Surfing can teach you a lot about business. UGG founder Brian Smith learned that in both, you have to keep pushing toward the next opportunity — the next wave — or you’ll go under.

Today, UGG is well-known around the world for its sheepskin boots and other products. But Brian weathered many storms to keep the company afloat.

In this episode, Brian tells the story of making UGG the It brand for surfers, losing control of the company, getting it back, and how Oprah helped make UGG boots winter wear everywhere.