Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Julio.
Jonathan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am 43 years old. Born in San Jose, CA. My parents are both from the Philippines. They moved to California in the mid-70s. My father was in the navy so we traveled a bit. We lived in Oahu-Hawaii, Japan and California.
I am a father of two amazing boys. (Ages 5 and 2)
I met my wonderful wife in Munich, Germany. Viola Weckbach Julio.
I am very lucky I found street skating (inline) in the early 90’s.
In the mid 90’s inline skating was at its highest point in popularity.
The extreme sport of inline skating was at its early beginnings but widely popular globally.
As there was no history yet the corporate companies ran our small industry. In time eventually magazines, videos, professional contests, and skater owned companies were born.
I got my first sponsor in 1995. I turned pro in 1996.
In 1996, I won the National Championships. After that, I never looked back. I pursued the life of being a pro skater then eventually a skate company owner.
Through a DIY mentality of learning through skating. Traveling the world. Making friends globally. I have been able to find a sustainable living through inline skating.
In the early 2000’s came the fall of inline skating’s popularity. To a certain degree pop culture and trend killed the inline skating scene commercially. But during these downtimes, our scene had never went anywhere. Skater’s love for skating has kept the scene together. The skater run events and companies were born. History was created. Culture thriving at its purest form.
I have seen the ups and downs of our market.
Interestingly enough, in the past year, inline skating’s popularity has grown.
I am very thankful and fortunate to be able to have an independent skate company in today’s inline skating market.
A time where inline skating business is thriving.
I am lucky to have made a name for myself in these past 2-3 decades. Through our small community, I have been able to find a place for myself.
In the early 2000’s, when things were getting bad in our market, I put a lot of energy into learning the business side of skating.
I involved myself from everything from product design, testing (R and D), sales, and shipping. A to Z.
I have been through partners, parent companies bad relationships. You name it. I been through breakups, makeups and life-changing decisions.
I am so lucky to be where I am. Running an Independent business… Producing inline skates. Skating for a living. Living my dream.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Them Skates – what should we know?
We are an inline skate company. We manufacture and distribute globally. We specialize in the extreme sports side of inline skating. Street skating, Park skating, Vert skating.
We are the first skater owned skate company to create our own molds for our inline skates.
Manufacturing wise this has always been an impossible feat. Financially.
We are a small brand.
We are independent.
We also recently opened a retail space in Santa Ana, CA.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
From video, product design, graphic and fashion design, I have a team of very talented friends helping me since day 1.
Also, my families emotionally and financially has been there for me.
Pricing:
- Price point $180
- Price point $280
- Price point $500
Contact Info:
- Address: 231 East Dyer Road
Unit E
Santa Ana, CA 92707 - Website: Themskates.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @themskates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THEMSKATES/
Image Credit:
Brandon Smith , David Sizemore, Owen Peters,David Holbrook
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