Swimming Industry News is courtesy of SwimOutlet.com, a SwimSwam partner.
John Mix
As part of our efforts to give our customers and fans more product information and swim gear updates, we will be bringing you brand interviews every month throughout 2015! For January, we caught up with John Mix, CEO of FINIS known for their product innovation and, of course, that FINIS yellow!
SwimOutlet.com Blog: FINIS launched its first elite tech suit last year with the FINIS Vapor. What was the reaction to that suit and how was its inaugural year in the competition pool?
Olympic Champion Anthony Ervin sporting the FINIS Vapor in one of their new colors
John Mix: We’re pleased with the overall acceptance of the Vapor. We believe we have had a real breakthrough with the fit and the fabric. Age group athletes, Masters swimmers, NCAA champions and Olympians alike have worn the Vapor and produced favorable results – that’s what it’s all about! We’re proud to offer a suit that sits on par with the technical products we are known for.
SB: What are some things you may be looking to do with the next iteration of your Vapor suit?
John Mix: Our efforts for 2016 will be focused on fabric and fit. Our tech suit designer is in Europe this week with a member of our European staff, a former British Olympic swimmer, working on the latest design. We are fortunate to have a production partner in Europe that places a shared priority on small-batch assembly and premium fabrics, over mass production.
SB: FINIS is known as an innovator for swim training accessories. Tell us a little about how you come up with your innovations and new product development?
John Mix: I lead a talented product development team that is always focused on what’s next. Together we sift through the current state of technical swimming development and what it could be. I get the most joy in doing what others may think impossible – it’s doing the hard stuff that separates good from great.
To see the complete John Mix Q&A, go to the SwimOutlet.com Blog here.
***FINIS IS HIRING! They have two great positions open at their company. See Swim Jobs links below.
SWIM JOB: FINIS SEEKS MARKETING COORDINATOR, PUBLIC RELATIONS & SPONSORED ATHLETES
SWIM JOB: FINIS SEEKS MARKETING COORDINATOR, EVENTS & MERCHANDISING