Skating was popular, but it wasn't mainstream. It had this underground following, and you could go on tours, win decent prize money, and make royalties from signature products - that's how I came to buy a house when I was a senior in high school. Tony Hawk buydecenthigh share on social
You might not make it to the top, but if you are doing what you love, there is much more happiness there than being rich or famous. Tony Hawk famoushappinesslove Change image and share on social
When people start talking about venture capital and finances and how to create this and do that, a lot of it, I swear, it's like sitting in an escrow meeting when all you want to do is buy a house, and you're signing 50 pieces of paper, but you have no idea what they're talking about. Tony Hawk buycapitalcreate share on social
Any time skating was featured in a video game, I ate it up. So around 1997-98, I was shopping this video game idea. I was weighing my options when I went to Activision, but when I saw what they were working on, I said, 'This is exactly what I'd love to be involved with,' and following that gut reaction was hugely successful. Tony Hawk activisioneatfeature share on social
I've definitely had my share of calls where I just laugh. Someone came to me once and wanted to do a signature Hawk cologne. I was like, 'Of what? Sweaty pads? Am I wringing out my pads into a little perfume bottle?' Tony Hawk bottlecallcologne share on social
I love the fact that there is now a skate park in almost every city, but it will always have a rebellious/underground edge to it because it is based on individuality. Tony Hawk basecityedge Change image and share on social
If you have a game with your name on it, you have to learn how to play. Tony Hawk gamelearnplay Change image and share on social
I jumped between two seven-story buildings in Los Angeles, launching from one rooftop to the other with ramps. Tony Hawk angelesbuildingjump Change image and share on social
When I started skating, it was such a small community. You didn't aspire to be rich or famous or make a career out of it because that wasn't something anyone had done yet. Tony Hawk aspirecareercommunity Change image and share on social
The pro skaters I know are responsible members of society. Many of them are fathers, homeowners, world travelers and successful entrepreneurs. Their hairdos and tattoos are simply part of our culture, even when they raise eyebrows during PTA meetings. Tony Hawk cultureentrepreneureyebrow share on social