Hidden Gems: Meet Joshua Garcia of Makeshift®

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Garcia.

Hi Joshua, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Makeshift started in 2003 when I was 16 yrs. old. I worked a fast-food job and saved up the money along with founder Alexis Trevino. We quickly grew throughout Texas between 2003-2008. As my vision was always bigger, I spent a lot of time over the past 20 years on the road planting seeds to grow the brand. We had a storefront in Texas but decided to stay out of retail when we came to California. In 2012 we hosted the first and only skateboarding competition and festival ever to be held on a USS aircraft carrier. From there, we grew our family from skateboarding into other creatives like music and art, which are a huge part of skateboarding culture and streetwear. Today Makeshift prospers in a DTLA warehouse and has focused our business on giving back to the community and sharing the message of one love through skateboarding and music. I’ve also personally dabbled in politics and ran for California Senate, and am currently pursuing law. Make a difference in the community is a huge part of my heart, passion, and mission. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely not been smooth sailing. I was battling cancer when I started the brand; I’m now in remission. At 21 years old, I saw my fiancé’ get killed in a hit-and-run in Texas. Really challenging my strength to focus and continue the brand. Depression from all of that is really powerful, and alcohol followed. Thankfully, skateboarding and the family we have in skateboarding kept my head above water. Even after working through that, I still followed many political and industry gatekeeping challenges. Today, though, it’s a smooth road because we have a solid foundation we have built upon. Going from 5 figures to 7 figures a year is definitely a transformation, and thankful for all the challenges along the way. 

We’ve been impressed with Makeshift®, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Makeshift® is known for its skateboard decks first and foremost, but also events, community activism for action sports, and consulting. What sets us apart is we don’t rely on sales alone, and through sponsorships and our affiliated partners, we give back to the community more than most of the top companies in our industry. I’m proud that the brand I envisioned as a kid has been around 20 years and has found a home within the industry we love so much. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
So, I was raised on the teachings of reggae music. Bob Marley has been a huge influence in my movements through the years. Success for us is not defined in financial gain but through the moments we share with our customers. Being able to share skateboarding, a tool that has shaped our lives. Is probably the most satisfying form of gratitude I can think of. Opening doors for others and walking together through this journey is blessings upon blessings. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Makeshiftskateboards.com
• Instagram: Makeshiftltd