
Episode 255
EPISODE 255 · MINDSET, BUSINESS & LIFE AFTER SPORT · 51 MIN · APRIL 4, 2025
Doug Lynch
Athletic Discipline into Business
Listen on Apple Podcasts · Spotify · YouTube · Download MP3
In this episode
Doug Lynch, former professional hockey player turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from the ice to founding innovative performance apparel company Filium and how the relationships built through sports became the foundation for his business success.
• Began playing hockey at age three in Coquitlam, BC, eventually being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round
• Won a Memorial Cup with the Red Deer Rebels at age 17, learning the importance of team success for individual growth
• Played professionally in the NHL (Edmonton) and in European leagues, including Austria and Sweden
• Founded Zenkai Sports (now Philium Incorporated) after retiring in Portland and connecting with Nike professionals
• Developed revolutionary technology that transforms natural cotton into high-performance fabric for athletic wear
• Secured investments from professional athletes, including Rickie Fowler, Marty Turco, and the Morris twins
• Established licensing partnerships with major brands like 1764 Golf and O'Neill's rugby apparel
• Emphasizes that relationships are the most valuable asset in business—"you never spend relationship capital, you only reinvest it"
• Currently mentors UBC hockey players and works with athlete transition organizations to help sports professionals prepare for life after competition
Use code AP20 to save 20% on Zenkai apparel and AP15 to save
Powered by Perfect Sports Supplements use "AP15" to save 15%!
--
Want to see more of the AP? Subscribe to the AP YouTube channel.
--
Check out Doug's socials:
Instagram
--
Check out Dave's stuff:
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
--
Try Can-I-Wellness Sleep Product 20% off - AP20 at checkout
--
Get 20% off Caldera Lab Men's Skincare Products
--
Get your Vivobarefoot Shoes 20% off by using the code: ATHLETEPOD20
Chapters
0:00 Hockey Life and Podcast Introduction
4:30 European Hockey Experience and Landmarks
16:00 Championship Stories and Winning Mindset
23:00 From Player to Entrepreneur
32:00 Philium Technology and Performance Apparel
42:00 Relationships and Life After Sports
49:00 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
More Mindset, business & life after sport episodes →
April Hutchinson – Addiction to Advocacy (Ep. 260) · Richie Bullbrook – Canada's #1 Skateboarder (Ep. 252) · Nick Bowins & Dan Marrazza – Social Media in Sports (Ep. 251) · Bruce Colero – CEO, Perfect Sports (Ep. 246)
← Ep. 254: Linus Karlsson | All episodes | Ep. 256: Paris O'Brien →
_edited_.png)
_edited.png)