Cave - How has the club been received, and how do you feel it is going?
Stern - In the beginning, once the organization was established ("club" is only a reference to formation requirements) the reception went extremely well by the school districts and everyone I spoke to in the skateboard industry. The immediate response to the concept was "what a great idea" or "I have never heard of anything like this". The skaters themselves, that was a different story. In the beginning, I was really excited about approaching the kids. I felt like I had built a one of kind sports car that just need gas to run. The kids were the gas I needed to get the organization off the ground. The reception from the kids was warm at best. I wasn't getting returned calls, I was chasing down the kids to get phone numbers and responses as to team formation. Was very frustrating!!! I learned quickly that I was so organized that my structure was turning the kids away. I had to switch gears. I had to now get input from the kids, make the organization work for them. I started to text message instead of calling, made a big difference. I started to get away from all the paperwork and really make the organization about what the kids want to see. Things started to change. The concept changed from a structured high school sports team to five guys from the high school competing against other schools. Oh, by the way, the name NIKE was a huge incentive for the kids to skate. Sponsors have made a huge difference as to the incentive aspect of skateboarding in the organization. These kids have something unique that is not seen in any other sport. They compete, but it is not about winning, it is about hanging out with friends and having a good time. The kids from the different schools are encouraging each other. A good trick gets a board slap from all. What other sport do you see where the competitors are wanting to see the competition succeed? But the incentive from the sponsors, that keeps things interesting. SKATELAB offering free practice sessions every week, Nike shoes, Dwindle Distribution skateboard products, Ogio backpacks, Woodz International clothing, Xtazy Energy Drink, Woodward West prize packages, and others have kept the kids looking forward to the possibilities. The exposure has also been very exciting for the organization. Professional photographers, newspaper articles, television stories, and the internet have all picked up on the history that is being made in the skateboard industry.
How do I feel it is going? Unreal!!!!!! Can't wait to see what the future holds...
Do you know of anything like this anywhere else?
I have done over a year and a half of research. I have searched the United States, Canada, and Europe for any information about a similar organization. I have spoken to dozens of leaders in the skateboard industry. I am confident at this point that what I have created has never been done. If it has, I think I would have been alerted. I have had people from all over the country ask me to help them establish a similar organization for them in their town. On the day of the first event, April 15, 2007, AOL ran the story on their homepage for the entire day. I received dozens of emails as a result.
Where do you see this going in the future?
For the future, I have already decided to expand the organization. I am going to reorganize for next year and take upwards of twenty schools next year. From there, I will have to put staff in place to run different regions. What is really cool about the future is that once the organization goes regional, the end of the season will see the winning team from each of the regions competing against each other.
If someone would like to see this started up somewhere else, how would they do it? Any insight, instructions or advice?
If anyone is interested in doing something similar I have some advice. Be prepared to put in about 75 hours a week for about a year. Be prepared to have great days as well as days you just want to give up. This project has been one of the most challenging tasks I have ever taken on. I am currently finishing law school and the work I put into this organization is more difficult. I invite anyone with interest to contact me. I love telling the story. I have maintained that anyone who recognizes my efforts is worthy of my time. I will make the time to speak to those interested.
Finally, I am looking for donations. I really appreciate all the sponsors I currently have. The sponsors have made a huge impact on this season. I am in need of financial support. Starting a business requires a lot of money. To move forward I am looking for financial support. If anyone would like to donate to the organization (California High School Skateboard Club is a non-profit 501 c 3), please have them contact me. Jeff Stern (805) 990-4209 or jeffreystern@roadrunner.com.
