The true test of a skateboarding brand’s integrity lies in the camaraderie of its riders. Are they a genuine crew, or a collection of individuals strung together by disparate filmers? Brands on the decline might try to manufacture a sense of unity, but these attempts often fall flat. WKND, however, stands out as a brand that has successfully grown while maintaining its authentic family vibe. Their latest video, Street Fighter 2, is a testament to this. Even with the addition of well-known skaters like Tom Karangelov and Karsten Kleppan, WKND has managed to preserve its original magic. In fact, Tom K’s acting felt like he’d been part of the crew from the very start.
We sat down with Grant Yansura and Trevor Thompson, WKND’s sales manager, to get an inside look at the brand and the making of Street Fighter 2.
Q&A with Grant Yansura & Trevor Thompson
The WKND team is known for its skits. Who’s the best and worst actor among the crew?
Grant: Jordan Taylor used to be the best, but now Filip Almqvist is giving him a run for his money. Nikolai Piombo has potential, but he takes too long and gets too high. He’s not the worst but hasn’t reached his potential yet.
Trevor: Jordan is obviously great, but Filip is unbelievably good, it’s almost scary. He’s a master of accents and detail. Even when telling a story, he can command your attention. I hate doing skits and I’m very uncomfortable on camera, so I’ll say I’m the worst.
Trevor, I heard you bring a whole computer setup on trips. Is that true?
Grant: [Laughs] I’ve seen it a few times. Working on trips is tough. Responding to emails between skate tries…
Trevor: That’s absolutely true. I always have my laptop to keep up with work. I try to hold off on work during trips, but usually, I work in the mornings before skating and then until 2 am after we get back.
I remember one trip to SF/The Bay last year. I had something I couldn’t ignore but still wanted to go, so I drove separately and brought my whole computer monitor setup.
Did board sales increase in 2020/2021 because of the pandemic?
Grant: The demand was there, but it was hard to get boards. PS Stix did their best but had to keep their staff safe. Production was smaller, so what we produced sold quickly.
Trevor: Sales increased quite a bit each season. Now, almost all stores are overstocked. Hopefully, things will even out this year. More people are skating than ever, so it’ll be interesting to see the new ‘normal’.
How much money do you guys make a year? Are you millionaires?
Grant: Heck no. I doubt people think that.
Trevor: I’m working on it. 2022 is the year we make it big. Jenkem should do another article about how much money companies and shops actually make.
Can you explain the marketing decision to turn a 35-year-old pro?
Grant: Trying to get the boomer crowd fired up.
Trevor: Calling it a “marketing decision” makes it sound too planned. We aren’t that calculated. Andrew [Considine] is awesome, he worked hard, and we love an underdog, so it made sense.
Do you think he could pass for 20?
Grant: I’m sure some will think he’s 20. I used to believe everything I saw in skate videos.
Trevor: Andrew was around 20 when we first met. I thought he was 35 then, so definitely not.
Who asked you to call him 20 in the video?
Grant: Our marketing team thought it would be best.
Photo: Joel Meinholz
If the WKND team were Street Fighter characters, who would be your go-to?
Grant: I’m a poser, not familiar with the game. This theme came from a 16mm shot of Andrew and Tom [Karangelov] playing a similar game. I saw a green goblin character online that looks cool. And one character is named T. Hawk.
Trevor: Andrew is the obvious choice, or maybe Tom. Tom is the wild card because he’s secretly buff. Soft-spoken and buff.
What would their attack moves be?
Grant: Probably talk to you about Bitcoin while the kids spray Modelo in your eyes.
Trevor: Andrew’s would be psychoanalysis. Tom would use the way of the Peaceful Warrior. Push when they pull, pull when they push…
What are the pros and cons of having team riders work for the brand?
Grant: It keeps everyone motivated because we’re all involved. But it’s annoying that I can’t blame anyone else when I have to say no to a friend.
Trevor: I was never going to be a ‘career skater.’ Doing this lets me skate when I can and be involved with something I like. I’m not passionate about sales, but earning a living in skateboarding is a privilege. The downside is that I worry I’ll mess something up for all of us.
Trevor, have you ever gotten mad at Grant and said he gives off Jamie Thomas vibes?
Trevor: Yes, I’ve definitely gotten mad at Grant haha. None of us have “The Chief” energy. I can be intense, so if anything, it’s the other way around. We make it work, or they tune me out.
Grant, what’s the worst part of being the boss?
Grant: [laughs] Saying no to your friends is hard, but sometimes it’s necessary for the big picture. Trevor would like me to have more Jamie Thomas energy. But for the record, Tom K says Jamie Thomas is chill.
Is it hard to get in the mindset to film after working at a desk all day?
Grant: Ask Trevor. Trevor’s warm-up is insane [laughs]. He’s got all the gadgets.
Trevor: Recently I was trying a trick and thought, “Oh shit I forgot to respond to (blank) about (blank)”. I got freaked out, focused on my board, and regretted it. I’m in my 30s, I’ve abused my body for 25 years and had two knee surgeries, so it takes prep to get going.
Photo: Joel Meinholz
Does wheelbase even matter?
Grant: I didn’t know what it was until two years ago. People are all about it. Most of our team is picky about it so I don’t have to pay attention.
Trevor: It’s funny how there are two kinds of skaters: those who are obsessed with their setups, and those who don’t care. I overanalyze, so wheelbase matters to me. Everything affects your skating, but it’s just wood with wheels, so it’s about whether you care to pay attention or not.
Grant, have you ever given yourself a pro board? When can we expect one?
Grant: [laughs] I have not. I’m still too young.
Trevor: I’m trying to figure out how to surprise Grant with a pro board without him knowing. I love when my friends go pro.
Video by: Grant Yansura
Photos by: Mike Heikkila & Joel Meinholz
