Lou Dobbs -- Political and Financial Intelligence

Bob McKnight
Quiksilver Inc. CEO
It all started because of a teenage passion for surfing, and now the company is one of the most well-known youth apparel makers in the world.

McKnight founded the U.S. business of Quiksilver nearly 30 years ago after deferring his admission to the USC School of Business to join legendary surfer Jeff Hakman. In 1976, he would sell Quiksilver products on California beach boardwalks, and now the company is a highly-diversified global company, offering 13 distinct brands of apparel, footwear, eyewear and technical products, all grounded in the board-riding cultures of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding. In addition to distributing its products through department stores and specialty retail shops, Quiksilver owns and licenses more than 450 stores around the world.

Bob McKnight: Bio and Career Highlights
Age: 49

Education: Graduated from University of Southern California in 1976 with a BA in business.

Resume: McKnight never worked for anyone else but Quiksilver. He bought the license to sell Quiksilver USA products from the Australian-based originators back in 1976. Two years later, he became a director and president of the company. Now, McKnight serves as chairman and CEO of the globally unified organization.

Corporate Culture
Board of Directors: Quiksilver has nine members on its Board of Directors, three of whom are executives of the company.

Stock options: The company does not expense stock options, but the company discloses them in its 10-K filings.

Charity: Through its ocean sailing vessel, The Crossing, and its support of the Reef Check Foundation, Quiksilver helps monitor the quality and health of the world's oceans, reefs and beaches. The company is also an active supporter of the Surfrider's Foundation, and numerous local charities in the Southern California region.