How to Survive as the Last Indy Skateboard Company | Loaded Boards

TL;DR

Loaded Boards, an independent skateboard brand, focuses on spreading stoke and prioritizes environmental sustainability, without the pressure of external stakeholders.

Transcript

we've entered into territories that i was personally uncomfortable with over the years and that dancing longboard dancing is a case in point we had uh one of our uh ambassadors adam colton he uh was a filmmaker he was one of the we we were the biggest brand on youtube and the biggest skateboard brands on youtube in 2006 to probably 2008 and that wa... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏛️ Loaded Boards emphasizes the importance of understanding costs and financial forecasting for building a successful brand.
• 👶 The flexibility to adapt to new trends and embrace niche activities has helped Loaded Boards stay relevant and reach new markets.
• 💯 Staying true to core values and ethics is crucial for long-term brand growth and success.
• 👻 Being an independent brand allows Loaded Boards to prioritize environmental sustainability and make decisions based on their values rather than shareholders' demands.
• 👰‍♀️ The brand's focus on spreading stoke and creating engaging riding experiences has been a driving force in their success.
• 🏂 Personal passion and involvement in the design process contribute to the authenticity and innovation of Loaded Boards' products.
• 🏛️ The brand's commitment to safety and responsible riding practices has helped build a positive reputation in the longboarding community.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Loaded Boards get started and what influenced its development?

Loaded Boards began in the early 2000s, incorporating snowboarding technology into skateboards. The brand embraced longboard dancing, initially considered kooky, and partnered with ambassadors who were passionate about it. This led to its popularity and growth.

Q: How does Loaded Boards prioritize safety in the sport of longboarding?

Loaded Boards has been an advocate for safety in the longboarding community. Their brand Orangatang focuses on safety gear and helmets. They have also promoted responsible riding practices and worked to raise awareness about the potential dangers of high-speed longboarding.

Q: What challenges did Loaded Boards face in maintaining their independence?

While Loaded Boards has been tempted by outside funding, they have chosen to remain independent to maintain control over their brand and decision-making process. They aim to prioritize their core values and avoid making compromises that do not align with their brand ethos.

Q: How does Loaded Boards approach design and innovation?

Loaded Boards involves individuals within their team who have a clear personal vision for a design concept. They prioritize realizing this vision and ensuring that the resulting product is true to their values. Additionally, they have developed a robust design methodology that allows them to create prototypes in a short timeframe.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Loaded Boards started in the early 2000s, bringing snowboarding technology and construction to skateboards for a unique riding experience.

• The brand embraced longboard dancing, initially seen as a niche and bizarre activity, but it has since become a phenomenon, especially in Europe and Asia.

• Loaded Boards prioritizes environmental sustainability by using non-toxic materials and bio-based epoxies in their products, aiming to be a force for good in the industry.