health and day to day activities of the company. A tactical executive, Dan is passionate about expanding this thriving company to reach its maximum capabilities.
Before joining Surf 9 in 2018, Dan served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Specialists in Urology Surgical Centers for over 10 years. Dan holds an M.B.A. in Finance from Xavier University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Cincinnati.
In his free time, Dan is a commercial photographer, and loves to spend his free time with his family.
Luke Hopkins
EVP & GMM Paddlesports
Luke Hopkins is the President of Watersports at Surf 9, responsible for the Body Glove watersports brand since its introduction in 2016. Luke is an ambitious product developer, whose achievements as a champion paddler help him to create incredible outdoor experiences that inspire customers to do the unexpected.
Before joining Surf 9 in 2013, Luke played an integral part in the creation of an entire category in board sports as Sales and Brand Manager with OneWheel. Proud to bring the product to consumer viability, Luke was also responsible for manufacturing relationships and inclusion of the product in over 130 retail chains.
As a professional athlete, Luke has won the Freestyle Kayak Nationals, the Go-Pro Mountain Games, and placed second overall in the World Championship for Freestyle Kayaking.
Luke resides in North Carolina with his wife and two young daughters. In his free time, he can be found on the water with his family, teaching his daughters to imagine the unexpected.
Greg Lomen
EVP & GMM Outdoors
Greg Lomen is the Surf 9 category leader overseeing product development, global and national retailer accounts, and manufacturing partners of the Outdoor and Winter divisions. Greg is an innovative and consummate leader with experience across multiple product categories. In his previous role as vice president of sales with Airhead Sports Group, he led a global team of over 40 employees to achieve over 500% growth during his tenure.
Greg is a native Alaskan and former US Marine, where he served as a communication specialist in an artillery unit.
With Surf 9, Greg is leveraging his experience to identify and capitalize on market opportunities with superior “experienced-focused” product design and go-to-market plans with our licensed and owned brands. His customer-first methodology can be felt through his approach to product design, sales process, and leadership style.
Vince Matchett
Account Manager of Footwear
Vince Matchett is the Account Manager of Footwear at Surf 9, responsible for all related footwear business including sales, product assortment, and marketplace distribution strategies. He joined the company as a former Retail leader with 25+ years of buying, allocation and planning experience including positions at Chico’s FAS Sears, and JC Penny.
His leadership skills and experience in growing sales and profits through product and building relationships are a great addition to Surf 9. Vince has a true passion for providing consumers with high-quality products that target their needs while being affordable, reliable, and suitable for their lifestyle.
Rachele Mills
EVP Planning and Analysis
Rachele Mills is the EVP of Planning & Analysis at Surf 9. As a trusted business partner, she is responsible for strategic planning, forecasting, and sales optimization. A valuable extension to our sales partners, she seamlessly integrates directly into their planning teams to deliver exceptional service to maximize their inventory management. She is responsible for creating and executing product flow plans, that fuel the strategies and success of our partner's profitability.
Before joining Surf 9 in 2017, Rachele was the Sr. Director of Merchandise Planning at Chico’s FAS and developed her career at L Brands, spending 14 years in various roles, the last being Director of Merchandise Planning for the Limited Stores brand. Rachele holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University.
In her free time, Rachele can be found cheering on her twin daughters who play softball and run track & field and cross country.
Hang Matchett
EVP Operations and Technology
Hang Matchett is the EVP of Technology at Surf 9, in charge of implementing company-wide systems to support the growth of the company. A results-oriented and driven leader, Hang brings 25+ years of experience to the team. Her background includes managing strategic initiatives, running a project management office, collaborating on business developments, leading planning, allocation, and merchandise systems. Recognized as a dynamic team leader, Hang will bring energy and enthusiasm to motivate team members to achieve potential and deliver results through technological advances.
Prior to Surf 9, Hang spent her years at Cato Corporation, Chico’s FAS, Home Shopping Network (HSN), Sears Holdings, and JC Penney’s. Hang holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota.
Hang resides in SWFL and enjoys spending her free time with family, relaxing by the pool, and reading.
Matt Verrecchia
EVP Marketing and Communications
Matt Verrecchia is the EVP of Marketing and Communications at Surf 9, responsible for building the Surf 9 brand and the individual brand strategies for each product category. A strategic, solutions-oriented marketer, Matt partners closely with brand leadership to develop innovative content strategies that will drive awareness and consideration of the Surf 9 products.
Prior to joining Surf 9 in 2019, Matt spent three years at Chico’s FAS in a marketing leadership position for White House Black Market. He launched an expansion Professional Soccer team within the North American Soccer League as Director of Marketing Communications and began his career as an Account Executive at the Dalton Agency working with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. Matt holds an M.B.A. from the University of Florida Hough Graduate School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Economics from Plymouth State University.
Matt spends his free time kayaking and golfing, and is an avid wine enthusiast.