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United States Rodney Mullen revolutionized skateboarding by transitioning freestyle innovation to street, continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a board while engaging audiences globally as a speaker on creativity and resilience.
Rodney Mullen is sponsored by Almost Skateboards. Almost Skateboards was co-founded by professional skateboarders Rodney Mullen and Daewon Song. He is also a co-owner and team rider for the brand, contributing to research and development for new designs and technologies such as Impact Support, Double Impact, and Uber Light.
Rodney Mullen is sponsored by Tensor trucks. Around 2000, Mullen developed his own skateboard truck design, which became the foundation for the company Tensor. He filed a patent for this innovative work.
Rodney Mullen is sponsored by Matix clothing.
Rodney Mullen is sponsored by Globe Shoes. In 2002, he and his partners sold their company, World Industries (under the holding name Kubic Marketing), to Globe International for $46 million. Mullen also collaborated with Globe to modernize a new shoe style drawing from Globe's 90's heritage.
Rodney Mullen is sponsored by Bones wheels and Bones Brigade (the team was sponsored by Powell Peralta).
Rodney Mullen was sponsored by Powell Peralta as a member of the renowned Bones Brigade team.
Rodney Mullen is sponsored by Oust bearings.
Rodney Mullen is sponsored by CCS.
Rodney Mullen co-founded World Industries, which grew to become a very successful skateboard company. In 1998 (or 2002 via Kubic Marketing) he and his partner sold the company for a significant amount ($20 million or $46 million depending on the source).
Rodney Mullen is exclusively represented by CAL Entertainment. He is highlighted for starting multiple companies under the World umbrella, holding two patents, and being credited for modern board and wheel designs.
Rodney Mullen appeared in the *Gracias Skateboarding Volumen Uno* video, which was filmed by Ben Fordham of the Gracias L.A. brand.
Born on August 17, 1966, in Gainesville, Florida, John Rodney Mullen started skateboarding on New Year’s Day 1977. Despite a strict upbringing and a childhood pigeon-toe condition that required him to sleep in corrective boots, Mullen rapidly developed an exceptional dexterity with his feet. He honed his skills in the family garage, leading him to place fifth in the Boy’s Freestyle category at the 1978 US Open Championships at Kona Skatepark, just a year after starting. This early success earned him sponsorship from Walker Skateboards, marking the beginning of a legendary career. His dedication and passion for skateboarding were evident from his early days, practicing for many hours daily, which naturally led him towards freestyle skateboarding due to the rural environment.
Mullen’s career gained significant momentum in 1980 when, at the age of 14, he defeated the reigning world champion Steve Rocco at the Oasis Pro competition. This victory led him to turn professional and join the esteemed Bones Brigade team, sponsored by Powell Peralta. Throughout the 1980s, Mullen dominated the freestyle scene, winning 34 out of 35 contests over a decade, establishing an unparalleled competitive record. During this period, he invented numerous foundational tricks that would become cornerstones of modern skateboarding, including the flatground ollie, kickflip, heelflip, and 360-kickflip, earning him the title “Godfather of modern street skating.” His progression from freestyle to street skating was a pivotal moment, showcasing his adaptability and innovative spirit.
Transitioning from Powell Peralta, Mullen co-founded World Industries in 1989 with Steve Rocco, a groundbreaking skateboarder-owned company that later evolved into Dwindle Distribution, the world’s largest skateboard manufacturer. A significant career turning point came with his reluctant move to street skating, influenced by Mike Ternasky of Plan B Skateboards. In Plan B’s 1992 video, *Questionable*, Mullen seamlessly blended his freestyle techniques with street obstacles, introducing new tricks like the kickflip underflip and Casper slide. This transformation legitimized technical street skating and further cemented his influence. Beyond his athletic achievements, Mullen has ventured into product design, developing Tensor trucks and contributing to Almost Skateboards’ innovations like Uber Light decks. He has also published an autobiography, *The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself*, and become a recognized public speaker on innovation and creativity, aligning with institutions like the MIT Media Lab and the Smithsonian Institution.
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