How Did I Get Here?: The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO

ISBN-13: 9780470631492 / Angielski / Twarda / 2010 / 208 str.

Tony Hawk

Opis

The most famous skateboarder ever shares the business secrets to his success He's the man who put skateboarding on the map. He's the first to land a 900 (two and a half full rotations). He's also among the richest pitchmen in any sport. And, in a sport that's especially youth-oriented, Tony Hawk, a 40-something father of four, still connects with his audience by staying true to who he is. Moving easily between the ramp and the boardroom, Tony currently runs one of the most acclaimed action sports companies, a clothing line, and video game series bearing his name that has sold over $1 billion worldwide, making it the biggest selling action sports game franchise in game history. He has secured endorsement deals with major brands such as McDonalds, Intel, T-Mobile and Kohl's; started the Boom Boom HuckJam action sports tour; and achieved worldwide acclaim from the ESPN X Games. Filled with Tony's typical modesty and humor, How Did I Get Here? tells the amazing story behind Tony Hawk's unprecedented success from skateboarder to CEO, and the secrets behind his lasting appeal. You'll find out how authenticity has served him well in all his achievements. You'll also understand how his story has shaped many of his fundamental values, including his huge desire to win and his strong sense of realism. Get the inside story of Tony Hawk beyond the skateboard as he answers the question: How Did I Get Here?

Recenzje

'...entertaining review of his entrepreneurial endeavours .' (Business Life, December 2010). This is no sham celebrity business book...packed with lessons for entrepreneurs.' (Director, December 2010).

Spis treści

Preface.

Credits.

Chapter 1 Toucan Sam Teaches Me a Lesson.

The day I knew it was time to take control.

Chapter 2 Building a Better Birdhouse.

The birth and near–death of our first business.

Chapter 3 Hey Kid, Want to Buy a Hoodie?

Risking our homes to make T–shirts and hats.

Chapter 4 "Is Tony Hawk a Real Person?"

From motion capture to gaming franchise.

Chapter 5 What the Hell Is a HuckJam?

Innovation and improvisation on a million–dollar ramp.

Chapter 6 "Extreme" Is a Four–Letter Word.

"This is how we do it in our world".

Chapter 7 The Denim Debacle.

Some business ideas that didn′t quite fly.

Chapter 8 Final Cut.

The key to image control: get your own editing bay.

Chapter 9 Hashtag Is Not a Death–Metal Band.

Reaching out through tweets, apps, and satrad.

Chapter 10 How to Never Get a Movie Made.

Hollywood will break your heart, or at least piss you off.

Chapter 11 Stinky Diapers in First Class.

How to balance travel and family: bring ′em.

Chapter 12 Giving Back.

Family, friends, Regis, and a very smart fifth–grader help me build a charity.

Acknowledgments.

Index.

O autorze

TONY HAWK is the most famous and influential skateboarder of all time. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was instrumental in skateboarding′s transformation from fringe pursuit to respected sport. He is the founder, President, and CEO of Tony Hawk, Inc., which he continues to develop and grow. He is also the founder of the Tony Hawk Foundation, which works to create skateparks and empower youth in low–income communities.

PAT HAWK is Tony′s older sister; she began working with him in 1995 at Birdhouse Skateboards. In 1997, they created Tony Hawk, Inc. Pat has been Vice President and COO of Tony Hawk, Inc. since then and continues to manage its day–to–day operations. Pat is on the Board of Directors of the Tony Hawk Foundation.

Blurb

How Did I Get Here?

PRAISE FOR TONY HAWK

"Hawk, like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, belongs to that rare breed of athlete–entrepreneurs whose names and brands have transcended their sports and become mainstream icons in the popular culture."
—USA Today

"Hawk has also pulled off the near–miraculous feat of being as popular with parents as he is with their offspring."
—Bloomberg Businessweek

"Hawk drives the sport harder than anyone else, having transformed himself from cult hero into a richly compensated pitchman."
—Forbes

"Hawk rules an empire. He is the world′s highest–paid action sports athlete."
—Entrepreneur