We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dale Bonnell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dale , appreciate you joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name was simple, my name is Dale Bonnell, I skate and I designs stuff. DB Skate Designs.

Dale , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, my name is Dale Bonnell owner of DB skate designs LLC. I first got into this when Covid happened and I bought my first woodworking tools. Quickly through the skateboarding community my art and products started to get attention. Once I was able to start supplementing my income, I quit my full-time job as a commercial lending assistant to pursue my dreams of entrepreneurship.

There are so many things within skateboarding that are outlets of self expression. That’s what is so captivating about it for me.
That is what drew me to skateboarding and my woodwork. I take great pride in recycling skateboards. Whether I’m making rings, creating decks, or working on a commission piece; it all brings me great joy. I’m a skateboarder through and though and my art is another extension of that. There are a lot of different skateboard artists out there but what sets us apart is our individual approach to the craft.
I can’t thank everyone enough for the support you have shown me and my business through out these years. If there is anything that can say to an inspiring artist is ” Keep going, anything is possible through hard work!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’m an Army veteran, I have nothing but resilience and determination. I think all the disciplines I learned well in the military helped me with the rough and harsh world of business ownership.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

With what I do and how I shape my business it has been very hard to focus on my woodworking, skateboarding, and my family life. When I’m doing one of these. I’m constantly torn between the things I should be doing and could be doing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DBSkateDesigns
• Instagram: @dbskatedesigns
• Facebook: @dbskatedesigns
• Youtube: @dbskatedesigns

Image Credits

Personal photo- Jenn Ardon