Florida Tech Researcher Asks, “What Is the Ron Jon Experience?”

– Dr. Andrew Cudmore, Florida Tech assistant professor of marketing, has earned a grant of just under $50,000 from Ron Jon Surf Shop to perform extensive
consumer research at all five Ron Jon locations over the next year. His research will focus on how customers identify with each Ron Jon site and attempt to
answer the question, “What is the Ron Jon experience?”

Ron Jon Surf Shop executives hope to gain a better understanding of their customers and how they perceive the retailer and its stores. “We want to
determine our customers’ needs. Our ultimate goal is to better serve our customers,” said Ed Moriarty, president, Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Ron Jon Surf Shop was founded in 1961 when surfing enthusiast Ron DiMenna began selling surfboards at his tiny ocean-side shop in Long Beach Island, N.J.
The lifestyle apparel and board-sports-equipment retailer has since opened stores in Cocoa Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando, Fla. and Orange, Calif.

The company’s flagship store in Cocoa Beach is the world’s largest surf shop. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.