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How Did I Get Here?: The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO
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 "How Did I Get Here?"
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2010
7 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Tony Hawk
29 books32 followersAnthony Frank "Tony" Hawk (born May 12, 1968), nicknamed "The Birdman", is an American professional skateboarder, actor, and owner of skateboard company Birdhouse. Hawk is well known for completing the first documented 900 and for his licensed video game titles, published by Activision. He is widely considered to be one of the most successful and influential pioneers of modern vertical skateboarding.
In 2002, he created the "Boom Boom HuckJam", an extreme sports exhibition and tour that was launched in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, Hawk has made numerous appearances in films, other media, and his own series of video games. He has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, including his own Tony Hawk Foundation that helps to build skateparks in underprivileged areas. In 2014, Hawk was labelled as one of the "Most influential skateboarders of all-time" by FoxWeekly.
In 2002, he created the "Boom Boom HuckJam", an extreme sports exhibition and tour that was launched in Las Vegas. Throughout his career, Hawk has made numerous appearances in films, other media, and his own series of video games. He has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, including his own Tony Hawk Foundation that helps to build skateparks in underprivileged areas. In 2014, Hawk was labelled as one of the "Most influential skateboarders of all-time" by FoxWeekly.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 25, 2016
This is not a bad book. It was written with a modern tone to target the younger generation. The book was well designed and the graphics convincing. Tony put a lot of effort to produce the book.
However it lacks in depth lessons for young entrepreneurs. The book proved that Tony may be a great entrepreneur but not a good at teaching and mentoring, or he got there by just luck. Hence the book is just a biography of his life with little things to apply to your business.
When I got the book I was excited with the design, layout and presentation but I got to the last chapter still wondering what I have really learnt.
Another issue that was hidden from the book is his personal life. You cannot write a biography and exclude your personal life from it. It is possible there are issues that were not in order in Tony’s life and had not dealt with them.
However it lacks in depth lessons for young entrepreneurs. The book proved that Tony may be a great entrepreneur but not a good at teaching and mentoring, or he got there by just luck. Hence the book is just a biography of his life with little things to apply to your business.
When I got the book I was excited with the design, layout and presentation but I got to the last chapter still wondering what I have really learnt.
Another issue that was hidden from the book is his personal life. You cannot write a biography and exclude your personal life from it. It is possible there are issues that were not in order in Tony’s life and had not dealt with them.
July 31, 2018
I wanted to read a book about Tony Hawk and this book was interesting, but was also the only book my library had so I had to settle for it since I don't feel like purchasing a book about Tony Hawk. Firsts I want to say I love the cover with Tony in a suit riding a skateboard, but overall, I felt like the information inside was a bit scattered and the black and white photos did not help. I realize it's expensive to use color but publishers take note: pictures in a book like this deserve to be in color. I really liked Hawk's ten rules, especially the last one never stop skating. Possibly he should add number 11--be sure to carry good medical insurance for all those accidents you have on the road to being a great skater: "lost teeth, endured concussions, fractured my pelvis, and flayed the skin off my shins . . ." I actually wanted more of what it takes to be a good skater. So overall it was interesting and I liked that Hawk wrote about his business failures as well as successes, but it's not the best book to read if you want to read more about skateboarding.
January 19, 2023
I really like Tony Hawk, but this book was not well done. It repeated itself so many times it got annoying. Same facts same story written almost exactly the same just a few chapters apart.
July 14, 2024
Honestly not that great and all too short. It's a very generic "insight" into his life up to that point. It doesn't really do a great job of telling a story and it just misses the mark.
October 15, 2022
It reads more like a biography with a business focus than a business book. There are fewer "lessons" that I can take away and immediately apply to aspects of my life than the other books I have read lately, but Tony Hawk has done a lot more than ride a skateboard. He reminds how you must put skin in the game to bring a vision to life. I enjoyed reading how some partnerships worked for him and how others did not. Tony Hawk is one of those rare successful people who have retained their connection to their fan bases and still consider themselves ordinary human beings lucky enough to find success doing something they love.
Dear Tony, I appreciate all the work you and your family do to help kids and unite communities.
Dear Tony, I appreciate all the work you and your family do to help kids and unite communities.
March 1, 2011
Why I Read It: Every time I see Tony Hawk on TV he strikes me as a good guy. Plus he is, by any standard, phenomenally successful. So when I saw this short business book (another topic that interest me) on the new shelf I immediately picked it up.
Where I Obtained the Book: My local library on the new shelf.
Review: Why would you want to read a business book by Tony Hawk?
That is a great place to start. Not to stereotype, but I imaging the average Tony Hawk fan is a slightly under-educated adolescent skateboarder. Consequently I am willing to bet that Tony was pressured to write his book in a style that would capture and keep their interest. So we have a short, breezy story that covers all the highlights in an anecdotal fashion which is unfortunate.
If you look below the surface you have the story of a teenager with parents who supported him turning his passion into a multimillion dollar company over time. Plus he comes across as a really nice guy to boot. It seems easy to dismiss Tony as a fluke, but how many other skateboarders have parlayed their passion into an industry? For that matter, how many people in general have accomplished what he has in such a short time?
Some of the business highlights found include brand management as job number one. In this case we are talking about the name Tony Hawk. On a global business scale he is one of the most recognizable names on the planet and that s because after an initial mistake when he was younger, he has done everything he can to protect it. That means walking away from easy money up front to keep control. In the end this has meant profits way and beyond what was first offered. That means sticking to your principles no matter what temptations come your way. That is a solid truth no matter what business you are in.
Be good to your family and friends. Tony has long counted on his closest friends to see him through the tough times and consequently he looks after them in the good. That means never burning bridges or acting out of vindictiveness. You never know when you will need someone to help out. It is this personal generosity that makes his company very familial, and in turn thrives.
You have to believe in yourself first. Time and again, especially in the early days, Tony puts his money on the line. If you believe in yourself the risk is worth it. Too often we take the easy way out, or as mentioned above, we compromise our vision rather than take any personal risk. If are willing to have substandard goals we will end up with substandard product.
Fans are key, especially utilizing new technologies to bridge the gap between the product and the consumer. Tony spends time reviewing every email and answering most. Plus his use of Twitter for product promotion and giveaway has set new standards for integration. He innovated with Twitter for having global treasure hunts for free product and the consumer has responded big-time.
I could go on but we come up against the weakness of the book – it is too short and too shallow. Tony Hawk clearly demonstrates a very sharp business mind that would serve the public well with a lengthy distillation. But as I said, most of the stereotyping “business” public would dismiss Tony without a second thought as some skateboarder. Their loss that Tony Hawk can and does take to the bank.
Where I Obtained the Book: My local library on the new shelf.
Review: Why would you want to read a business book by Tony Hawk?
That is a great place to start. Not to stereotype, but I imaging the average Tony Hawk fan is a slightly under-educated adolescent skateboarder. Consequently I am willing to bet that Tony was pressured to write his book in a style that would capture and keep their interest. So we have a short, breezy story that covers all the highlights in an anecdotal fashion which is unfortunate.
If you look below the surface you have the story of a teenager with parents who supported him turning his passion into a multimillion dollar company over time. Plus he comes across as a really nice guy to boot. It seems easy to dismiss Tony as a fluke, but how many other skateboarders have parlayed their passion into an industry? For that matter, how many people in general have accomplished what he has in such a short time?
Some of the business highlights found include brand management as job number one. In this case we are talking about the name Tony Hawk. On a global business scale he is one of the most recognizable names on the planet and that s because after an initial mistake when he was younger, he has done everything he can to protect it. That means walking away from easy money up front to keep control. In the end this has meant profits way and beyond what was first offered. That means sticking to your principles no matter what temptations come your way. That is a solid truth no matter what business you are in.
Be good to your family and friends. Tony has long counted on his closest friends to see him through the tough times and consequently he looks after them in the good. That means never burning bridges or acting out of vindictiveness. You never know when you will need someone to help out. It is this personal generosity that makes his company very familial, and in turn thrives.
You have to believe in yourself first. Time and again, especially in the early days, Tony puts his money on the line. If you believe in yourself the risk is worth it. Too often we take the easy way out, or as mentioned above, we compromise our vision rather than take any personal risk. If are willing to have substandard goals we will end up with substandard product.
Fans are key, especially utilizing new technologies to bridge the gap between the product and the consumer. Tony spends time reviewing every email and answering most. Plus his use of Twitter for product promotion and giveaway has set new standards for integration. He innovated with Twitter for having global treasure hunts for free product and the consumer has responded big-time.
I could go on but we come up against the weakness of the book – it is too short and too shallow. Tony Hawk clearly demonstrates a very sharp business mind that would serve the public well with a lengthy distillation. But as I said, most of the stereotyping “business” public would dismiss Tony without a second thought as some skateboarder. Their loss that Tony Hawk can and does take to the bank.
February 6, 2011
Having two sons who used to watch that awful show, Jackass, I know who Tony Hawk is, and can understand how he’s become such an icon in both sports and entertainment. How can you not like a guy riding a bike through a loop de loop, into the ocean, wearing a chicken suit? Not taking himself too seriously seems to be his attitude, and he explains how that has worked for him in this new book, How Did I Get Here? You can almost hear him laugh as he asks that, as his business smarts and wise choices have made him one of the wealthiest non-mainstream sports personas out there despite his low-key image.
As a franchise, he’s been successful, seeming to catch on to pop culture trends (like Twitter) early on and manipulating them successfully. Raising a family as well as his business hasn’t been easy, but mistakes that were made were usually overshadowed by successes soon after. A team mentality endures in Tony Hawk Inc., which sponsors skate boarding and other sports events as well as designing merchandise to market to fans. Some considered him a sell-out for selling Tony Hawk bedspreads for little kids, but he justifies it expertly, explaining that given the popularity of skateboarding, somebody was going to make little kids bedspreads with skateboards no matter what, so why not do it and make them cool? This justification goes on into his endorsement of numerous other products.
Going beyond the fame though, he also creates the Tony Hawk Foundation that raises money for different nonprofits and assists low-income areas to create community centers for skating as a means of socialization, positive peer influence (yes, but while he hangs out with Bam Margera!), and exercise.
So, does the book offer savvy business advice for other wannabe entrepreneurs? Not really-and it doesn’t intend to. Instead it’s more of a history book of the era of skateboarding, MTV, social networking, and hoodies. A snapshot of the time period, it is enjoyable to read but hardly in-depth. A fan would enjoy it, and he does give some valuable advice (although the generic kind). I found it a pretty light read but did enjoy seeing how a brand name is made and the challenges that come with what is essentially marketing yourself. He seems a genuinely nice guy with refreshing honesty and candor, and that may be why one of his suggestions for success involves having good lawyers!
April 25, 2011
as with any book I ever set out to read, I looked at this option with much pessimism. I have NEVER been a book reader. If a book doesn't have a clear point of view or a purpose for one to follow, I tend to dismiss it early on....say like two or three paragraphs in. I read books, but the books I seem to enjoy or get anything from seem to be of the "how-to" nature, such as Home Depot how-to books or are finite instructional reads.
I checked this book out from the public library with hopes that it would be of some use. It not only proved that purpose to me, but exceeded beyond my expectations of most books I even think about reading...which is nearly zero books per year!
I have ALWAYS been a Tony Hawk fan and have purchased his clothing line as well as other merch his name is on, regardless of the grief I receive from my peers (I am almost his age). Apparently as we grow older, we are to "age with the times" and NOT stay true to our child-like passions. I believe that this is a load of shit and only serves as an excuse for perpetuating fear.
I lost touch with the concept of child-like passion around the age of 33 and realized that I, like many others, was searching for a renewed life. I found that and went for it, and still struggle to achieve my ideal "breathe" in this world. Reading this book has DEFINITELY helped me to forge my way to "the promised land" and to find my way to what truly matters.
Thank you Mr. Hawk for helping me..AND OTHERS find our way!
Danny Duff
Melt Dessert Bar and Bakery
I checked this book out from the public library with hopes that it would be of some use. It not only proved that purpose to me, but exceeded beyond my expectations of most books I even think about reading...which is nearly zero books per year!
I have ALWAYS been a Tony Hawk fan and have purchased his clothing line as well as other merch his name is on, regardless of the grief I receive from my peers (I am almost his age). Apparently as we grow older, we are to "age with the times" and NOT stay true to our child-like passions. I believe that this is a load of shit and only serves as an excuse for perpetuating fear.
I lost touch with the concept of child-like passion around the age of 33 and realized that I, like many others, was searching for a renewed life. I found that and went for it, and still struggle to achieve my ideal "breathe" in this world. Reading this book has DEFINITELY helped me to forge my way to "the promised land" and to find my way to what truly matters.
Thank you Mr. Hawk for helping me..AND OTHERS find our way!
Danny Duff
Melt Dessert Bar and Bakery
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2010
This book was a bit too self-congratulatory for my taste. "This is how we do it in our world" is probably one of the most annoying catch-phrases ever. It must be hard to 'keep it real' when you have your own Happy Meal toy. He does a lot of name-dropping for those-in-the-know in the skater, BMX and Motocross crowd. Tony Hawk has always seemed like an interesting guy, too bad the book doesn't show it. The e-mails from fans and haters provide the most interesting reading.
December 10, 2010
I never knew much about what Tony did besides being a skateboarder and having his own video game, so it was kind of cool to read about his other exploits. The thing is, though, he has it different from most businessmen in that he has millions of dollars so if his latest venture fails, eh. I was also irritated that he acted like I couldn't remember people's names from the previous page and kept repeating their full name and their relationship to him. Man.
July 21, 2013
My young nephew wanted this book as he's a huge Tony Hawk fan and I read it before he got the chance to. It is great for young readers to learn about how business works, work ethic, and finding what you're passionate about and sticking with it because then it doesn't seem like work. There are lessons to be learned about failure as well as success--and what to do with both. I hope he learns just as much as I did.
March 5, 2016
I have always been slightly fascinated by Tony Hawk because of his passion for skating. It was interesting to read about how his business grew and his successes (with a few failures). This book is mostly focused on his business and his business decisions. I may have to read his other books to find out more about his vision as a skater, how it feels to skate, and how it feels to accomplish those incredible tricks.
March 24, 2011
quick read with solid advice re family, keeping balance, acknowledgement re the "luck factor" and honesty re errors made. A few salty words, but very grounded and clear writing style. Everything tied to skateboarding which made it even more interesting. Did you know his (now deceased) father started what is now the main skateboard assoc in the US? Cool facts tossed in with the advice.
May 22, 2011
This books shows the reader the life of Tony Hawk outside of the videogame franchise and pulling a 900 ( two and a half spin)the books shows you the CEO and story of Tony Hawk. The story gives insight of the struggles he faced including near bank repucy, risk, and hate from local no name skaters who disapprove of his publicty.
June 21, 2011
"How Did I Get Here" is sort of like Tony Hawk's "business bio." It chronicles the spawn of Birdhouse, and Hawk's rise to stardom, all while trying to "keep it real." No matter what the cost, Tony Hawk has considered the skater-punk ethos inherent to his business accumen. "How Did I Get Here" speaks to the young Tony Hawks out there who dream of opening their own skate park.
October 25, 2016
A decent look at the rise of Tony Hawk
Entertaining book but a bit repetitive at times. Could have (and should have) been a lot shorter. Also includes names and references that aren't explained, making some parts confusing for people not well-versed in the world of extreme sports.
Entertaining book but a bit repetitive at times. Could have (and should have) been a lot shorter. Also includes names and references that aren't explained, making some parts confusing for people not well-versed in the world of extreme sports.
November 16, 2010
I thought this would be a decent business book chronicling the rise of Tony Hawk as an entrepreneur. The book was actually a pretty boring read and I would not recommend the book.
July 19, 2011
While I know nothing about skateboarding, it was interesting to read how Tony Hawk turned doing something he loved into a multi-million dollar business.
November 22, 2011
4th star for the last color photo in the book (and its caption!)
May 17, 2012
Interesting, and fun to read. Some nice pictures, and appealing layout.
September 10, 2012
Great read really interesting!
April 13, 2024
Decent book. Some repetition and I wished there was more depth behind a lot of the stories. But an interesting book none-the-less.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews