Gary - I dont really know how it compares to back then, maybe skateboarding was a little more tight knit since there were way less people. The level of skateboarding has improved in general, as well as the public perception. What still needs to improve is the shop relations. They're all competitors so thats gonna be a hard one. Also if people are gonna run companies here, they need to step their game up. The reason instrument does so well is we give people something to be proud of.
C.O.V. - What is your favorite Cincy skate memory?
Gary - Another tough question, theres so many memories but id say the beach house era on wheeler. For those who didnt experience that, we had the best ramp ever tucked behind brads house on wheeler. Seriously the best times.
C.O.V. - Congratulations on Instrument's 5 year anniversary. What is your secret to success?
Gary - Well like I said before, we give people something to be proud of. We're not trying to get to NY or LA. We're doing it right here from Cincinnati. The team plays a big role in the success as well. Maybe i just know how to pick em? Also the quality of our products keeps people coming back. No cookie cuttershit here.
C.O.V. - What would you like to accomplish with Instrument? Short term/long term?
Gary - Well, the skys the limit man. I've already built a platform for skaters to be recognized from here. Getting on Instruments not like any other small company. Our guys are picked because they have the ability to get to the next level, and a couple guys have moved on to bigger things. We dont just give people boards because they can help with sales. Short and Long term just more sales, more states, countries, travels, and continue to put Cincinnati and the rest of Ohio on the map.
C.O.V. - Where/who/what is your favorite local spot, local skater, local beer?
Gary - I have a ton of favorite spots man, the DO at sundown, P&G and the rest of downtown at night, and the hills anytime. I love the hills. My favorite local skater right now is prob Alex Davis. we grew up skating together and he's killing it extra hard right now. Gotta say Devin, ED, Jordan, Doug, and all the guys gettin it in. Local beer I like Hudepohl, Mt.Carmel brewing co, and whatever someone hands me.
C.O.V. - What is your favorite non-skateboarding activity?
Gary - I like designing clothes, gambling, guitar, Madden, chilling with my soon to be babys mama.
C.O.V. -Who or what are some of your influences for life in general?
Gary - I take influences from a lot of people and things so it's hard to narrow it down. I like creative people and people who arent afraid to put themselves out there and go for whatever they might be trying to do. I like music also, alot of jazz, reggae, rock , rap whatever really just good music.
Bio...
How long have you been skating? 20 years
Goofy or Regular? Goofy
Favorite trick? OLLIE
Sponsors? Instrument, Anonymous, and I get shoes from Nike.
Favorite Parks? Burnside, Colrain.
Favorite skateboard site? Instrumentskateboards.blogspot.com, Dont really follow other sites.
