On Discover the Difference, hosts Jamie Reid and Gabe Earl are joined by guest host Matt Clark and Robert “Cape” Capener, who built the brand Above the Rim amongst other successful apparel and lifestyle brands and most recently developed a brand new shoe category to help people actively recover from exercise. Dive into this week’s episode with San Diego native, Cape Capener.
Show Highlights
1:10 – Cape shares how his passion for lifestyle brands and design began in high school with his basketball team.
6:37 – Cape discusses his journey in clothing design and his attention to how talented individuals dress and present themselves.
9:20 – Cape provides insight into how Above the Rim operated with the “20-foot rule” and its relevance to branding.
14:04 – Cape emphasizes the importance of authenticity, urging everyone to be themselves, perform at their best, and feel comfortable. He stresses that clothing should not act as a costume.
18:18 – With a background in basketball, Cape played collegiately at BYU before designing products for basketball players. Encouraged by his mentor and friend Jim Jannard, owner of Oakley, Cape’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished.
21:05 – Cape explains how he started his company in 1990, handling design, sourcing materials, financing, and manufacturing through his network, with introductions from industry leaders like Jim Jenks, founder of Ocean Pacific.
25:10 – Cape attributes his entrepreneurial drive to his desire to help people gain confidence.
28:10 – Cape describes his unique style, which extends to his shoes, hats, and cars.
28:47 – Cape explains the origin of his nickname “Cape,” noting that his real name is Bobby.
29:21 – Cape recounts how his company, Above the Rim, ended up in Foot Locker and the challenges of overseas manufacturing. He later sold Above the Rim to Reebok, which created their first basketball shoe, The Orca, to complement the apparel line. Cape discusses the terms of the acquisition and the brand’s growth.
40:34 – After leaving Reebok at age 27, Cape found himself being irresponsible with his earnings. He shares a story about his new Porsche Boxer and refers to this period as the Lost Decade. His life began to change when a nutritionist helped him find a more authentic experience, significantly impacting his personal and business life.
52:30 – Cape shares the transformative work he did during the six months with the nutritionist, leading to new adventures in his personal and professional life.
59:50 – Cape answers rapid-fire questions.
1:00:57 – Cape discusses his future plans, including his work with Oofos, a footwear company, and his involvement with a consulting firm.
1:02:02 – Cape reflects on his life experiences and offers advice to his younger self.
1:03:15 – Cape shares what makes him unique.
