Mastering Skateboarding

Google Per Welinder and your search will reveal the history of a pro skater—a legend who performed all the skateboarding stunt scenes for Michael J. Fox in the famous film Back to the Future, a two-time world champion freestyle skateboarder, and an iconic pioneer in the second generation of skateboarding. Today he is an entrepreneur who earned his MBA from the Anderson School of Business at UCLA. Welinder is the president and cofounder of Blitz Distribution, a major player in today’s skateboarding world thanks to brands like Baker Skateboards, Hook-Ups, Sk8Mafia, Fury Trucks, and JSLV clothing.

The accomplished lifelong skater brings a unique perspective to the brands he works with and believes that skateboarding serves a vital role in youth culture. Welinder has promoted the growth of skateboarding worldwide through his roles as the former chair and current board member for the International Association of Skateboard Companies.

Peter Whitley is a lifelong skateboarder, artist, and advocate for skateparks. He is the former executive director of Skaters for Public Skateparks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to skatepark awareness, advancement, and advocacy. Currently he serves as the programs director for the Tony Hawk Foundation. He is also the author of the Public Skatepark Development Guide. When not working with communities on skatepark matters, Whitley is a graphic designer and illustrator.