James Jannard’s story is one of true entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. From humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire, Jannard’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
Who is James Jannard?
James Jannard is an American designer and entrepreneur best known for founding Oakley, Inc., a company specializing in sports performance equipment and lifestyle pieces, including sunglasses, sports visors, and more. He also founded RED Digital Cinema, a manufacturer of digital cinematography cameras.
Katie Peterson: More Than Jesse McCartney’s Wife, A Star in Her Own Right
Early Life and Ambitions
Born on June 8, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, James Jannard grew up with an innate curiosity and a penchant for challenging the status quo. Raised in Alhambra, he attended Alhambra High School and later enrolled at the University of Southern California’s School of Pharmacy. However, his academic journey took a turn when he decided to drop out and explore the southwestern U.S. on a motorcycle.
The Birth of Oakley
In 1975, Jannard started selling motorcycle parts out of his car at motocross events. His first product was a motorcycle grip that wicked sweat during long rides, which quickly gained popularity among riders. He named his company after his dog, Oakley, and soon expanded his product line to include motorcycle goggles, ski goggles, and sunglasses. Oakley sunglasses gained significant attention when bicycle racer Greg LeMond1 used them.
Dancing into the Spotlight: Kayla Radomski, Jason Segel’s Beloved Partner
Innovation and Expansion
Jannard’s commitment to innovation led Oakley to file numerous patents, revolutionizing the eyewear industry with designs that combined practicality with style. By the 1980s, Oakley had restricted its sales to select retailers, boosting the brand’s exclusivity and appeal. The company went public in 1995, and in 2007, Jannard sold Oakley to Luxottica for a staggering $2.1 billion.
Red Digital Cinema Camera Company
Not one to rest on his laurels, Jannard founded the Red Digital Cinema Camera Company in 2005. RED cameras have since become a staple in the film industry, used in major productions like “Avatar” and “The Hobbit” for their high-resolution capabilities.
Who is Clara Wong? The Actress Who Stole Paul Giamatti’s Heart
A Creative Mind Recognized
Jannard’s innovative contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2009, he was named one of the 100 Most Creative People by Fast Company Magazine, a testament to his impact on both the eyewear and digital cinema industries.
Personal Life and Legacy
Beyond his business ventures, Jannard is known for his love of the outdoors, owning several properties, including islands in Fiji and a 500-acre island in the San Juan Islands archipelago1. His retirement in 2019 was announced with a reflection on his age and health, marking the end of an era for a man who changed the face of multiple industries.
FAQs
How did James Jannard start Oakley?
Jannard began Oakley in 1975 with an initial investment of $300, selling motorcycle grips out of the back of his Honda Civic at motocross events. The company was named after his dog, an English Setter named Oakley Anne.
What inspired the X-Metal line of Oakley sunglasses?
The X-Metal line was inspired by Jannard’s interest in titanium and his desire to combine this material with sculpture. To achieve this, he purchased a golf club casting company and converted it to manufacture titanium eyewear.
What is RED Digital Cinema, and why did Jannard start it?
RED Digital Cinema was founded by Jannard in 2005 with the goal of producing high-resolution digital cinema cameras. RED cameras have been used in major film productions and are celebrated for their image quality and innovation.
Is James Jannard still involved with Oakley?
After selling Oakley to Luxottica in 2007, Jannard has not been involved in the day-to-day operations of the company. However, he refers to Oakley as his “business daughter” and has expressed continued affection for the brand.