I launched the skateboard and clothing company, Instant Winner in 2002 because I felt there was room in the marketplace for a company that focused on fine art and high quality products. I hired illustrators like Robin Nishio, Nathan Fox and Matt Bahr among others to create ground breaking graphics that have been featured in books and magazines and won awards at illustration shows. I also partnered with former Supreme designer Augie Galan to create an apparel line. His much sought after hats were a testament to quality of design and attention to detail. With the creative team in place and a group of young talented skateboarders to represent the brand, we stood out from the rest almost immediately. Instant Winner had the both quality of design and construction to be at home in high end boutiques and the credibility of its riders and values to be carried in core skate shops around the globe.