How Did I Get Here?: The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO

by Tony Hawk, Pat Hawk (Editor)

Overview

The most famous skateboarder ever shares the business secrets to his success!

He's the man who put skateboarding on the map. He's the first to land a 900 (two and a half full rotations). He's also among the richest pitchmen in any sport. And, in a sport that's especially youth-oriented, Tony Hawk, a 40-something father of four, still connects with his audience by staying true to who he is.

Moving easily between the ramp and the boardroom, Tony currently runs one of the most acclaimed action sports companies, a clothing line, and video game series bearing his name that has sold over $1 billion worldwide, making it the biggest selling action sports game franchise in game history. He has secured endorsement deals with major brands such as McDonalds, Intel, T-Mobile and Kohl's; started the Boom Boom HuckJam action sports tour; and achieved worldwide acclaim from the ESPN X Games.

Filled with Tony's typical modesty and humor, How Did I Get Here? tells the amazing story behind Tony Hawk's unprecedented success from skateboarder to CEO, and the secrets behind his lasting appeal. You'll find out how authenticity has served him well in all his achievements. You'll also understand how his story has shaped many of his fundamental values, including his huge desire to win and his strong sense of realism.

Get the inside story of Tony Hawk beyond the skateboard as he answers the question: How Did I Get Here?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470631492
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	10/05/2010
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	1,160,387
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

TONY HAWK is the most famous and influential skateboarder of all time. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was instrumental in skateboarding’s transformation from fringe pursuit to respected sport. He is the founder, President, and CEO of Tony Hawk, Inc., which he continues to develop and grow. He is also the founder of the Tony Hawk Foundation, which works to create skateparks and empower youth in low-income communities.

PAT HAWK is Tony’s older sister; she began working with him in 1995 at Birdhouse Skateboards. In 1997, they created Tony Hawk, Inc. Pat has been Vice President and COO of Tony Hawk, Inc. since then and continues to manage its day-to-day operations. Pat is on the Board of Directors of the Tony Hawk Foundation.

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Table of Contents

Preface ix

Credits xv

Chapter 1 Toucan Sam Teaches Me a Lesson 1
The day I knew it was time to take control

Chapter 2 Building a Better Birdhouse 9
The birth and near-death of our first business

Chapter 3 Hey Kid, Want to Buy a Hoodie? 21
Risking our homes to make T-shirts and hats

Chapter 4 “Is Tony Hawk a Real Person?” 33
From motion capture to gaming franchise

Chapter 5 What the Hell is a HuckJam? 45
Innovation and improvisation on a million-dollar ramp

Chapter 6 “Extreme” is a Four-Letter Word 63
“This is how we do it in our world”

Chapter 7 The Denim Debacle 75
Some business ideas that didn’t quite fly

Chapter 8 Final Cut 83
The key to image control: get your own editing bay

Chapter 9 Hashtag is Not a Death-Metal Band 97
Reaching out through tweets, apps, and satrad

Chapter 10 How to Never Get a Movie Made 113
Hollywood will break your heart, or at least piss you off

Chapter 11 Stinky Diapers in First Class 123
How to balance travel and family: bring ’em

Chapter 12 Giving Back 153
Family, friends, Regis, and a very smart fifth-grader help me build a charity

Acknowledgments 165

Index 175

Editorial Reviews

In a follow-up to his 2001 autobiography, Hawk: Occupation Skateboarder, the pro skater and his sister, Pat, collaborate to tell the business side of his story. Combining modesty, insight, and an eye for detail, the Hawks chart Tony's meteoric rise and ability to capitalize on opportunities in a variety of media while staying true to his roots. In spite of the many opportunities to cash in via co-branded products with companies like McDonald's and Powerade (which he took advantage of); Hawk also used his celebrity to educate the public about the sport. He went so far as to create a 128-page guide for municipalities interested in designing skateparks for local youth and volunteered with a number of benefits and foundations, like Sport for Good. Though tales of trademarks and legal battles, key financial decisions in his video game and clothing lines, and promotions such as the Tony Hawk Twitter Hunt may cause fans' eyes to glaze over, there are enough anecdotes of celebrity run-ins and tours to hold readers' interest. While his advice (follow your passion, work hard, continue to innovate, stay humble) may seem more common sense than cutting-edge, this is an inspiring, if not quite memorable, look behind the boardroom door for fans and budding young businesspeople. (Oct. 2010)

Publishers Weekly