We sat down with Kim Grabow, one of our sales reps who handles international first cost customers. She’s been a part of the Blowfish Malibu family for over a decade, and plays a major role with our business!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT BLOWFISH MALIBU:
I am responsible for sales and customer service for international first cost customers.
I attend major trade shows (this year, all virtually!) to meet with customers and to sell them the upcoming collections each season. In addition to that, I also handle all aspects of customer service for my various accounts. This includes: negotiating prices, communicating with our overseas offices in regards to all details concerning orders, as well as inputting orders.
I’ve always loved sales, and since I’ve been with Blowfish Malibu (almost 13 years now!) my role has definitely evolved a lot.
WHAT DID YOU DO PREVIOUSLY BEFORE JOINING BLOWFISH MALIBU?
I worked at Target headquarters for 9 years prior to joining Blowfish Malibu. I was a footwear buyer for Target, so the progression into selling shoes felt natural and gave me an inside perspective on both sides of a business exchange
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH BLOWFISH MALIBU?
I happened to see Don Weiss, one of the founders of Blowfish Malibu, on my last day at Target. I told him that I was moving back to South Dakota and he said to reach out if I ever needed anything. About six months after moving, I reached out to him to see if he needed any additional help at Blowfish Malibu.
I have now been at Blowfish for 12 years! Time flies.
WHAT PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
I am most excited about the expansion of the brand in other countries. I look forward to increasing our brand presence across the globe.
It has been very rewarding to see the growth of the brand everywhere from Australia, to Kazakhstan, to Chile, to Canada.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
I love that it is a fast-paced industry and continuously changing! I feel like I’m always learning something new!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
I love the Blowfish Malibu family and the product, so I would say my favorite part of my job would be attending the major tradeshows and getting to see and spend time with my team, as well as seeing the new product! I also really enjoy seeing my customers at the show.
The other thing I love about my job is the gratification of seeing Blowfish Malibu grow across the globe!
THE BLOWFISH MALIBU OFFICES ARE IN LOS ANGELES, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE CITY?
You just can’t beat the weather in LA!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF BLOWFISH MALIBU SHOES?
The Play sneaker is easily my favorite. I love how classic and versatile it is.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WHO’S TRYING TO PURSUE THE SAME CAREER AS YOU?
My advice would be to be open to unexpected roles in retail. I started my career as a department store manager and then moved into buying. I never imagined I would be on the vendor side of the business, but it has actually become my favorite role in retail. I think learning different facets of the industry from my stores experience and then in my role in buying has helped me to better understand my current role in sales and customer service.
From an education perspective, it is important to understand business and financials in order to manage a business. However, on top of that, in order to truly further yourself in your dream career, networking is of utmost importance as you can gain an understanding of how the industry works as well as how people got to the positions you’re in.
JUST FOR FUN
What was the last thing you were obsessed with?
Aritzia Super Puff coats…..They keep me warm in the South Dakota winter!!
Where are you from and how has that shaped you?
I grew up in the small town of Parkston, South Dakota. As an adult, I have lived in Denver, Colorado, Kansas City, Kansas, Minneapolis, Minnesota and now am settled with my family in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Growing up in a small town where everyone knows everyone made me value the goodness in people and their willingness to come to people’s aid when they are in need. Not only that, but I also think it instilled in me the extreme importance of values and integrity in life. I’ve loved living in bigger cities to experience more diversity and life experiences. Finally, landing in a small city, which I find is the perfect balance for me.
What’s your dream travel destination?
I would love to tour all of Europe!
If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
I would love to have lunch with Kamala Harris. I definitely think it would be exciting to meet the first female VP of the United States!
When do you feel best about yourself?
I feel best with myself if I’ve met goals – whether it be work or personal.
What’s your personal motto?
Today’s going to be a good day!
What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?
I lived in Spain when I was little.
FILL IN THE BLANKS!
I learn the most from: My experiences
I can’t live without: Shoes
You can find me shopping at: Evereve, Anthropologie and Madewell
My astrological sign is: Virgo
I’m scared of: Snakes
The last book I read was: Winter Colors by Kristin Hannah
Most people would say I’m: A Shopper
I’m currently listening to: Anything that’s on the radio!
My style mantra is: Comfy, yet chic
I feel most comfortable in: In a sweatshirt and leggings
When I woke up today I felt: Cold – (there’s a snowstorm outside my window as I’m writing this)
I feel the best when: I am spending time with my family
Thank you so much for your time, Kim! We’ll catch up with you soon – stay warm over there!
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