Pro-Skateboarder Paul Rodriguez Jr. on Being the Face of Nike SB, Starting His Own Brand

TL;DR

Paul Rodriguez Jr. shares his journey from skateboarding to entrepreneurship.

Transcript

the passion the the love and the fire that I have inside it's intense man it's a lot I can't help it it's an addiction I have to skate in 1997 a 12 year old with a skateboard in California San Fernando Valley had an idea Paul P Rodriguez saw an opportunity to combine the greatest attributes of each of his favorite skaters with a penchant for dreami... Read More

Key Insights

• Paul Rodriguez Jr. was inspired by his father's career as a comedian, which instilled in him the belief that living one's dream was normal and achievable.
• Paul's passion for skateboarding began at age 12, driven by the blend of athleticism and creativity the sport offered, and a relentless desire to master it.
• Despite initial skepticism from his father, Paul's dedication to skateboarding led him to become a professional, eventually turning pro at 17 with Girl Skateboards.
• Paul became the face of Nike SB, revolutionizing the brand's presence in skateboarding and significantly elevating his career and marketability.
• Paul's entrepreneurial ventures include founding Primitive Skateboarding and co-founding the craft beer company St. Archer, which was successfully sold to Coors.
• Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining passion and dreams, cautioning against allowing them to fade as success becomes normalized.
• He is currently focused on transitioning his skateboarding career while exploring new business opportunities and nurturing his passion for acting.
• Paul views money as a means of freedom, allowing him to live life on his terms, and aims to invest wisely to maintain his lifestyle beyond skateboarding.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Paul Rodriguez Jr. get into skateboarding?

Paul Rodriguez Jr. began skateboarding at age 12, drawn to the sport's unique blend of athleticism and creativity. Initially unaware of its professional potential, he was inspired by seeing other kids at school skate and was captivated by the tricks they performed, which fueled his desire to master the sport.

Q: What role did Paul's father play in his career ambitions?

Paul's father, a successful comedian, greatly influenced his ambitions by normalizing the pursuit of dreams. Growing up watching his father perform and interact with famous stars, Paul was inspired to dream big and believe that living one's dream was an achievable and natural part of life.

Q: How did Paul Rodriguez Jr. become the face of Nike SB?

Paul became the face of Nike SB after Nike's initial attempts to enter skateboarding fell short. Recognizing his talent and marketability, Nike approached him and offered a signature shoe deal, which was crucial for his acceptance. His involvement with Nike elevated both his career and the brand's standing in the skateboarding community.

Q: What challenges did Paul face when starting his own brand, Primitive?

Starting Primitive, Paul faced challenges such as creating a business plan and securing brand partnerships. With guidance from a CPA, who later became their CEO, they impressed Nike with their plan, securing the rights to sell Nike products. This helped Primitive grow from a store to a recognized skateboard brand.

Q: How did Paul Rodriguez Jr. get involved with St. Archer, the craft beer company?

Paul got involved with St. Archer through his close friend Mikey Taylor, who pitched the idea of a craft beer brand catering to the skate, surf, and snow communities. Despite initial challenges, they raised capital, built a brewery, and successfully sold the company to Coors, marking a significant entrepreneurial achievement.

Q: How has Paul Rodriguez Jr. diversified his career outside of skateboarding?

Beyond skateboarding, Paul has diversified by investing in various ventures, including Primitive Skateboarding and St. Archer. He also owns a lemon ranch and has interests in acting, having taken classes for several years. Paul focuses on investing to maintain his lifestyle and seeks to channel his passion into new opportunities.

Q: What is Paul's perspective on handling criticism and success?

Paul handles criticism by not letting others' opinions, whether positive or negative, affect him. He focuses on his internal joy and passion for skateboarding. Success, to him, is about being happy and content within oneself, surrounded by loved ones, rather than external validation or material achievements.

Q: What advice does Paul Rodriguez Jr. offer to aspiring skateboarders?

Paul advises aspiring skateboarders to hold onto their passion and dreams, warning that success can normalize and diminish them over time. He stresses the importance of keeping the fire burning, as losing that passion can make it challenging to rediscover and rekindle the motivation that drives excellence in the sport.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Paul Rodriguez Jr. shares his journey from a young skateboarder in California to becoming a professional, turning pro at 17 with Girl Skateboards. Inspired by his father's career, he pursued his dreams with relentless passion.

• As the face of Nike SB, Paul revolutionized the brand's presence in skateboarding, elevating his career. He later founded Primitive Skateboarding and co-founded St. Archer, a successful craft beer company sold to Coors.

• Paul emphasizes maintaining passion and dreams, and views money as freedom. He aims to invest wisely for life beyond skateboarding, exploring acting and other ventures while nurturing his love for skating.