Garden State Skate Godfather Skate Deaths

How did GFSD come about? James and I have been part of the underground skate and music scene for some time now and as years passed we noticed a lack of effort being made towards the designs on the bottom of skate decks. So we both decided that we would take our talents and combine them to create a great skate deck company out of New Jersey. James who has been skateboarding all his life at varying levels and is a businessman and I, Johnny Miami, would put the punch in the graphics that we would need to keep the scene alive and interesting not only in an individual’s skate skills but in also what they ride.
How’s the GFSD doing? We are having the time of our lives. We are meeting so many people in the industry and the feedback on the designs has been very positive.
Who is your typical customer? Typically the kid who wants people to know what he or she is all about, again in their style and what they ride. Agewise we have seen sales run from 11 into the mid-thirties and that’s what we were hoping for.
Are there any skate parks near your shop? They all seem to be located by the High Schools like Southern Regional or down in Lacey. Toms River use to have a killer in-door park but I guess the rent killed them.
Who are your team riders? We are still in the process of watching videos and interviewing different prospects. We don’t want any clowns representing our company, only hardcore kids that skating is what they eat, sleep and drink.

What decks have you ridden in the past and have any older designs inspired what you are doing now? I love to ride down hill on my sector nine and as far as street skating I still have an old ghosts model I ride. James use to ride plan B and Powell just like most of us old school guys. As far as older designs inspiring me I would say there are bits and pieces that I like from old school decks like Cabellero’s design and the first Hawk design, Old Ghosts and so on.
What’s the best part of designing your own boards?
The freedom.
Do you see design on demand coming in the future? If we have a skater that goes pro GFSD will design a specific deck for him or her.
What does GFSD offer skaters that’s different from other deck companies? No contracts that are the size of a bible for you to review and sign, designs that are second to none, tech support 24-7 and two owners who give a fuck about their riders and their future.
Do you do any special events like video premieres, signings or demos? Yes, we have a private dinner coming up at Plan B Restaurant in Asbury Park. Over the winter we did a demo with the Inked Up Angels at Jenks. We hope to get involved in a couple of skate competitions this spring and summer and we want to put together our first God Father Skate Deaths DVD showing the worst of spills that kill.
Do you have any future events coming up? We’re attending the Philadelphia Tattoo convention. We have the launching of the company and many other little surprises for all you kiddies out there.
From your point of view where is skateboarding going? Kids are getting stronger, smarter, faster and just are ready to overcome any barrier there is for them to conquer. The skate scene is unstoppable and just out of control….it’s great.
Any thanks you would like to give? The crew at Garden State Skate Magazine, Thrasher Magazine, Surf Taco, OS101, all the skate and surf shops that gave us our first break 4 bolt down, GMLD, 732 SIGNS, Rancid and Hank III.

Check out: Godfatherskate.com