What’s the next skate innovation gonna be from The Conference? Also, how has licensing or buying the Xsjado technology impacted The Conference? I mean, at ISPO 2008 I saw Xsjado-style (shoe/exoskeleton_ ice skates…)

Hmmm… again, leaks somehwere? Anyways, it is true there are amazing things in the works. These I will not disclose right now, otherwise I could not have fun spreading disinformation and fueling speculation in the coming months and year. I like having fun just as much as the next guy. I will address the Xsjado thing though, and first of I want to make it clear that I love both Shane and Dustin and I mean no disrespect, but the “concept” is as old as the hills. Loads of companies had done similar things of that nature in all venues of skating going back 20 years. But I will say that DL and Shane certainly made it attractive and functional! I would also like to clear up another thing about the aquisition of Xsjado by Powerslide. Contrary to what you have heard (and mind you I was not even at PS during this time), I can assure you that it was because of love for aggressive first and foremost that Xsjado was saved. Yes, I said “saved,” as Salomon left the building. For whatever reason, Shane, probably unable to continue under his own power (and again speculation on my part), and before seeing it die, I am almost certain that Matthias (Powerslide) decided to buy it off Salomon rather then see it put in to hands that may not have good intentions for the brand. I will also take the opportunity to support Matthias (not that he needs it) in a myth that has always been percieved, and that Powerslide is not skater owned and in turn a “Corporation.” This I immediatly put the smack down on. Matthias was a speed (rollerskater! at the beggining) skater and world record holder. He sold Hyper wheels out of his trunk and that was how Powerslide started. I won’t bore you with details, but at one point or another Powerslide was the biggest distribution worldwide for some of the most influential rolling brands in history, including: Senate, Fiction, Mindgame, 2nd Regime, DB, Franco, Eulogy, and countless others. At the time, Upside Down was created when aggressive skating was but a bug on the windshield of the “Fad Express.” I could go on for pages with the contributions Powerslide has had in the industry, including UFS, or being the pioneers in customization of skates, to utilizing parts to create pro-style skates exactly to our pro specifications. How many other skate companies can boast of such achievements?

I’ve pried enough! Anything else you want to get out there; let people know?

Seems like I have ranted enough, ha, ha! I appreciate the opportunity to let off some steam and vent on some issues, and reconfirm my commitment to our lifestyle. Since I don’t really get interviews a lot I will take the time to do a grip of Big Ups, and if I forget anyone, my apologies, you are just as important! OK, first of all, anyone who skated for me, mainly though, Arlo, Dustin, Petty, Julio, Champ, Shima, Gillan, Sagona, Rachard, Aaron, Frederick, Abdiel, Hooi, Dem, Wedge, Louie, Randy and anyone else who skated for me — you are truly inspirational, and you are the reason there is such a thing as the USD Legacy. (And to all of the members of the original Stretch Crew! Ha, ha — you know WHO you are!) Damn, I even put them before my family! Ok, my wife and kids who I love dearly and my Mom who is in Cali and who I don’t get to see enough, thanks for putting up with my USD addiction all of these years (and now again!). Also, damn, thanks to YOU, Justin, for not forgetting the history and asking me to do this interview! It is appreciated! On to all of the Industry poeple who had anything to do with me past or present, you know who you are. Big Up yourselves. On to Powerslide who pays my salary, and all of my colleuges (some of whom I am just getting to know!), good on ya. Also, those distributors and dealers all over the world who I have had the pleasure of dealing with. A Big Up to the golf industry that did not want to lose me; it was good while it lasted! Can’t forget my “Chip in Crew” as well (my golf buddies). A Big Up to my Army Reserve battle buddies, and all of my fellow soldiers who represent the flag. And last but surely not least, a special thank you to Bauer, who will always be Dr. Kizer to me, and Matthias and Stefan for giving me another go, and putting their trust in my abilities.

I almost forgot one thing I have been meaning to get out. We lost a roller last month (who I unfortunately did not know personally) and it reminded me how much I miss Richard Taylor and Tino Kunz, two rollers who I knew very well and two of the nicest guys I ever knew. Your are all remembered.

Mark Korte – USD

m.korte@usd-skate.com