Episode
Founder’s Story: Stio Founder & CEO, Stephen Sullivan
- Podcast
- BLISTER Podcast
- Published
- Jun 22, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4566
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://shows.acast.com/blisterpodcast/episodes/founders-story-stio-founder-ceo-stephen-sullivan
- Audio
- https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/5a305be5d97c54ea788d100b/e/6a3899eab53e8a6e088704a4/media.mp3
Actions
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Summary
Stephen “Sulli” Sullivan shares all the wild twists and turns of co-founding Cloudveil in 1997, then launching Stio in 2011. We dive into some of his most significant (and most painful) lessons learned; key industry insights; and the factors necessary to build a successful outdoor company. Note: We Want to Hear From You! We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: [email protected] RELATED LINKS: BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered See our Updated Mtn Bike Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways TOPICS & TIMES: Shoutout: New BLISTER+ Members (1:44) First outdoor sport you fell in love with? (4:04) When Did You First Think of Starting an Outdoor Company? (6:36) Starting Cloudveil (16:06) Turning Point: Denali (22:16) What Happened at Cloudveil? (27:12) Advice on Company Structure (37:37) Launching Stio (44:29) Biggest Surprises? (51:26) Dan Abrams’ 1st Question (56:21) Dan Abrams’ 2nd Question (1:04:44) Sulli’s Current Favorite Stio Technical Piece (1:06:27) Sulli’s Current favorite Casual Piece (1:08:12) What are You Most Excited about? (1:12:39) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas GEAR:30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.