Groups like LA ALL DAY and AIL and ROLL TOGETHER and weekly skate nights all over the world are working to help get skaters out in front of new people and showcase the sport to new people. How does The Conference feel about the current efforts, how do they think they could improve, and what are you guys doing to get new blades on new skaters? Anyone approach you about donating some kids “transformer” skates for youth demos? (Cause consider that my pitch!)

Absolutely. Currently I am talking to all of the shops and dealers we currently have on file and I have been overwhelmed by the response and feedback. I will also be in the states on regular intervals, and I pledge to work together with everyone in the industry and the dealers themselves to support programs wherever possible. As to your indication towards a “childrens” movement, maybe I should take the time to explain that in Europe, Powerslide has been supporting such projects for years. I myself started flow programs back in the day, which were there to help the dealers support the talent. Shops were given discounts on skates or free clothing and equipment to give to thier shop level skaters, these skaters have since risen throughout the ranks to be some of today’s ams or pros, and in my opinion, there is no better way to do it. The “local dealer” is my “boots on the ground” and I (and in turn Powerslide) have always supported such dynamics. I do have one more thing that I would like to touch upon, and that is a new skate we are releasing for Christmas. It has to do with an amazing skater that is only a small boy, but already a massive influence on others in his age group — he is Pam and Richie Velasquez´s son Jojo, and you will see a skate being released soon in which the royalty off sales will go towards his college fund. If that is not supporting the youth and rewarding the dedication I dont know what is. Both of my Team Managers understand my position, and my flow plan, and quite clearly it is literally traveling through the ranks. In the future, at USD there is a path to follow, no free rides, and it all starts with loyalty and dedication.

Mark, you emailed me and said you’d been reading the PDFs online and liked what we were doing with ONE. Can you tell me and the readers what you thought we were doing right?

Well, a number of things. First of al,l when I read ONE, I can feel the dedication and passion. Now, more than ever, it is important to revive the legacy of our sport; mention and honor the pioneers, and blow some life into what we love, as well as talk about the current scene, the different things going on around the world, the up and coming rippers, and the attempt by many of us in the industry to give our lifestyle some structure — unfuck the clusterfuck if you will. I also appreciate the knowledge you have and the asking of the right questions. For example, if I hear “what is your setup?” or “tell me your favorite spot” or “what music do you listen to?” one more time I am gonna throw up. We have an amazing path behind us and an even more amazing path in front of us. I can only quote Bob Marley (as I always love to do) “If you don’t know your past, you can’t know your future” and I think that a lot of publications or online mags forget just that. Without Arlo, Roadhouse, BHS, BK, Makio, Opalek, Edwards, etc., etc., etc., we would not be where we are today. The same goes for the Champs, DLs, Julios, Pettys, Feinbergs. My thing is “teach them when they are young” and we can have a thriving sport again. Remind poeple why this is so amazing that a guy like me would leave a well paid job in the golf industry to sling blades. We have to find our way back to quality and honesty. I remember when a picture or ad would drop that would take your breath away. Kids, peeps, industry people would talk about it for months! Remember Brian Shima’s part in “Coup de Tat” (or any part for that matter) — that was quality! These guys killed themselves and a Navran made them look like gods! This is what I am talking about. Why is ONE amazing? Simple: “attention to detail, love and passion, and respect for the past legends.” Real simple. That is why I applaud Arlo with GOST, and Jon Julio with VALO, and Fussy and Jochen at Ucon ,for example. Because they are concerned about the way they, and our sport looks, so they put out quality stuff that makes all of us look good. If the entire industry from the grommet to the industry head utilized the same passion and dedication, we could not save ourselves from poeple wanting to be a part of our sport! For me it is simple (and I apolgize for the rant). If you remember back in the day with FP or the USD Stretch Crew, we made shit look and feel hot. We would not put out any whack shit and would not tolerate it. And that is why for years we ruled shit; a combination of dedicated fools having fun and enjoying shit, while being down for each other and what we stood for — this equals quality. End of story.