We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jason Vellmer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jason, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
As a skateboarder you always want to find a way to repay skateboarding for a lifetime of fun. In 2016 I was scrolling YouTube and me and my daughter were watching someone make a ring out of recycled skateboards. Naturally she asked if I could make one and I was successful. I started making rings for friends and family and received very positive responses. It’s very hard sometimes to find positivity in a world of negativity. I expanded from rings to include keychains, earrings, necklaces and other personal items that I used to start sponsoring local skateboarding events for attendance prizes and giveaways. We have growing DIY skateboard scene in the St. Louis area so I would help fundraise by donating items to help raise money to finish skate spots. Fast forward to the present and we are now supporting at least a dozen different skateboard contests throughout the Midwest.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Jason Vellmer and I’m a skateboarder that’s also an artist. My wife Danielle is my biggest supporter along with my kids Caleb, Jacob and Isabella without them there could be no StuntwoodStl.
I like to make things that show the beauty of recycled skateboards including the graphics. I’m a little different in my approach because I leave as much of the graphic intact and find ways to highlight it. Some of my favorite creations are the Big Banger Hammers and jewelry/stash boxes. Everything I make has that DIY feel to it and recycling. Skateboard graphics are amazing why would you sand them off? I range from jewelry and small personal items to lamps to tables and wall art. Looking through the photos help people see the vision.
My business model is not your typical one because my main focus is giving back and volunteering but we do sell products as well. There is no better feeling than watching a winner at one of the contests go to pickup the Big Banger Trophy because they are quite amazing and heavy. I love talking about skateboarding with local school kids and then make bracelets with them. Skateboarding is inclusive to all types people so in turn we support all types of people and causes that fosters diversity and acceptance.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Making the decision to go from a hobbyist woodworker to a small business comes with a lot of doubt and personal growth. Will people like what I create? This is a question I could spend a lot of time on but it really is a simple answer, who cares? I’m a skateboarder and that who cares what people think is a big part of the mindset. I started with the goal to repay skateboarding and it has turned into something bigger than I could’ve ever dreamed. Self doubt keeps you humble. I never knew I was an artist until I was so the morale of the story is stay true to your vision.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My initial focus was how to build a brand respected within the St. Louis skateboarding scene and it was important to me to have that validation. I wanted to be a positive influence to grow the skateboard community. I was successful in helping sponsor local events and community outreach. Started to participate in local art fairs and grew to a featured artist in art galleries. If you are a good person, make a quality product and never stop learning you will be successful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @stuntwoodstl_woodworks
Image Credits
Rob Lawson Instagram: @thisisarobbery