Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aurelien Bouche-pillon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Aurelien thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think it takes grit, perseverance, and humility to be truly successful. If you are able to continue standing up after you have been knocked down alongside the ability to not only take feedback but then use it to create something better each time, you are bound to reach your goals and reach success.

When I immigrated to America, I spoke no English, I had $1 in my pocket, and a single backpack with my belongings. What I came with is a goal, to build the American dream and have a life I could only imagine. Here I am, 19 years later with a thriving company, a beautiful family, and plenty of battle scars from the process!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Moving from the Southwest coast of France, I grew up with a passion and love of surfing. Unwilling to give up surfing despite the *dramatic* climate change once I moved to New York, I began surfing in the Great Lakes and on the East Coast — a much colder experience! Great Lakes surfing lead me to become a brand ambassador and international sales person for various brands that targeted the surfing and sports industry.

As I embraced this new challenge of cold water surfing, the part I struggled with most was staying warm before and after surfing when I was changing in and out of my wetsuit. I was desperate for a warm solution during those transition moments that kept me dry. After trying a few solutions on the market I was either unimpressed with the quality of the product or the quality of the company selling the product. That culmination of events and experiences is how Aull-Dry was born.

I decided that not only did I want to create and sell the warmest and highest quality all weather jacket on the market, I also wanted it to resonate with my values, beliefs, and love for this incredible Country. Our jackets are made with 100% recyclable materials that are waterproof, unbelievably warm, and look stylish despite being oversized. Culturally, the company supports American made features and products as often as possible and we are so proud to sponsor and support organizations like: ESA (Eastern Surf Association), Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim, The Watershed Center, and various ski clubs in Michigan just to name a few.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe what sets us apart in the market is not just a great, consciously made product, but that we believe in building relationships nationwide with our customers, our vendors, and incredible organizations we work with. We aren’t just out to push and mass market our product, we care about the experience we offer and the people we keep warm. Our authenticity and genuine love of the industry and people is what allows us to not just keep improving our product but keeps us ahead of the competition.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Well , I would say that what I had to unlearn is the idea that what I want is what my customers want and that I know without asking and seeking feedback. By keeping an open mind and listening carefully to the marketplace and my customers, we are able to make adjustments that continuously improve the product and make our customers feel heard. We want our customers to know that we are here, we are listening, and we are always open to suggestions — we are building the best jacket on the market, together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aull-dry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aulldry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aulldry

Image Credits

Abagail McKiernan