Where I'm coming from is that nothing I do is from a sense of obligation.

Through getting sponsored and becoming a part of the Bones Brigade and Powell Peralta, doors were being opened. The entire culture was shifting from ramps to street, and I sort of became a poster child for that.

I'm not out here on the front lines trying to create clones, or consumers, or worshippers of who I am, and what I do. I'm trying to nurture the idea that you should do your own thing, which is really powerful.

If I signed a contract that meant someone else wouldn't be playing.

I strive to do my best every single time and I think that's something the skate community knows about me and appreciates.

I always try to individualize everything, every person. I see individuals and that's why I've never fallen for racism, or any type or classification of people.

When I got sponsored, it symbolized a major change and a major shift in skateboarding.