DaleBoot’s goal is to focus on areas that only a custom manufacturer really can: Stance, balance, alignment, and removing stress from the lateral and medial collateral ligaments in the knees.

“I see a lot of people walking around resorts on crutches, and that's because they've had a product that is not necessarily made from their anatomy,” Graham says. “This is a solution that addresses skiing, obviously, but it also increases fun, fit and performance.”

Where founder Mel Dalebout brought strong technical expertise to the company, Graham brings business savvy that has helped DaleBoot grow its reach after struggling to expand internationally in mid-1980s before the advent of e-commerce.

Today, the company makes custom boots at facilities in Salt Lake City and Kitzbuhel, Austria, and partners with 26 retail locations in the U.S. and 11 in Europe to offer custom fittings.

“When we relaunched in Europe, we had to build up the client base,” Graham explains. “Yes, it's a strongly Utah-based company, and we've been doing it here since 1969, but we have rebuilt distribution in our retail partners across North America and Europe, and we've been very, very successful.”

Today, DaleBoot’s multi-continental reach helps offset ski industry fluctuations. In years when resorts in the U.S. may struggle due to snowpack and skier volume, Europe may enjoy a stronger snowfall and bigger crowds, and vice-versa.

Diversify to Offset Seasonality

As Graham continued his research and development to improve ski boot design, he found opportunities to diversify his business. While the company’s 3-D measuring technology created a new way to efficiently make an anatomical assessment of a client’s feet, Graham simultaneously deepened his understanding of orthopedics.

This led to the company spinning off orthopedically driven health care products. Today in its North Salt Lake manufacturing facility, DaleBoot makes plastic devices for use in knee and hip replacement surgeries year round. “It’s been a nice way to manage seasonality, cash flow and the cyclicality of the industry,” says Graham. 

Find a Dedicated Financial Ally

Graham says his relationship with his banker and with Zions Bank have helped DaleBoot thrive.

“One of my very first meetings I held after acquiring the company was with my Zions Banker,” he says. “We formed a relationship right from the beginning. I've always felt 100% supported by the bank in everything we do.”

Graham says that Zions Bank has a clear understanding of his business plan, where he wants to bring the company and what's needed to get them there, whether that’s fueling research and development, or helping with expansion across North America and Europe. Says Graham: “They truly see our business through our eyes.”

Zions Bank: We See Your Business Through Your Eyes

Looking for a bank that sees your business through your eyes? Zions Bank is the #1 small business lender in Idaho and Utah thanks to our proven relationship banking approach. We help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, seize opportunities and grow with confidence.

Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including U.S. Small Business Administration loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.