Mentor Appreciation Post

I had to share this hilarious photo from 2007 of Tony Hawk flying over my giant head! This time in my life was very special because it was my first job out of college and most importantly, in the skateboarding industry. Floris Gierman is the first person in my marketing career that took a chance on me. He taught me many valuable lessons during my time at Blitz Distribution, including the advice he gave me on my very first day: “Don’t let anyone in this industry make you think you’re not as skilled or as knowledgeable as them because of your age.” At the time, Floris was 24 and I was 23.

I will never forget those words because it gave me the confidence to take on any challenge head on. Floris and I worked on many large projects together, including: Major skate video premieres with Tony Hawk & Birdhouse Skateboards, national skate tours with Flip Skateboards, building brand partnership deals with Monster Energy, Red Bull, Fuel TV, Thrasher, Zumiez, etc., and many other initiatives.

I’m proud to call Floris a friend and want to thank him for everything he has taught me over the years. His mentoring has given me the confidence to pursue any opportunity and overcome and challenge that has presented itself in the last 14 years.

You’re one in a million, Flo. Love you buddy!