Nightglow Window

Although the La Jolla Group has been in its new 200,000 square foot offices for about six weeks now—long enough for a few scuffs to appear near the skate ramps in the hallway—the company threw open its doors Wednesday night to show off their new digs in a massive open house celebration.

They have every reason to be proud.

The La Jolla Group’s growing portfolio of brands includes O'Neill Clothing USA, Lost Clothing, Metal Mulisha Clothing, and Rusty North America. That’s way more activity that the old offices could handle and employees once joked of that they had to turn sideways to make it down some cramped hallways.

Not anymore. The new offices are double the size and feature cool design elements from award-winning architecture firm LPA.

“In this day and age, going to work is more than just showing up from 9 to 5," says CEO Toby Bost. “People aren't solely motivated by salary and title, but by their social experience in the office and involvement in the company's culture and growth as well. With this new space, we’ve created a dynamic workplace and a healthy environment—a true 21st century organization that caters to the next generation of business people, and enhances their lifestyles in and out of the office. We’re extremely excited about this new campus and are confident that the productivity and teamwork within our company will benefit.”

According to O’Neill Designer Ryan Rush discussions on what the new building should include began about 18 months ago. “It’s already been helpful to have everyone under one roof were there’s more chance for interaction,” he says. The old offices were so cramped that Rusty and Metal Mulisha were located in a satellite office across the street. “We have a true design area now with plenty of space,” says Rush.

Each brand has its own identity in the new building, and a separate section to call its own. There’s also room for expansion. The place is elegant yet playful, with skate ramps in the main hallway, a fitness center, a “make your mark” art wall where employees can hang their creations, and a small basketball court in the foyer complete with jerseys from company stakeholder Kurt Rambis and other Laker greats.

Yeah, there’s a steady eye on business needs as well. The building includes 140,000 square feet of warehouse space, 20 loading docks, a dozen teched-out conference rooms, a photo studio, prototype production facility, and a 2,000-square-foot model retail store.

On Wednesday each brand set up a bar inside its space, tours were given, and Metal Mulisha teamriders offered an amazing demo as the jumped over a damn good live band. All in all, a good time was had by all. More importantly, it clearly announced that the La Jolla Group has entered the very top tier of industry companies with a full head of steam.


Ryan and Jessica Rush have to be among the coolest couples ever.


A main halway links the offices, and this throughfare was crammed during Wednesday night's open house.


Lost President Tim Garrett and La Jolla Group President Bill Bussiere -- good guys.


Tim shows off Lost's 2010 boardshort line, a key component of a completely revamped design collection.


The "make your mark" art wall where employees can hang their creations.


Brain Deegan's commute to work.


CEO Toby Bost welcomes the crowds to the new offices from the top of the freestyle moto landing ramp.


Jim Shubin and his daughter Sofia check out the fresstyle demo.


Don't kill the CEO! Bost gets a shave and a haircut during the freestyle demo.




Jumping over the band.


Crazy.


Ronnie Abdulfattah of Jack's with Marty Samuels, who is consulting with the La Jolla Group.








Another shot of Shubin and Sofia.


La Jolla Girls.