While browsing the bookshop at the airport I picked up a copy of Tony Hawk’s book – How Did I Get Here: The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO
It’s a short and simple book where Tony takes you behind the scenes of his business empire.
What really grabbed me about Tony’s story was how he was able to leverage his ever expanding personal fame as a professional skateboarder, into various businesses in all kinds of different markets. Watch my video below for more details –
It was interesting to read, especially coming from Tony Hawk himself, why he has become such an icon. There were a couple of tipping point moments in his skating career that became the platform for his superstardom. Thanks to that fame and popularity (his notoriety as a brand is up there with Michael Jordan), and some smart business decisions (especially with his video game franchise), today Tony is extremely wealthy.
Talk to you soon,
Yaro Starak
Yaro.Blog
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-listxx
[..YouTube..] thanks for the recommendation, Yaro! …did not even know that he has a book but added it to my must-read-list
xx
[..YouTube..] nice shirt. M Power!!!
[..YouTube..] nice shirt. M Power!!!
[..YouTube..] nice shirt. M Power!!!
[..YouTube..] nice shirt. M Power!!!
[..YouTube..] nice shirt. M Power!!!
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
[..YouTube..] Hi Yaro,
Do you have captive birds in your house or are they outside?
Hey Yaro,
Thanks for the review…will have to check that one out the next time at B&N.
Sort of reminds me in many ways to Richard Branson and his book…”Screw it, Let’s Do it”.
Interesting read about Richard’s exploits away from the business world…and how they tied to his building of his brand, and diversifying into different niches, etc.
The guy has so many near death experiences…I wonder if he’s part cat.
Brandon
It’s important to fully grasp the whole picture of a person you choose to emulate, take tips from, etc. Too often we get caught up in a “bucket” of “success” of a person and fail to learn from their pitfalls, mistakes, etc…not just in business, but more importantly in life.
Tony Hawk has been married 3 times, has children with all 3 wives, and it’s been reported recently that he is going through a divorce after cheating on his wife with his best friend’s wife: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/03/15/skateboard-mogul-tony-hawk-leaves-wife-best-friends-wife/
Be sure to fully grasp how business decisions affect personal life and vice versa. Having success in only one of those doesn’t exactly make a person “successful”.
I’m not saying the book is not worth reading or that there isn’t any good info to take from it…I just felt it was worth pointing out to keep the big picture in mind when pursuing anything in life.
While I understand what you are saying in regards to not assuming a financially successful person is also successful in their personal lives I don’t think that is what either Yaro is focusing on or what the larger world cares about.
I think you would be hard pressed to find any top 10 most successful personal lives lists anywhere. Tony Hawk is help up as a shining example of what capitalism can produce, regardless of what he has or has not done in his personal life.
I personally don’t care that he has been divorced numerous times, but I also don’t idolize him.
– Andrew
It’s interesting to read that article Shane, thanks for linking to it. The book mentions family, but you don’t get any stories about divorces or anything like that.
Yes you’re right perhaps in some aspects of Tony’s life he is not the best role model, however I would withhold judgement given any media reporting of someone’s personal life is no doubt far from the truth.
As Andrew wrote, in this case his business success is what I’m more interested.
Hi Yaro I agree with you, I think it’s better we focusing on his business model. Not the role model of his personal life. I don’t care about how many time his divorce, but we can learn something from his business.
Glad I could stir up some more discussion. 😉
Yes, thanks for starting the discussion Shane.
Shane, that is a good point but Yaro was trying to show he has managed to make himself a successful brand. What has happened in his personal life could’ve happened even if he wasn’t so commercially successful. How a person fares in relationships is more dependent on who they are on a more emotional level. But there is no doubt that the ways he has made himself successful in the areas of his personal brand and finances is one to be noted and emulated.
Love the M series shirt!! Looks awesome.
Will try the book, for sure!
Thanks for sharing Yaro! Will check the book out! 🙂
Definitely impressive what Tony has been able to do. I dont really follow the world of skateboarding but I know the name Tony Hawk, just goes to show much branding power hes really got.
On a side note, I love your shirt!
-Jean
Was wondering who is more popular?
Jordan or Hawk?
🙂
I’d go for Jordan, no doubt.
@macca, that one for sure would have to go to Jordan but it would be interesting to see the actual numbers.
-Jean
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?What has happened to you Yaro?JKGideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
Looks really good. I’ll definitely check it out. Where else would you get a chance to learn from The Champ himself?
[..YouTube..] What? You’re actually reading?
What has happened to you Yaro?
JK
Gideon Shalwick
[..YouTube..] Oh, and in the spirit of your video, I pressed on the like button…
That is great moves from Tony Hawk. From skating to business empire..
Tony Hawk is a legend and only through his talent has he learned that money comes naturally when passion is involved.
100% agree! without passion you can go through the thousands of sacrifices we have to make.
Tony Hawk is awesome!
Always been a fan! He’s like bigger now than ever before, keep it cool Tony!
Yeah, great steps from the skater boy…
hope i will able to follow his steps in building my business,,,
Very interesting read indeed! Brilliant legendary skater and nice to see the video!
Tony Hawk’s ascent to being the wealthiest skateboarder in history is really something I never could have imagined when I was a teenage skateboarder. I remember skating in the 80s and 90s and feeling like there was not much of a positive perception of skateboarding in general. Skateboarding was considered a rebellious activity that was done by kids who wanted to get into trouble.
Nowadays it seems as if any kid is hopping on a skateboard, sans the rebelliousness. There is also so much more money to be made, just look at Rob Dyrdek.
Back when I was skating it seemed that most skaters just wanted to skate all day, travel, participate in tournaments and at least get paid some money by their sponsors. Nowadays it seems that becoming a top skater means a six figure income and the potential for so much more financial gain.
Skaters used to rebel against the status quo, and anything mainstream, but it seems like the sport has become part of the mainstream and has cashed in, big time.
I am glad that Tony Hawk still seems to cherish just skating, and has been able to bring the sport to so many more people. I suppose his influence and reach has been an overall good thing for the sport, but along with that popularity comes the sponsors and companies.
YARO, do I see a poster or blown up picture of two MMA fighters on your wall? Are you planning on bulking up and entering the ring?
– Andrew
Hah, very well spotted with that poster Andrew!
I don’t have any plans to enter the ring at the moment, but someone close to me is a fan of UFC which has led to me watching some.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
[..YouTube..] Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
An example of powerful and effective leveraging of your resources at hand. 🙂
[..YouTube..] @GideonShalwick Hah, you need a new joke for every time I post a video G.
[..YouTube..] @thaipulsedotcom Those birds were outside and really loud because normally my lapel mic doesn’t pick them up.
[..YouTube..] @CseriKriszti Happy to give you something for your reading list, just don’t expect something written amazingly well.
I have been following tony hawk since I was a kid, he was in my Favorite movie growing up Gleaming the Cube, and really has made an empire out of himself. HE is most certainly a great example to not only kids but entrepreneurs.
Good suggestions thanks
Tony Hawk is the only name that I can relate to when the word skating is said. I watched his appearance over certain tv show ( which I forgot the name) and his teacher was interviewed and she said that even for a school project, Tony would always relate it to skating. It only shows that a passion could lead to success if combined with hard work and determination. 🙂
I have literally watched Tony Hawk grow up from child skater with Powell- Peralta, to the face of Skateboarding as a whole. He was always better than other skaters on the half-pipe.
Very cool to hear from someone unique like Tony Hawk. I never realized that he was consciously working on personal branding. I guess that’s what makes him so compelling. Probably a sign that he’s really good at it, and making it look like he’s not even trying.
I’m interested to check out the book.
Yaro,
Great message. I agree. I think people buy first because you are a likeable person. I remember going to look at flooring one time and the salesman talked nonstop mainly about things unrelated to what I needed, a lot about himself. I really didn’t care for him, therefore I would not do business with him. It’s so important to listen to the concerns of others and be genuinely interested in them. That goes a long way in being likeable.
Karen
Come to think of it, Tony Hawk has been marketing and promoting himself since he was probably 10 years old. He was one of the best even when he was young. It shows if you have dedication and passion for what you are doing you can make an empire of it.
Tony Hawk earned his reputation through hard work. His life long dream of being famous is now a reality.
The Video is Looking Cool. I love your shirt. There are lots of good suggestions you explained.
Hi Yaro, great video and article on Tony Hawk. He was a pioneer of so many tricks and he really changed the way we viewed skateboarding as a sport. And I totally agree with you – he has definitely understood the importance of branding himself and capitalising on his freakish talent as a skateboarder.
Justin
Personal Brand is definitely important! And the advantage of blogging is that you can build your brand over a blog. Tony Hawk was a big boom I remember playing his video games!
Very interesting video, but the main thing of all this is to create something interesting, that people need, some kind of product, and it is very difficult to do this.
tony hawk got his reputation through hard work, branding is generally important because with blogging an individual tends to show the whole world what he or she is capable of creating to the general public. moreover tony hawk as a person is a brand that many people like what he came up with , like his video game, i do remember playing it with my brothers..i have to say the video game is amazing
[..YouTube..] thanks!
[..YouTube..] thanks!