Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio 6/5/21 - Rick and Axel Give Their Father's Day Picks

Rick and Axel give their Father's Day tech gift picks as Dad's Day approaches.

Have a listen:

Rick:

1.  The Flip Phone is Back!
KYOCERA Launches Rugged, Reliable, FirstNet Ready DuraXE Epic with AT&T

Compact, affordable, ultra-rugged flip phone delivers productivity essentials for public safety, construction, hospitality, and more

Kyocera International Inc., the North American leader in rugged mobile solutions, launched the military-grade and FirstNet Ready™ DuraXE Epic on the AT&T 4G LTE network today. A compact flip phone built for reliability in harsh conditions, Kyocera’s new ultra-rugged device is certified military standard 810H to withstand drops (up to 5 feet onto concrete) and water immersion (IP68 up to 6 ft for 30 min) making it ideal for the public safety, construction and hospitality industries, as well as seniors and anyone looking for a durable, easy-to-use device. It’s also certified Non-incendive Class I Div 2 for protection in hazardous environments, and can be disinfected using alcohol (70% solution) or cleaning wipes. An affordable option, especially for enterprise, DuraXE Epic is available for $269.99 MSRP or for well qualified customers for $9.00/mo on a 30 month installment plan at 0% APR. 

DuraXE Epic is FirstNet Ready™ and supports access to the dedicated FirstNet network core, FirstNet First Priority®, which includes always-on priority and preemption for first responders and the Band 14 spectrum. Offering highly reliable communication, including AT&T Enhanced Push to Talk** (EPTT), DuraXE Epic has 100+dB dual front-facing loudspeakers with dual-mic noise cancellation for audio clarity; cellular calling with HD Voice; Wireless Priority Service with eMPS and real-time text (RTT) support. DuraXE Epic also makes an ideal replacement for Remote Speaker Mics (RSMs), using the programmable external buttons to easily communicate — PTT button for EPTT, External Speaker, and Call List keys on top of device can be programmed to channel up and down, and SOS button to call for help (requires Advanced EPTT) — all without opening the device or removing it from its holster. At 4.36 inches (when closed) and weighing only 6.8 ounces, the device features a fast 1.2GHz, 64-bit Quad-core processor in an ergonomic design with a large, tactile, glove-friendly keypad and buttons, adjustable font size and a clear display for improved readability. An easy access, customizable menu can be set to frequently-used apps; and multiple programmable keys, including SOS*, PTT*, speaker, call list, and four-way navigation key, make the device easy to personalize.

2. LectroFan Classic
www.soundofsleep.com
$49.95

Dad is going to need all the sleep he can get this summer! LectroFan Classic is perfect for those sleepless nights. This personal white noise and fan sound machine to ensure a better night’s sleep and peaceful rest. The LectroFan offers twenty unique digital sounds to mask noises, and you can choose from ten different electric fan sounds and ten variations of pure white noise (including pink and brown noise variations). All sounds can be personalized with pin-point volume control to select across a wide range of sound levels — from a whisper to many times louder than mechanical fan-based conditioners.

Axel:

1. Solo Stove Ranger

www.solostove.com

At the campsite, the beach, or the open road, it’s not the same without a fire. Get wherever you want to be and bask in the glow of a roaring flame.

Ramblers rejoice! You’ve just discovered the world’s most portable fire pit.

Enjoy Our Signature 360° Airflow Design™ in a compact size with minimal smoke.

2.Belkin Magsafe 2 in 1 Wireless Charger

https://www.belkin.com/us/magsafe-magnetic-accessories/magsafe/boost-charge-pro-2-in-1-wireless-charger-stand-with-magsafe-15w/p/p-wiz010/

Charge your new iPhone 12 series device and AirPods at the same time with this 2-in-1 MagSafe wireless charging stand delivering up to 15W to iPhone. Convenience in style, it’s optimized for speed with magnetic connection and bold modern design.

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio 1/22/21 - Mike and Rob Barnes, Selkirk Sport

It's Pickleball this week as Rick is joined by Mike and Rob Barnes from Selkirk Sport.

Have a listen:

As the popularity of Pickleball continues to surge during the COVID-19 era, Selkirk Sport has been recognized as the Pickleball Manufacturer of the year by Racquet Sports Industry (RSi) in conjunction with their inaugural Champions of Pickleball Awards. The family-owned Company based in Hayden, ID is at the forefront of driving growth of the sport, offering a full line-up of Made in-the USA Pickleball Paddles for all levels and an assortment of accessories.

As outdoor activities continue to adapt to adhere to CDC and local/national health guidelines, the sport of Pickleball serves  as the perfect “social distancing” physical activity. Today, Pickleball boasts more than 3.46 million players across the U.S., according to the most recent data by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and RSi recognized Selkirk Sport alongside individuals and organizations that continue to make a positive impact, while helping to accelerate the game’s growing popularity and success.

The RSI excerpt from the November/December issue: MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR - Selkirk Sport

Founded in 2014 by brothers Mike and Rob Barnes and their father, Jim Barnes, this family-owned company in Hayden, Idaho, is a leader in pickleball paddle design and technology, building high-performance pickle-ball equipment. Selkirk’s current product line includes paddles, balls, bags, apparel and accessories. Selkirk’s mantra—“We Are Pickleball”—applies as much to the creation of innovative equipment as to the effort to improve and promote the pickleball community as a whole. The brand partners with, among other groups, the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships, but also with Third Shot Sports, an organization to help bring pickleball awareness and clinics to all ages. Selkirk recently introduced its Vanguard Paddle series, pushing the envelope in technology and its $200 price—which has not deterred consumers, as the paddles quickly sold out on the brand’s website.

“We are committed to supporting the growth of Pickleball at the recreation and professional level, and it’s humbling to be recognized by such a well-respected organization, as a Champion of Pickleball,” said Rob Barnes, Managing Partner, Selkirk Sport. “While 2020 has been a challenging year battling a pandemic, it’s refreshing to see so many individuals of all ages and backgrounds embrace Pickleball as an activity that can be enjoyed in a safe and responsible way.”

 
Selkirk Sport is one of the industry’s fastest growing companies, and their paddles are used by many of the game’s premier players, many who are national/regional champions. Team Selkirk Ambassadors include: Tyson McGuffin, 4-Time National Champion and one of the top ranked players in the world; Cammy MacGregor, Top ranked senior player and former top 75 women’s professional tennis player;  Morgan Evans, Coach to the world’s elite Pickleball players; Enrique Ruiz: Hall of Famer & 6-Time National Champion; Kaitlyn Christian, 28-year old Professional Tennis Player - Top 50 in Doubles on WTA Tour; Joanne Russell, 1977 Wimbledon Doubles Champion; Lindsey & Riley Newman, Top five ranked players and college basketball officials and Sherri Steinhauer: former LPGA star, 3-Time Women’s British Open Champion & 4-Time United States Solheim Cup Winner, among many others.

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio 1/9/21 - Jonathan Quarles and His New Book

Rick is joined on iHeartRadio this week by Jonathan Quarles to talk about his new book, MAKING DOLLARS WHILE MAKING CHANGE: The Playbook for Game Changers.

It's on sale now!  Listen to Rick and Jonathan:

Inspired by the ongoing Flint water crisis, Quarles founded Quartz, a company whose mission is to offer clean water solutions to communities who desperately need them around the world by using advanced technology that pulls water from the air to deliver safe drinking water. He is also the founder of The BTL Group, a strategic business development and relationship management platform dedicated to using entrepreneurship as a platform for social impact.

His new book MAKING DOLLARS WHILE MAKING CHANGE: The Playbook for Game Changers focuses on how to use business as a force for good.

Jonathan Quarles has always had a passion for building businesses and creating change. As a serial entrepreneur, he started his first business as the top-selling paperboy in his neighborhood at the age of 8. Thirty years later, Jonathan has created and developed more than 10 businesses, ranging from a custom T-Shirt operation to a creative printing company. He is an avid angel investor, setting his sights on fast-growing, disruptive companies with a social impact component.

In 2003, Jonathan fused his unparalleled ability to build bridges between people and ideas with his business acumen to launch The BTL Group. As Founder and CEO, he has transformed both multi-billion dollar corporations and non-profit organizations by helping them connect the dots on critical resources, important community dynamics, and lucrative partnerships. Jonathan’s work has unlocked more than $200M of value across the private and public sectors, earning him a place as one of the most sought-after advisors for identifying business growth opportunities and as one of Detroit’s most well-known “connectors.” Today, The BTL Group continues its journey as a thriving strategic consulting business and has now expanded its geographic footprint to several countries outside of the United States.

As a native of Flint, Michigan, Jonathan couldn’t sit on the sidelines as a devastating water crisis plagued his hometown. As he leaned into the research, he realized that Flint had become the U.S. epicenter for what was actually a global crisis – 1 in 3 people around the world don’t have access to clean drinking water. Jonathan knew that a challenge of this scale called for an unprecedented solution – with that, he founded Quartz Water Source (fka SolAir Water). In its initial phase, Quartz is bringing cutting edge atmospheric water generation (AWG) technology – quite literally water made out of air – to the cities and states that need it the most. The technology is reliable, low maintenance and capable of supplementing a municipal water source provided that a power source is available. As part of its future growth, Quartz is exploring the bottled water market as well partnerships with private sector companies whose supply chains heavily rely on water.

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio 12/19/20 - US Olympic Marathoner, Aliphine Tuliamuk

Aliphine Tuliamuk is a Kenyan-born American long distance runner. She placed first at the Women's 2020 Olympic Marathon trials in Atlanta, GA on February 29, 2020 with a time of 2:27:23 and will be representing the United States at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Aliphine has been a world class athlete since placing 9th in 21:09 at 2005 IAAF World Cross Country Championships – Junior women's race.

She joins Rick this week to talk about all of that and The Musial Awards along with what is going on in her life.

Have a listen:

Personal bests
5000 m: 15:18.86 (Palo Alto 2013)
10,000 m: 31:54.20 (Palo Alto 2016)
5 km: 15:22 (Providence 2016)
10 km: 31:52 (Boston 2014)
Half marathon: 1:09:16 (Santa Fe 2013)
Marathon: 2:26:50 (Rotterdam 2019)


2020 Musial Awards. The show, airing nationally on CBS, on December 26th at 3pm ET, will honor the year’s greatest moments of sportsmanship and the biggest names in sports who embody class and character. Bubba Wallace, Laurent Duvernary Tardiff, Hank Aaron, Madison Keys, along with ordinary people who do the extraordinary - come together for this uplifting, inspirational show. Also featured - two legendary broadcasters, Bob Costas and James Brown who interview Hank Aaron & Bubba Wallace, respectively.

Ryan Gellis, Founding Partner, RMG Talks Digital and the Future of Sports Retail

Ryan Gellis joins Rick this week on iHeartRadio. He is founding partner of RMG Media.

Ryan founded RMG to help brands make genuine connections with their customers. He has a background in technology and over 10 years experience in ecommerce strategy and management. The list of companies he has worked with include industry titans like Charming Charlie, Sally Beauty, and Verizon. When not leading RMG, Ryan enjoys playing music, gaming, and starting (but not finishing) construction projects at home.

Have a listen as they talk the latest:

With e-commerce sales up 30 percent in the Covid marketplace, business prognosticators have been adamant about the death of brick and mortar, with online channels predicted to become the dominant business model. However, the situation is more nuanced than presented by market analyst doomsayers. For instance, a recent article by Square noted how, despite a recent survey showing that 51 percent of Americans say they prefer shopping online, only 10 percent of the estimated $3.3 trillion in annual retail sales last year came from online transactions.

Rick and Ryan talk about the current state of sports ecommerce and where it is heading.

Gellis has worked as a veteran craftsman of retail strategies and brand experiences for over a decade. He can tell you that those calling for the death of retail are off the mark in their analysis.

Clothes, watches, jewelry and other luxury goods will remain in physical retail, as that customer base wants to be able to handle and try products on–and this experience cannot be replicated online. The gentrification of urban areas has led to a preference for mixed use spaces that combine commercial spaces with residential. Malls will adopt this model to adapt to modern times.

Customers often browse and research online before going to stores, and thought leaders in the industry will be looking to smartphone apps and other digital solutions to augment and enhance the retail experience.

Sports is wild animal and without fans for the most part in 2020, an evolution is taking place.