Apprenticeship for Open Source Manufacturing 

333 Source Code

An evolutionary step

The idea that so much of what we consume, can no longer be manufactured in the United States, just pissed me off.  I’ve been building composites; mono skis, snowboards, and more recently skis for over 22 years.  I’ve set up factories in China, as well as in the United States.  I believe the United States can compete, and manufacture the skis we ski on.   The same is true for other countries that have a ski culture.  A ski that is built purely for performance and has an aesthetic to reflect this, is the playing field we’re betting on.   Give us any Chinese built ski, we’ll go toe to toe on performance, and be a third of the price.  Now tell me why do Chinese skis cost so much when we in America, based on Open Source Manufacturing, can build them better and less expensive?  The answer; marketing, inefficient manufacturing techniques, and unsustainable business practices. 

Education is fundamental to 333 skis.  We initiated Feed the Seed, an idea that allows 333 to support individuals who just read the above, and had something ping inside them.  Open Source Manufacturing, based on 333 source code, is the platform from which skis can be built locally, sustainable, and sold for a working persons wage.  The individuals who will make this happen will be known as your local Ski Smith.  Skiers who believe in quality workmanship, innovation and most importantly, community, will support them.

The apprenticeship program is designed to train these individuals to the highest standards, and give them the support to succeed in their own community.  333 gives it away because one day, we would like to look back and say, “we did our share”.

Michael Lish