Some people follow trends.

Rick Stark has spent his career finding them before they have names.

On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with action sports entrepreneur, media executive, and brand builder Rick Stark for a conversation about timing, trust, category creation, and why the biggest opportunities often begin as communities everyone else overlooks.

From launching the National Inline Skate Series before the X Games existed to helping grow World of Dance into a global phenomenon, Rick has repeatedly found himself at the intersection of culture and commerce, recognizing potential long before the market catches up.

Together they explore:

• Why timing matters as much as talent
• How niche communities become global movements
• What sponsors often misunderstand about culture
• The balance between commercialization and authenticity
• Why relationships outperform transactions
• The role trust plays in long-term partnerships
• How to recognize opportunity before it's obvious
• Why entrepreneurs need people who believe before everyone else does

Rick also shares the surprising story behind the return of the National Inline Skate Series and why building Team USA for rollerblading may become the next chapter in a career built on seeing what's possible before others do.

At its core, this episode asks:

How do you recognize a movement before the rest of the world calls it one?

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Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.

You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.

Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/