In the decade since Tony Hawk became a household name and a global business brand spawned by a successful video game franchise, the skateboarder has inspired dozens of imitators hoping to build their passion into their business. So far none of them have reached Hawk-level fame or fortune. So what's the secret ingredient to getting to Tony Hawk-level success."Authenticity. I think you have to be authentic and know your audience and know what they respond to. They can spot someone who doesn't have their heart in something," Hawk told PopEater prior to visiting Coney Island on Thursday night as the main sponsor and judge of Wrath of Cannes 5, an annual advertising awards show created by NY-based indie agency Woods Witt Dealy & Sons.
We imagine it also takes a lot of hard work.
"Every day. You have to work harder than you ever thought you could," Hawk said.
The moment a celebrity becomes a global brand typically slips them by (unless they've been working towards little else since puberty, ie the Kardashians). For Hawk, it was no different. He was a skateboarder -- a very good, popular and cool skateboarder -- and then all of a sudden he was a household name.
"With the success of the video game that's when things took off for me in terms of not being labeled as something alternative, underground and novelty. Once my video game took off and became popular on a mainstream level the opportunities opened up for me being recognized globally and that was around the time I knew it transcended more the act of skateboarding," Hawk said.
"In terms of being labeled a role model, it's not something I ever thought about with my success as a skater but having kids made me take it seriously. Now it transcends my parenting, but it wasn't something I tried to project in anyway except for my own kids. I want to be someone they are proud of."
What's next for the 42-year old? A tour of the East Coast with Tony's team Birdhouse and another video game, he tells us.
"I can't speak too much about it, but the fact that we're doing it I have already got in trouble for saying."
Into his fourth decade Hawk can still shred. Is there anything he can't do as he approaches middle age.
"I still do most of the moves that I did or I was known for. It is harder to adapt to newer styles and jumping in and doing street moves is not in the cards for me any more, but that's ok I am more of a ramp skater and there is still plenty of terrain to ride and I love it. That I can still do it at my age. I'm not looking to out-do all the young guys."
Source: http://www.popeater.com/2011/06/27/tony-hawk-business-mogul/
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