For those of you who don’t know who I am, my name is Shimrit Swartzon and I have been privileged to work in the skate industry for over 8 years now. I began this journey with 411 Video Productions (issue #15) and left (issue #51) to join Elwood and Aesthetics as the Director of Operations.

During my journey I have seen something you don’t see very often among Corporate America. I have seen and felt the passion and love for a sport unlike any other. However, within the past two years I have also seen this industry turn a cold shoulder. I've seen people forget what this is all about. I've seen corporate companies come in and turn the industry’s beliefs and foundations into mud. I have witnessed how quickly money can make people forget why, they are truly here and why, they do what they do. I honestly feel that many have forgotten what skateboarding is about. A boy, a board, the pavement, building memories and lifelong friends.

The reason why I am sharing this with you is to explain why I have decided to start Listen Skateboards. We will bring back the passion, the love and most importantly the FUN to skateboarding.

We have hand picked only CORE customers to begin this journey with us. Why? Because I know it is you which keeps this industry going and this I have seen with my own eyes. I will make it a point to drive kids back into the core shops not away. I want kids to experience the true meaning of going to a skate shop.

We here at Listen Skateboards will ensure the faith that there is a company out there which truly cares about you, your customers and your future.

I hope this letter has expressed the depth and passion I have for skateboarding and the skateboarding industry and why Listen Skateboards is more than just another skateboard company. We hope you LISTEN to your heart and help us bring back the fun in skateboarding.