1.) I have a small list of all time favorite 80s freestyle board graphics and your 'People in my Head' model on Toxic is definitely on that list. Please tell us the story behind this graphic. You also skated for Kryptonics. Was this graphic used on 2 companies? How many different versions did this graphic come in? Give us a history lesson.
The people in my head graphics were done by Bernie Tostenson who did a lot of graphics for Companies like Sims,
Vision, Kryptonics, Toxic and Brand X At one point during that era Dorsey Truitt owner of Atlantic Skate had licensed
the Kryptonics brand. This is when my 1st people in my head graphic came out. Later on Dorsey started Toxic and we
I move to that company and we re release the graphics on the Toxic brand. Their are several versions of that graphic
out their but the last one is my favorite were my name is blended into the actual graphics and seems to be melting
on to the people in my head.
2.) Toxic and Kryotpnics were not known for producing freestyle decks. How did you get onboard? Please share your experience with us.
I had known Dorsey Truitt for many years and had traveled with him to several contest as an amateur in the late 70's
Once he start up with owning brand out side of Atlantic Skate we talked about releasing my freestyle and street style
decks. Dorsey has always done a lot to further my career in the skateboarding. He really like to promote east coast
skaters.
3.) You recently reunited with your old East Coast skate companion, Tim Morris (Walker Skateboards) after 30 years. What was it like to revisit old memories and finally skate together again?
Yeah Tim Morris and I lived about 25 minute away from each other in Maryland. We would always hook up to practice
tricks and work on our routine for up coming contest together. We would use parking garages in the winter and we
some how figured out how to turn on the local high tennis court lights so we would do late night session there as well.
We travel a lot together to contest all over the country. We hadn't seen each other in years so it was great catching up
and talking about old times. We ended up bring down my old collection of boards from the attic and talk most of the
night. It was great seeing him and reconnecting.
4.) When the sale of skateboard equipment (especially freestyle) declined in the 90s, did your interest slowly dwindle or did you keep skating? Do you still have a juicy stash of old parts in storage? Also, please share with us your setup in the 80s.
I really never stop skating and still continue to skate even at 59 years old. I ride more mini ramp these days.
I do have plenty of old wheels, trucks, vintage contest t-shirts and old magazine that I cherish. Skateboarding has
been very good to me and I have met so many amazing people because of it. I hope to still be skating into my 80's
It's just such a life style for me.
5.) Skaters from the 80s are now all grown up with kids and jobs. You are currently working for Fox Racing. Does this leave much time in your schedule for skating?
Yeah I'll be 59 on March 20th I have 4 kids. My oldest is getting married in July. I have worked for Fox Racing as a sales rep for the past 10 years. I also just opened my own Surf Shop and Coffee cafe called Assateague Island Surf Shop. We are adding a skate section in the next month. I still try to skate 2 to 3 times a week. I just feel better when I skate it clears my head and I'm a happier person when I do.
