CreateAskate.org, Founder,
Paul Schmitt (“Professor Schmitt”)

CreateAskate.org’s Founder, Paul Schmitt, owns and operates the largest and most successful skateboard manufacturing company in the United States. For nearly three decades Schmitt’s company has been considered the innovative leader in design and manufacturing of the highest quality skateboards for skateboarders around the world. In fact, Schmitt is considered by many within the billion-dollar skateboard industry to be the ‘Godfather’ of modern-day skateboard deck manufacturing. His reputation has earned him the apropos nickname, “Professor Schmitt.”
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CreateAskate.org, Vice President/Managing Director, Bryan Ridgeway

CreateAskate.org’s Managing Director, Bryan Ridgeway, has been involved with every aspect of skateboarding for more than 30 years. An active skateboarder, himself, he has managed skateboard companies, developed skateboarding events, and for several years was partnered with his longtime associate and personal friend, Tony Hawk. Known throughout the skateboard industry for his perceptive understanding of the skateboard marketplace and niche-marketing applications to more conventional business models, Ridgeway directs CreateAskate.org programs from its southern California offices.

CreateAskate.org, Educational Director,
Jim Fitzpatrick

CreateAskate.org’s Educational Director, Jim Fitzpatrick, has been a schoolteacher for more than 30 years, and has been involved in skateboarding since 1957 when he first built a skateboard with his sister’s roller skates and an old 2x4. In addition to teaching and administering school programs, Fitzpatrick has also worked in the skateboard industry for the past 20 years, and is directly responsible for the development of public skateparks throughout the United States. The author of young-reader books about skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding; Fitzpatrick has also been a frequent contributor to skateboarding magazines. “Fitz” was the very first professional skateboarder when, in 1962, he became the first member of the Makaha Skateboard exhibition team.
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