Legendary Skateboarder, Entrepreneur & Founder of The Skatepark Project
Tony Hawk
Travels From:
SAN - San Diego, CA
Primary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles
Secondary Topic Category:
Business & Entrepreneurship
Tony Hawk At A Glance:
The most recognized action sports figure in the world, Tony Hawk was just nine-years old when his brother changed his life by giving him a blue fiberglass Bahne skateboard. In 1999, he became the first skater to ever complete a 900, the holy grail of vert skating. Shortly thereafter, he teamed up with Activision to launch Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, now a billion dollar video game franchise. He has created a Tony Hawk brand that includes Birdhouse Skateboards, Hawk Clothing, and the Tony Hawk Signature Series sporting goods and toys. His speaking engagements draw huge crowds, inspiring everyone from media savvy millennials to corporate veterans.
Tony Hawk is one of the most phenomenal figures in the world of skateboarding, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who can be placed among the best pioneers of the sport. He was born on May 12, 1968, in San Diego, California. During the early years of his life, Hawk became prominent through skateboarding and innovation in tricks. At 14, he was a pro, while at 16, he was the world's best competitive skateboarder. Hawk's career was triumphant when he became the first person to complete a 900, a two-and-a-half mid-air rotation stunt, making him a prodigy in the skateboarding world.
Aside from his skateboarding triumphs, Tony Hawk has created a business empire. He founded Birdhouse, a skateboard company, and launched the widely popular "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" video game series, which has sold over one billion dollars worth of games worldwide. Hawk even ventured into entrepreneurship, extending to a clothing line and endorsements for different brands, showcasing his ability to mix athletic prowess with business acumen. He narrates his story of developing a global brand from scratch, motivating many upcoming entrepreneurs and athletes.
Hawk is also very philanthropic; in 2002, he founded a foundation named the Tony Hawk Foundation, currently called The Skatepark Project, meant to implement quality public skateparks in low-income communities. The foundation has given millions of dollars to the building of skateparks where youths can safely and constructively learn the sport. This dedication to giving back proves his belief in skateboarding as a positive force in youth development and community building.
Other efforts include speaking engagements; Tony Hawk talks about overcoming obstacles, embracing innovation, and staying authentic. His talks are often characterized by lessons learned through his professional skateboarding and entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable insights into resilience, creativity, and leadership. Reaching out to corporate audiences or young athletes with equal ease, Hawk never fails to engage interest through storytelling and practical advice.
