Executive From Gotcha Helps Lost Enterprises Find Success

Lost Enterprises Inc. is also enjoying hearty growth since Gotcha Sportswear co-founder Joel Cooper signed on as chief executive just over a year ago.

The San Clemente surfboard and clothing maker has expanded its overseas distribution, doubled its sales volume and increased its account base, co-owner Mike Reola said.

The company is currently setting up a South African licensee, is selling in Japan and plans to set up distributors in Spain and Germany, Reola said. He declined to give specific details of the agreements or to discuss annual sales. However, Reola did say Lost sells more than 4,000 surfboards a year. They retail for an average price of $430.

The company, which has a San Clemente facility, in December also opened a second 9,000-square-foot plant in Laguna Hills. Lost, which last year had six workers, now employs 20.