OCMetro Business - (Pierre André Senizergues, CEO, Sole Technology)

Skateboarding goes live

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:44:00 GMT

etnies returned for the second year in a row as a presenting sponsor of the premier skateboarding contest, the Maloof Money Cup. This three-day, five-event U.S. Skateboarding Championship and festival took place during the opening weekend of the Orange County Fair in Costa Mesa on July 10-12. Amateurs and pros from around the world competed for close to half a million dollars in cash and prizes.

Today, there are more kids skateboarding – especially in Orange County, the epicenter of action sports – than playing baseball. And partnering with the Maloofs’ was a great match for etnies. Not only do they operate a family-run business, but they believe in the sport and can give skateboarders what they deserve: the esteem and rewards that other professional athletes have always received.

Tune in to see all the action of the Maloof Money Cup July 22 on MTV 2 at 6 p.m. Pacific time and 9 p.m. Eastern time.

For more action on skateboarding and my happenings, visit my Facebook page.

Cheers!

Lights, camera – cinema

Mon, 04 May 2009 09:14:00 GMT

The action sports community is a hybrid of culture circling around art, music and film. With etnies in the mix of it all, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce etnies Cinema, a unique film series featuring award-winning independent films, live Q & A sessions with the people behind the films and, of course, after-parties.

We kicked off the series with the award-winning film “Lymelife” back in March and presented Stuart Townsend's “Battle In Seattle” on Friday at Yost Theater in Santa Ana.

In addition to etnies Cinema, etnies was a proud sponsor of the Newport Beach Film Festival’s Action Sport Series, which consisted of an international showcase of 20 films and five world premieres that included documentary, narrative, animated and short films within actions sports. Newport Beach is the hub of action sports, with a back yard filled with surfers and skateboarders. The Action Sport Series allows the Newport Beach Film Festival to create a specialty all its own and a place for local future filmmakers’ art to flourish.

Revved up and green

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:17:00 GMT

Green + motorcycles = born to be wild and ride.

Sole Technology continues to look for new avenues that will take it farther in its effort to reduce its carbon footprint. And testing electric motorcycles along the way isn’t half bad. Zero X Motorcycles are the next step in motorcycle evolution, combining the aspects of a traditional motorcycle with the advancements of today’s technology. They maintain the speed and performance of a regular motorcycle, all while being environmentally friendly. And etnies will be taking a trip to the desert, testing out the motorcycles in tougher terrain with some of our etnies moto x team riders. We are excited to get their feedback to see if it’s a match made in heaven.

With the Green Recovery Bill investing $32.8 billion for clean energy, $26.86 billion for energy efficiency and $18.95 billion for green transportation, it only made sense to continue to do what we can in our own backyard.

Cheers!

Investing in your business

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:19:00 GMT

My passion has been and always will be in skateboarding. Even at 45, I still manage to jump on my skateboard and do some tricks, although my chiropractor keeps advising me against this. So with the economic crisis on everyone’s shoulders and budget cuts around every corner, including my own, I decided to continue to invest in what I love – skateboarding.

Sole Technology invited 22 skateboard editors across the globe to visit our new training facility at our headquarters in Lake Forest, check out our new upcoming product and skate with our pro riders. The one thing that is appreciated industry wide is authenticity, and that’s what Sole Technology is all about.

Did we hole these editors up in some bland and boring hotel room? Absolutely not. When you hang with the Sole Technology crew, you are part of the family, and that means you get a cozy bed at my personal loft in Newport Beach, home-cooked meals, high performance shoes and plenty of skateboarding to go around. It’s the personal touches that make the difference in these times, and it’s what can set your business apart from the rest.

Now is the time to remember why you started your company if you are a business owner, or why you chose the company you work for now.

When it comes to balancing your dollars and cents, remember the investments that will pay off – giving back to the heart of your business. The companies that do that will weather the storm and remain strong in the future.

Below are some highlights of the editors’ stay.

Environmental chat – look who’s talking …

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:11:00 GMT

It’s me, along with my good friend Shaheen Sadeghi. This Friday, Jan. 30, Shaheen and I will be keynote speakers at the Environmental Sustainability Conference at Vanguard University. The conference will take an innovative and creative approach to how we look at the future of our planet. Business owners, students and interested individuals will learn how to stay ahead of the curve to embrace key principles of environmentalism.

I will be talking about how I got inspired on my environmental mission, and how I took my inspiration and turned it into reality. For me it has always been about giving back and making an impact. That’s what this conference is all about. Giving and sharing the tools that others can apply in their businesses and as individuals in their daily lives to make a positive impact on our environment.

I have learned a lot from Shaheen. As founder and creator of The Lab Anti-Mall and The Camp retail complex, he brings the word “innovation” to another level. Using recycled and environmentally friendly materials, we both have found a way to bring green design to life – Shaheen has his grass roof, and I have my solar panels.

And then, on Feb. 5, from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m., in room Smith 101, Vanguard University will offer students a special screening of “The 11th Hour,” followed by a Q&A session. This powerful documentary that I worked on as executive producer – and that stars Leonardo DiCaprio – examines the environmental crisis caused by human actions and calls for action to reshape and change our activity for the future. This is a great opportunity – the youth is our future, and we have to educate them now to make a difference.

Businesses in Orange County have a powerful voice, and together we are setting the example for a greener future.

Etnies still believes in Santa Claus

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:49:00 GMT

In the midst of the current recession, it seemed as though the Grinch might steal the joy right out of our Christmas event. But Sole Technology prevailed to spread the Christmas cheer to those in need. For the past four years, my team and I have brought Santa Claus and more than 2,000 pairs of shoes to needy children in Orange County at the etnies Holiday Festival. This year was no exception. On Friday, Dec. 12, the Sole Technology team and I once again delivered 500 pairs of shoes to hundreds of children at the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest. There's nothing like watching the excitement in their eyes as they tear open the wrapping to find a brand new pair of shoes in their very own size. They also got the chance to meet Santa and do arts and crafts.

In addition to Santa Claus, we also had pro skateboarders on hand to donate their time with the kids and, of course, do some skateboarding. See pro skateboarder Mikey Taylor giving a lucky kid a pair of his pro model shoes.

Even our moto X guys Brian Deegan and Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg came out to help.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from all of us at Sole Technology.

Merci Giving Day

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:27:00 GMT

With Turkey Day (Or Tofu for some) soon upon us, and the tough economic times that seem to hit harder during the holidays, I wanted to share thanks and maybe even a laugh about what we can be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

1. Home-cooked meals, made by someone else if you’re lucky.

2. Black Friday: It helps the economy while snagging a great deal.

3. Hitting the snooze button. (Unless you have a new baby like me who loves to party, all day and night.)

4. Less traffic: People are home with their loved ones, so the roads and air are clear. We'll have less carbon emissions.

5. The beauty of the seasons changing – wait a second, we live in California and therefore get excited when the temperature drops below 70 degrees. I’ll take it.

Wishing each and every one of you a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy eating!

Happy HallowGreen

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:29:00 GMT

The ghosts were out at Lake Forest along with a Bunch of Grapes (me), Joe the Plummer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Superheroes and many more creative characters to celebrate HallowGreen at Sole Technology. I was very impressed at how inventive my staff was in creating their costumes using recycled materials and reusing their costumes from previous years. It just goes to show you can party green! We even hosted a green scavenger hunt where the entire company went on a mad hunt looking for green treasures. Check out some of the big winners here.

Everyone must work to protect the environment, and it’s about finding the little things in your life you can change to live green. The holidays are a great place to start, and with Christmas just around the corner, you can use your old gift bags or recycled paper to wrap this year’s presents. The small things add up!

With our commitment to becoming a carbon neutral company by 2020 and dedication to bettering our business practices, Sole Technology will soon be releasing an update of our progress from our environmental eco-audit. We have some exciting news to share, so stay tuned.

Cheers,

PAS

Sacre Green

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:49:00 GMT

As anyone can tell you, this groundbreaking election is one for the history books. Whether you are a Republican, a Democrat or a concerned French man, the issues at hand can’t be ignored.

At Sole Technology, we’re cultivating environmental awareness in action sports and promoting the understanding that the wellbeing of our planet is linked to the long-term success of our industry and business in general.

It is refreshing to see that both candidates have issues surrounding energy and the environment at the core of their plans, because the future of not only our nation but our entire planet depends on it.

Both candidates have acknowledged that climate change is real, and human activity has accelerated global warming. The reduction of carbon emissions is widely considered the first and best way to slow the warming of our planet.

After conducting a companywide eco-audit to look closely at how our business practices were impacting the environment, we set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2020. We saw that our employee commuting patterns contributed to roughly 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere annually. To offset this, we implemented a strategic carpooling program. With employee participation, we are hoping to reduce that amount by 900,000 pounds.

Both candidates plan to institute a cap-and-trade system to limit industrial carbon emissions. If companies pollute more than they are allowed, they would have to purchase additional “carbon credits” at a government auction. Through these measures and more, both candidates plan to cut emissions by as much as 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

I didn’t want to get too political but just wanted to shed some light on the issues that are near and dear to me. I encourage you to always vote for the environment. The changes we make as individuals will ultimately decide the future of our planet, election or not.

The changes can be small and, of course, fun. As a skateboarder, fun always has to be a part of the equation. With Halloween just around the corner, I am hosting a HallowGreen party. Stay tuned!

Cheers,

PAS

The top of Sole Technology's headquarters has a system of 616 solar panels.

This is Sole Technology's environmentally friendly headquarters in Lake Forest.

A New Room in Hollywood

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:42:00 GMT

Lights, cameras and stars galore! This past weekend I attended the Hollywood Style Awards presented by Hollywood Life magazine at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. The awards honored stylists, designers, make-up artists and other key individuals who help create the “Hollywood Look.” It was inspiring to see key trendsetters. I even had the pleasure of meeting Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and congratulating him on his philanthropic work for the environment and his new show with Tommy Lee called "Battleground Earth."

Following the awards was the unveiling of the Young Hollywood Dream House, a design showcase that brings together a unique collaboration of architects, interior designers and luxury furniture designers to create a replica of a star’s home. Every star must have a classic yet stylish piece with the added bonus of it being environmentally friendly – exactly what the Skate Study House delivers. The Skate Study House is the first skateboard-inspired complete home furniture collection I created with designer Gil Le Bon Dela Pointe. It merges skateboarding with classic pieces of the Case Study House. The collection features recycled skateboard decks and accessories, and each piece is hand-made to order. It will be on display at the Pacific Design Center from Oct. 12 to Nov. 3, along with several other rooms that are decked out by the industry’s go-to designers. Come and stop by. It is so great to see stars, fashion and green come together so effortlessly.

A new skater enters the world.

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:15:00 GMT

On Sept. 23, I had the honor of welcoming a future skateboarder into the world – my son, Mateo Dakota Senizergues. Joining us three weeks early at 4:49 a.m., Mateo weighed in at 6.2 pounds and measured 18 inches.

He has already been testing my endurance, keeping me up at night but I love every minute.

As many parents can relate, choosing a name can be quite the debate, and choosing my son’s was no exception. His presence in my life has been a gift I could have never imagined, so I thought it fitting that Mateo, meaning “gift” in Italian and “devoted to God” in Greek, was the perfect fit. Dakota means “friend of everybody” in Sioux and ties in strongly to my passion and respect for the environment.

Even as a new dad, skateboarding is never far from my mind, which is why I wanted to remind everyone to come out this weekend, through Oct. 5, to the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest, where etnies will be hosting the annual Goofy vs. Regular Skateboarding Contest.

We will have more than 20,000 spectators watching the contest. And we’ll have a Festival Village, with activities and games. Currently in its fifth year, this is the event where the winner takes all. Right now, it’s all tied up with Regular (left foot forward) and Goofy (right foot forward) going head to head. You don’t want to miss it! For more information please visit gvr.etniesskate.com/event.

Cheers!

Changing the way we do business...

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:06:00 GMT

In today’s tough market, businesses have had to change their way of thinking, be more creative and most of all, more impactful. And the action sports industry is no different. In a marketplace full of saturation, and everyone wanting a piece of the skateboard pie, Sole Technology has had to readjust its business strategy to better meet our customer’s needs.

A good example of this is how we reach out to our retailers. For many years the way we did business with them was at the Action Sports Retailer (ASR) Trade Show, the hub of the action sports industry happenings. However, with smaller budgets, retailers are decreasing their travel and expenses. To combat this, Sole Technology not only wanted to get the personal connection with retailers, but also to give them the Sole Technology “experience.”

As home to true authentic action sports brands, it is very important that our retailers embrace our culture. There was no better way to do this than to invite them home with us. We hosted hundreds of retailers, inviting them to take a look at our newest product, tour Sole Technology and see Sole Technology Institute, the world’s first and only biomechanics research facility dedicated to studying the impacts of skateboarding on the human body. In addition they met the Sole Technology family with many personal sessions and, of course, skating the etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest.

We received a lot of positive feedback from the retailers and are excited about the future. We hope these efforts will be more effective in the way we do business. As business is always changing, it’s important to think outside of the box, as a skateboarder it’s in my blood, overcoming the impossible.

Take a look at how I live and relax in my Newport Beach home where I gave the L.A. Times a behind the scenes look.

A happy farewell...

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:38:00 GMT

For many of you business owners you understand the importance and value of retaining top notch employees, they are what our success is built upon. Especially us entrepreneurs, who built our business with blood, sweat and tears, not to mention sleepless nights and pleading calls to family and friends promising you will pay them back. So the people that take those beginning steps with you as you build your business and venture on this unknown journey are more than just employees, they are family.

Recently I had to say a happy farewell to one of my family members, Conrad Smith, Sole Technology’s first employee to retire. Actually it was more like aloha, he left in style, moving to Waikiki beach to enjoy the surf and sun and can I blame him?

I think back to those beginning days and can’t believe 15 years have gone by. Here at Sole Technology, we have employees who have been with the company for 10 years or more, and many who are well on their way, helping us reach success. Our first retiree marked a momentous moment and reminded me of how important it is to value, cultivate and reward commitment and hard work in the workplace, which is what we do here at Sole Technology. I can’t wait to see what the next 15 will bring.

Cheers,

PAS

Greener and greener...

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:22:00 GMT

Sole Technology just got a little greener. In addition to the bicycle fleet program, we have recently implemented an alternative work week schedule for all employees. Sole Technology will continue to maintain its working hours, productivity and business coverage, all while saving employee's money on gas, auto costs and significantly reducing C02 emissions and lowering electricity usage.

In 2007 we set out to see how our business practices were impacting the environment by conducting an eco-audit, looking at every angle with a strong focus on carbon emissions, waste and consumption and water usage. In 2008 the results were in. Our findings led us to set the foundation to become carbon neutral by 2020 and continue to work towards sustainability in all our business practices.

We know that the process of going green is a journey. As many companies are just beginning to look into these areas, we are putting our plans into action. Our alternative workweek is helping us get one giant step closer to reaching our carbon neutral goal. Helping the environment while providing my staff more time with friends and family. I couldn’t ask for a better solution; sometimes it’s the little steps that can make a big difference.

Some photos of my staff and I participating in green activities on Earth Day.

Maloof Money Cup

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:41:00 GMT

We came, we saw…we skated… and it was amazing. The Maloof Money Cup (July 11-13) kicked off at the Orange County Fairgrounds opening weekend of the world famous Orange County Fair with the top pro and amateur skaters competing from around the world. The Maloof Money Cup awarded more than half a million dollars in prize money, the largest in skateboarding history.

The top winners included Paul Rodriguez for the U.S. Men’s Pro Street Championship, Pierre-Luc Gagnon for the U.S. Men’s Pro Vert Championship and Lacey Baker for the U.S. Women’s Pro Street Championship. The contest featured some of the best skateboarding ever seen and put Orange County on the map once again.

The Maloof Brothers are the ultimate trendsetters, choosing Orange County to hold the world’s best skateboarding contest boast well for the industry as well as Orange County, the hub of what’s happening.

The Maloof Money Cup offered a place for today’s youth to showcase their talent, celebrate with fans and the community and have fun…which is always a recipe for success. I am so glad that etnies got to be a part of this momentous event.

Opening ceremonies –popping off champagne at 9 a.m. in the morning set the tone for the weekend.

In between the contest I found a moment to relax at the etnies Festival Village which featured the ultimate skate spot.

Closing ceremonies with the Maloof Brothers, where skateboard history was made.

Sole Technology's "green" strategy

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:49:00 GMT

One of my many passions is the environment, growing up skateboarding in Paris I remember how hard it was to breathe because of the polluted air and how I wanted to make a change where I could. This led me down a path to give back to the

environment, to make changes not only in my personal life but in my company as well, where I felt I could have a large impact on my employees. I wanted to get them excited by becoming involved and contributing in these efforts, so I formed the Blue Bin Brigade, an internal committee made up of one representative from each department whose goal it is to increase industrial awareness about waste and find better, more environmentally friendly means of doing business.

Each month the committee meets to share ideas, report on their progress and set new goals. Right now we are in the process of forming our own bicycle fleet where employees can rent out bikes to get to and from work, from building to building and even grab a quick bite on their lunch break…zoom, zoom, the idea is similar to the Vélib’ system in Paris, with bicycle pit stops so the next person can grab it and go.

Also on the agenda was researching new hand dryers to install in our bathrooms, we have already implemented a dual flush system to cut back on water usage. These XLerators are awesome! They use 80% less energy than conventional hand dryers and give a 95% cost savings vs. paper towels. You can try your own hands at them at {The LAB} in Costa Mesa, props go out to The LAB’s founder and good friend of mine Shaheen Sadeghi who is always conscious of the environment. More to come from the Blue Bin Brigade and I encourage you to start your own. For more information on my environmental initiatives visit Sole Technology.

Cheers
PAS

Rubbing elbows with the stars

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:32:00 GMT

A few weeks ago I had a surreal moment, the chance to meet a television star from my hometown of Paris. I got to sit down for a chat and skateboard session with Antoine de Caunes, one of France's most popular television personalities (perhaps best described as a French 'Jon Stewart'). He just recently hosted the Cesar Awards at the Cannes Film Festival, so you can imagine my surprise and enthusiasm at the chance to meet him in person, with interest in hearing my story.

His focus was on my life as an entrepreneur and skateboarder, inspiring youth in action sports, giving them the opportunities I didn’t have when I was growing up. He also wanted to hear about the environmental endeavors I have pursued within my company and in my personal life.

My journey has been a long road, but having the chance to meet a TV mogul such as Antoine, was a huge honor. To receive this recognition for pursuing the passions in my life, and turning them into a successful business has elevated the skateboarding culture and solidified its value inside and outside of the industry. I look forward to being a part of the continued evolution. Go skateboard!

Cheers,

PAS

Go Skateboarding Day was a success

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:58:00 GMT

What could bring thousands of kids, teens and adults into the streets on the same day across the globe…Go Skateboarding Day. On June 21 skateboarders across the nation took to the streets in masses to celebrate the spirit, art, creativity and exhilaration that is skateboarding.

Skateboarders everywhere held fundraisers, contests and demos, skating across cities, gathering in skateparks and local skate shops to bring together the skateboard community in the grind heard around the world. Sometimes skateboarding can get a bad rap, but I think this event shows what a positive influence it can be and how it has the power to bring together communities to support worthy causes. Our own Sole Technology team helped raise money to support a local skateboarder youngster who is battling cancer, Johnny Romano.

And with gas prices still at an all time high and continuing to skyrocket, check out this alternative transportation method on YouTube. Although not recommended for the freeway, I must give a nod to his threads. I celebrated by bringing it back, old school style.

Stay tuned to hear how skateboarding got me the opportunity to meet a television legend from my hometown of Paris.

Cheers,
PAS

Skateboarding comes to the O.C. Fair

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:40:00 GMT

With gases prices high and economy woes on everyone’s mind, it’s time to enjoy what we do like about living in California – the beautiful weather. With the official beginning of summer, I thought I would give you a sneak preview to a new addition to one of Orange County’s most treasured summer time events…The Orange County Fair!

This year the Fair will be more than just barnyard animals, rocking music, foods galore and rides that should be ridden before the snack bar feast begins … skateboarding is joining the celebration for a full blown contest and festival.

The skateboarding event will be the Maloof Money Cup, a three-day festival and U.S. Skateboarding Championship that will take place July 11-13 at the O.C. Fairgrounds during opening weekend. Joe and Gavin Maloof, owners of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, embark into the world of skateboarding and have recognized Orange County as the epicenter of skateboarding. The contest will have the largest purse in the history of professional skateboarding with skaters such as Ryan Sheckler, Andrew Reynolds, Rune Glifberg, Leo Romero, Ronnie Creager, Bryan Herman, Lorena Lima and Evelien Bouilliart competing for almost half-a-million dollars in cash.

The festival village is presented by etnies and will feature skateboarding retailer and manufacturer booths with interactive games, challenges and chances to win prizes, including a charity raffle for a new vehicle. This will be sure to get your video game obsessed teenager off the couch.

I had the pleasure of having dinner with Joe and Gavin while I was in Vegas and was very happy with the support they have shown for skateboarding. Skateboarding has progressed at a phenomenal rate and they understand the importance of this sport in today’s youth.

Now I can’t promise the Fair will cure your gas price blues but it’s never too late to take up skateboarding. Stay tuned to hear all about the adventures that took place on Go Skateboarding Day on June 21.

Cheers
PAS

Dwell on design: Granola goes designer

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:54:00 GMT

It’s wonderful to see how modern architecture and designers of today are not only incorporating environmentally friendly materials into their products, but are also looking at the manufacturing processes, to exceed expectations and create functional and beautiful pieces that people will actually buy. Yes, turning recycled pieces into something else is not necessarily original, but producing the look of “new” design that feels relevant and stylish in today’s era, while still being kind to the environment, is. Designers today are looking at the entire spectrum knowing that they have to please consumers on a multitude of levels, the ones that claim to be green and the ones that really are. had the pleasure of seeing such creative talents at work at the Dwell on Design Conference and Exhibition at the L.A. Convention Center from June 6-8 where over 200 + exhibitors showcased their work.

I was invited to attend to showcase the collection-Skate Study House (SSH). A collaborative project, created through my vision and the design of Gil Le Bon de LaPointe to recreate popular furniture of the famous Los Angeles-based Case Study House project of 1946-1966 that featured the most innovative and praised furniture installations of their time.

The movements and inspiration behind skateboarding are constantly changing, very much like the world of modern design. This collection brings together action sports, art and contemporary lifestyle with a consciousness on our environment to create a relevant and modern-day display.

Here I am with the innovative Skate Study House designer Gil Le Bon de LaPointe at the Dwell show.

Sights and sounds of Europe

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:52:00 GMT

Europe Travels

During my recent trip to visit the Sole Technology family in Europe and my dear mom, I came across some great finds. There is something magical about Europe, the sights, the sounds, and the people...the beauty that is Europe. Here are the highlights, I hope you will enjoy.

First stop: The Netherlands, Amsterdam
Sole Technology Inc. has offices worldwide. Here I am visiting my team in Amsterdam.

Caption: In Amsterdam, lunch is a family affair. Every day at noon, the entire staff comes together to cook, eat, laugh and share stories. This is a common Dutch practice, work groups coming together to take a break and refuel for the day. Typically the newbie of the group is required to show off their cooking skills and cook for everyone. It is a real community.

Caption: My COO Paul Migaki and I cycling the streets of Amsterdam. Nearly half of all traffic movements in Amsterdam are by bike.

The bicycle movement is gaining momentum. On July 15, 2007, the city of Paris launched a new self-service "bicycle transit system" called Vélib’. (This is one of many sites, but this one is in English). The program works by paying to ride, so Parisians and visitors can pick up and drop off bicycles throughout the city at 754 locations, with a total of 10,648 bikes. By the end of the year, there will be a Vélib’ station approximately every 900 feet for a total of 1,451 locations and 20,600 bikes. It will play an important part in reducing pollution, making cycling an efficient and environmentally friendly way to get around. With so much sunshine year round…Orange County should be the next.

Second stop: Paris, France
I had the supreme pleasure of hearing some incredible music from Justice. Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay. Take a listen here.

Caption: The sounds were incredible-it felt like my ear tubes would explode-perfect youth music!

Exhibition of Richard Serra at the Grand Palais

Caption: I was lucky enough to see the inauguration of Promenade, a new work for the MONUMENTA series, at the Grand Palais in Paris by Richard Serra. Promenade is a multiple piece installation that creates a landscape of steel. As a design junkie, I was amazed by these structures, five steel pieces that measured 14m x 4m, a thickness of 13 cm and 75 tons each. The fact that these massive structures were holding upright by themselves, was art in and of itself. Richard Serra, who I am a huge fan of, is an American minimalist sculptor and video artist known for working with large scale assemblies of sheet metal. More information on Richard Serra.

The rest of my trip was spent enjoying the beautiful City of Lights with family and friends. Check out the Eiffel Tower at night.

Coming Home: Back to California
As any skateboarder can attest too, they have been stopped by security on one or more occasions. Twenty years later, it still happens to me. In my transit back to California I was stopped by customs police at the airport who were set off by my appearance (beanie, jeans, backpack, and skateboard in hand). They had numerous questions for me including what I did for a living. When I told them I was a CEO they did not believe me, it was not until they went through all my bags and saw my paperwork and files did they take me to be a real businessman. It makes me laugh knowing this will not be the last time this happens.
After this ordeal, this is one of my favorite shots below. I saw the light, the beautiful fluorescent lights shining on the escalator, the escalator that lead me home.

Next week I discuss my latest project, recreating popular furniture of the Case Study House through the vision of a skateboarder to develop the Skate Study House.

Meet Pierre (and his mom!)

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:04:00 GMT

Bonjour, I am Pierre André Senizergues (PAS), CEO and president of Sole Technology-home to footwear and apparel brands etnies, éS, Emerica, Thirty Two and Altamont.

I am very excited to welcome you into my world and share with you my adventures, passions and appreciation for skateboarding, action sports, our youth, community, art, music, design, travel, entrepreneurship and the environment – just to name a few (okay a lot, I have many passions, including a good Mojito!).
I hope to dialog with you, hear your thoughts and answer your questions. Growing up skateboarding around the most beautiful city in the world, my home town of Paris, the City of Lights, I dreamed of moving to California, what I viewed as the Mecca of skateboarding and becoming a professional skateboarder. I never lost sight of this dream. After I graduated from the Universitaire de Technology of Paris XI and took a job as an IBM engineer, it was VERY boring for me – it drove me insane and was a catalyst for me to right away buy a one way ticket straight to California, the land of endless concrete and sun!

Passion is a wonderful thing, it makes you do crazy things, which is why I decided to pack it all up and move to California. This reality came true when I became a world champion skateboarder after I was discovered skating the streets of Venice in the 1980’s. During this time and from years of skateboarding, I saw a need to make quality, durable skateboard shoes that not only performed well, but were of course stylish…so my crazy passion once again sent me down a new path, mind you, having no knowledge of how to make shoes. Fast forward 20 years with many ups and downs along the way to where I am today-the first professional skateboarder to own and operate a global actions sports footwear and apparel company in the world, but more importantly and what I’m most proud about is that, etnies was the first to introduce the first skate performance shoe, which was something we needed (I can’t tell you how many times I duct taped my own pair of skate shoes growing up), to help save skateboarders feet AND wallets.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you and the amazing people who are a part of this great mosaic of life! Stay tuned to hear about my recent travels to Europe – I just got back from a trip mixed with business and hanging out with my Mom. Check out her photo below – she is 77 and she still climbs up in the 20ft tree in our backyard to trim it – I think I inherited my craziness from her! Hahahaha!
Cheers,

PAS