The Jamie Thomas Interview

on Wednesday, 25 December 2013.

When Jamie Thomas says he's down to answer some questions you don't really question his methods. This entire interview was done via Instagram over a matter of weeks. He answered half of them almost immediately, had to help his kid get ready for school, then answered the second half on Thanksgiving Day; this not only helped us figure out what we are thankful for this year, but also helps demonstrate why Jamie Thomas is considered, "The Hardest Working Man in Skate-Biz."

He's been crushing it for two decades now and STILL came through with plenty of surprises in his Cold War part. That he can do what he just did at the age of 39 is amazing, inspiring, and totally raw. This is the Jamie Thomas Interview.

  • Jamie Thomas - Invisible (1994)
  • SPITFIRE - Part 1
  • Jamie Thomas - Toy Machine Heavy Metal
  • Jamie Thomas/Adrian Lopez Emerica Yellow Part
  • Jamie Thomas in Thrill of it All  -  Zero
  • Dying To Live - Jamie Thomas HD

What was the hardest trick to film for Cold War?

I battled 2 tricks for a while. The back grind through the tight kinker and the impossible grind. I tried the Kinker 9 different times before I finally got it. It's at a playground and the kids are terribly distracting. It also has terrible run up that I finally put wood down. I drove/flew to SF 4 times for the impossible grind and went straight home a failure 3 times. It's an eight hour drive.

When did you get the idea to impossible 50-50 Clipper?

I started doing impossible grinds regularly at demos and it only made sense to try it on clipper. It's a little high and steep for that trick and the edge is really round, so needless to say it took a while.

Who put the most work in the video?

I'd have to say Dane or Tommy. They both went for it for 2 years straight.

You seem insanely busy, how do you balance skateboarding running a company and family?

I don't balance it very well. Unfortunately, I use the squeakiest wheel technique and focus on whatever needs my attention most at that point in time.

How did you know Mike Gilbert & Lannie Rhoades were the right people to direct Cold War?

I'd been working w Gilbert and Lannie for years and it was obvious that they had it under control.Gotta help my kids get ready for school. I'll answer the others later.

How involved were you with the finished product?

I still film here and there and I edited a few parts including my own, but my major role is to help navigate the look and feel of the project including the music. Lannie and Gilbert did all the heavy lifting.

Was being an entrepreneur something you aspired to or did it just kinda happen?

I think you're born an entrepreneur. It's a blessing and a curse. You see the world through opportunity.

Can you think of any other companies or ventures of yours that never worked out?

Yeah, a ton! Monster trucks, Innes, I was also involved w Adio and Circa in the beginning.

Do skate brands provide health insurance? Do skate brands do anything to take care of pros once they're physically broken and career is over?

We provide health insurance, but I'm not sure if everyone does. I try to help our team riders cultivate skills other than skateboarding when possible, so they have something to transition into. But their success largely depends on their mindset and willingness to be steeped in reality.

How do you find new talent for Zero like Ed Duff and Tom Karangelov?

They usually find us! #zeroordie

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