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Splitboarding

Lots of people dream of starting a company in the outdoor industry. But how do you go about actually doing that? At Blister Summit 2025, we talked with four individuals who had the dream — and the audacity — to start their own companies: Klem Branner, Venture Snowboards; Will Ritter, Spark R&D; Jamie Grant, CARV; and Cobey Nash, AlpenFlow Design. On this episode of the Blister Podcast, you’ll hear them talk about the highs, the lows, and the breakthroughs that come with starting a company — and the even more challenging work of keeping a company going.

Founder Stories: Creating a Company in the Outdoor Industry (Venture Snowboards, CARV, Spark R&D, & AlpenFlow Design) (Ep.357)

May 19, 2025 by Jonathan Ellsworth
We talk to Klem Branner, Venture Snowboards; Will Ritter, Spark R&D; Jamie Grant, CARV; and Cobey Nash, AlpenFlow Design about the highs, the lows, and the breakthroughs that come with starting a company — and the even more challenging work of keeping a company going.
Categories BLISTER Podcast
'Deeper' w/ Jeremy Jones & Jonathan Ellsworth (Ep.25)

‘Deeper’ w/ Jeremy Jones & Jonathan Ellsworth (Ep.25)

October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by Jonathan Ellsworth
Jeremy Jones & Jonathan Ellsworth revisit the 2010 film, Deeper, which Jeremy calls the most important movie of his snowboarding career — which is saying something, coming from a guy who was named snowboarder of the year 10 times, and a guy that’s starred in over 100 films.
Categories Blister Cinematic, Podcasts
Andrew Forward reviews the Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Pole for Blister

Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles

December 10, 2018 by Andrew Forward
After using it for more than 50 days, Black Diamond’s Expedition 3 pole has proven to be a reliable piece of equipment that’s worth a look for splitboarders, skiers, or anyone who wants a packable and durable pole for year-round use.
Categories Featured, Reviews, Skiing, Snowboards
Will Ritter, founder of Spark R&D, on the Blister Podcast GEAR:30

Spark R&D — Part 2 (Ep.28)

November 9, 2018 by Jonathan Ellsworth
We talk to Spark R&D founder, Will Ritter, about some of Spark’s current products, collaborating with CAST Touring and 22 Designs, and implementing solar power in their factory in Bozeman, Montana.
Categories GEAR:30, Podcasts
Will Ritter, founder of Spark R&D, on the Blister Podcast GEAR:30

Zen & the Art of Creating the World’s Biggest Splitboard Binding Company: Will Ritter, Spark R&D (Ep.27)

November 2, 2018 by Jonathan Ellsworth
We talk to Will Ritter about starting - and running - the largest splitboard binding company in the world, Spark R&D, and Will provides a number of valuable insights for anyone thinking of starting anything.
Categories GEAR:30, Podcasts
review of the Spark R&D Magneto binding, Blister Gear Review

2013-2014 Spark R&D Magneto Splitboard Bindings

March 25, 2014 by Justin Bobb
Spark R&D's Magneto binding is the lightest, quickest, and easiest to use splitboard binding we've tested to date.
Categories Featured, Recommended, Reviews, Snowboards
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