The trajectory of a professional skateboarder can twist and turn in unexpected ways. Some achieve mainstream fame and fortune, while others are sidelined by injuries. Then there are those, like Jordan Sanchez, who make a conscious decision to step away from the spotlight and transition into a more conventional life. Jordan Sanchez, known for his unique and creative skating style in the early to mid-2010s, carved out a niche for himself with memorable parts like “The Dumpster Part” (2015) and his appearance in Welcome’s 2017 video, Fetish.
Today, Jordan is a devoted family man, husband, and father of two (with a third child on the way), who also runs a YouTube channel. His life is now largely separate from the skateboarding world, yet he still retains the drive and determination that characterized his years dedicated to the sport. Jordan shared his experiences since leaving professional skateboarding and offered insights into his current endeavors.
Jordan Sanchez portrait by Corey Greengage, showcasing his transition from pro skater to a more mature and family-oriented lifestyle
Natas Spins and Early Career
What’s the key to nailing a good Natas spin?
The secret lies in finding poles that provide exceptional grip, allowing the board to lock in securely. I was obsessed with them for a while; it was incredibly fun learning that trick.
Did Natas Kaupas, the originator of the Natas spin, ever acknowledge your impressive Natas spin clips?
No, unfortunately not. I wish he had. Natas, where are you?
How long did it take you to land the Natas spin kickflip out?
It took a while, and I had to revisit it several times. I initially landed it for the Some Things part. Later, a friend came to Washington to take photos for an interview, so I did it again. Unfortunately, he accidentally deleted the sequence that night due to a hard drive corruption. After unsuccessful attempts to recover the data, we decided to return the next day and film it again. Each successful kickflip out felt like a small miracle. After around 90 attempts, I’d suddenly land it, only to struggle again for another hundred tries. I managed to land it three times in total.
Jordan performing a Natas spin, highlighting the skill and precision required for this iconic skateboarding trick
At the peak of your skateboarding career, did you ever relocate to California to fully pursue it as a professional?
Yes, I moved to California to pursue skateboarding, but it was a brief experience, lasting less than a year. I went with my girlfriend and a couple of friends. After six months, everyone was ready to move on.
How much money were you earning at that time?
I barely made any money from skating. I dedicated around 20-25 years to filming and skating, but I only earned money for about three of those years. The most I ever made was $1,100 a month. I never considered skating as a means to make money; it was more about the enjoyment of skating. We always strived to push our limits, but money was never our primary goal.
Vic’s Market and Transitioning Out of Skateboarding
When did you launch your Vic’s Market YouTube channel?
I started it after moving back home from California. I was living with my parents and felt the urge to get my own video camera. I decided to get a computer and a VX1000, a camera I had always wanted, to create my own content. I was 22 at the time, which felt old in the skateboarding world. I wanted to do my own thing for fun and have control over the editing process. Vic’s Market started with my brother and me, and the crew naturally formed over time with old friends, like Josh Jones. The name “Vic’s Market” comes from a small, local corner store in my hometown. It was a locals-only spot that looked run-down but had the best stuff inside.
Did you ever meet Vic?
No, Vic had already passed away. But my friends and I grew up skating in Snohomish, Washington, and we all frequented Vic’s Market. It was an under-appreciated spot.
Jordan pictured with a VX1000 camera, a staple in skateboarding filming, reflecting on his early video production days
The channel was inactive for a few years, and when you resumed posting, you received some negative feedback, correct?
Yes, the channel had been inactive for a couple of years. I no longer have the same passion for it, and many of the crew members have moved on to other things. I wanted to focus on my wife and kids’ interests, such as home renovation and property development. I thought it would be a good idea to repurpose the channel and showcase something different to the skateboarding community.
However, I received some private messages and comments expressing disappointment. After further consideration, I understood why people didn’t like the change. So, we decided to leave Vic’s Market as it was and started a new channel for our current interests. I realized that the Vic’s Market content is still important to some people. It may not get many views, but I’ll leave it there for those who want to watch it.
Why do you think skateboarders tend to criticize others for pursuing different interests?
That’s a complex issue. It’s partly ingrained in the culture. It relates to the concept of being “core,” which I understand to some extent. There’s a sacred community within skateboarding that is increasingly being exploited. With mainstream acceptance and the Olympics, I can understand skaters’ frustration with the exploitation of skate culture. People often feel betrayed when someone they admire through skateboarding does something different. Pro skaters who take advantage of opportunities that benefit them are often seen as sellouts. While I understand that perspective, I’ve come to realize that we’re all individuals, and if you have good intentions and are simply doing what’s best for yourself and your family, people should be understanding. I hope people can look beyond skateboarding sometimes.
Home Renovation, Real Estate, and Future Plans
How did you learn about home renovation? Is it now your full-time profession?
It’s more of a hobby because I have a full-time job with the city. We bought our first house when we were 24, shortly after getting married, and enjoyed fixing it up. Since then, we’ve renovated four homes and are currently building a new one. We’ve learned as we’ve gone along. In the beginning, I relied on family, friends, and YouTube videos for guidance. My wife, Anah’s family is in construction, and they’ve been extremely helpful. Anah has always had a strong business sense, so shortly after we got married, she boldly bought her first of three coffee stands. I thought she was crazy. My only similar experience was opening an indoor skatepark, which ultimately lost us a lot of money.
Jordan working on a home renovation project, illustrating his transition into property development and construction
What was your experience like owning an indoor skatepark?
It was enjoyable for a while, but ultimately it became depressing. The costs, particularly rent, were constantly increasing, and we weren’t getting the traffic we had hoped for. After about a year and a half, we tried various strategies, such as camps, but it was an uphill battle. Eventually, I had to tear the skatepark down with my friends after two years of significant financial losses.
So, after the skatepark closed, you considered getting into real estate?
Yes, around 2014. Real estate was relatively affordable then. Anah and I decided to try something different and look for a fixer-upper to rent out. Her coffee business was thriving. We bought our first investment property with the intention of renting it out and seeing how it went. It turned out to be a successful venture, but it took a lot of time away from skating. That was the beginning of my transition out of skateboarding, as I was dedicating so much time to fixing up the property. During that time, I was still riding for Welcome, filming, and even turned pro. I filmed “The Dumpster Part” while working full-time, doing real estate, and maintaining some involvement in skating. It was a lot to juggle, especially with a newborn at the time.
Was it difficult to accept that professional skateboarding might no longer be sustainable for you?
It was difficult trying to compete with skaters like Ryan Lay who were killing it. With the failure of the skatepark, I decided to focus my energy on something unrelated to skateboarding, which was these houses, and make them successful. I was burnt out on skating and needed to focus on things that generated income while skating for fun on the side. I missed out on a lot of things in life because of skating. I love skating, but I’ve been detached from being heavily involved in it for about five years now. Looking back, I was too focused on it. My perspective has changed now that I’m in my 30s and have two kids, with a third on the way. Now, I primarily skate with my son when he wants to.
What was it like leaving your sponsors?
I was flow for everyone except for State Footwear and Welcome. I was honest with them from the beginning. I tried to dedicate as much time as I could, but it wasn’t enough. I told Jason [Founder of Welcome Skateboards] that I didn’t expect to be paid if I wasn’t contributing, as it was the first time I had been paid in skateboarding. Jason said he wanted to pay me as long as he could, but he would stop if things got tight. That was the agreement, and I always felt guilty, like I could have done more. He would reassure me not to worry about it and that he wanted me on the team and to give me a board.
You’re still listed on Welcome’s website.
Oh, really? I haven’t officially quit. We both understand my current life situation. I still wear Welcome clothing, and my wife wears a lot of it too. I still only skate Welcome boards. I’m thankful to Jason for his support. I also dislike social media and the constant need to post clips. I struggled with that when I first started riding for Welcome because I didn’t want to dilute my skating.
Social Media, “The Dumpster Part,” and the Housing Market
Were you feeling burnt out by the obligation to post tricks on social media?
The obligations were typical – try to get photos when you can and always be filming. The challenging part was keeping up with Instagram. I come from a different era and struggled to adapt to this new thing. I also thought this Instagram thing would have blown over by now. I believe it’s better to remain unseen until you have something truly exceptional to showcase. For example, back in the day, you’d practice a ledge trick at the skatepark until you perfected it. Then, you’d film it in the streets and include it in your video part. I would never show myself learning that trick on a skatepark ledge. It would diminish the impact of the newly learned trick filmed at a great street spot with good music.
Instagram promotes instant gratification. As soon as you land a trick, you post it. This diminishes the specialness of filming, because I had limited time. Was I going to spend my time filming clips for a video part with a concept, or film mediocre content for Instagram? If I were 18 and had plenty of time, I could build a cool Instagram while filming for video parts. But the types of tricks and spots I was skating required a lot of thought to just throw on Instagram.
Was there a point while filming “The Dumpster Part” where you regretted the decision?
Basically, the entire time! It became more exciting as I progressed, but I felt pretty down for a while. We’d be at a spot, and I’d realize I couldn’t film a trick there because I needed to find a dumpster to do a trick on. I wanted to skate a ledge, but there had to be a dumpster nearby. It got pretty ridiculous. All my friends were sending me pictures of random dumpsters. Once we figured out how to drag them around, it got easier. I would bring a dirt board to lift the front of the dumpster and push it around. But there were many low points. When you’re skating the same type of obstacle repeatedly, the footage starts to look monotonous, and you want it to be exciting, but it’s all dumpsters.
Jordan photographed near a dumpster, referencing his "Dumpster Part" and the unique challenges it presented
Are you a Home Depot or Lowe’s kind of guy?
That’s a tough one. Lowe’s is closer to my house, and I’m very familiar with the layout. I’ve been a Lowe’s guy, but Home Depot has had better stock lately. I have no allegiance, but the orange is kind of harsh. The blue is easier on the eyes and allows you to think straight.
If someone were skating on one of your properties, would you kick them out?
That’s a difficult question. When I was younger, I always imagined having a place with skate spots, like a sick handrail in front for kids to skate. I haven’t had to deal with that yet because I don’t have any spots like that. I think it would depend on the kid’s attitude. If they were respectful, I’d probably let them skate.
Many skaters are quick to judge when they hear about skaters becoming landlords.
It’s easy to be dismissed these days. If you’re not 100% aligned with the right mindset, then you’re out.
Are you concerned about the housing market bubble bursting?
It’s hard to say because there are many conflicting opinions. It really comes down to lending practices. We’re unlikely to see a repeat of the 2008 crisis because new borrowers aren’t getting subprime mortgages. However, the increasing number of investment companies buying houses is concerning. There should be regulations regarding foreign investment. Housing has become such a speculative market that it’s making it impossible for first-time homebuyers to own a home. Large, wealthy companies are negatively impacting the market for many people. As a small-time landlord, I disagree with those shady business practices. I have good relationships with my tenants. They appreciate renting from a regular person rather than a property management company. It fills a need for people who don’t want to buy property but don’t want to rent from a large corporation.
Do you have any predictions for the future of the housing market?
We’re in unprecedented territory. We’re reaching a point in America where people will be forced to rent forever. Homeownership will become unattainable and reserved for the elite. I think that’s unacceptable. People need to stay informed. If you’re selling your home, make sure you’re selling to someone who will live there and not a large corporation or investment company. The housing market is a market, but it shouldn’t prevent regular people from owning homes.
Jordan in a residential setting, symbolizing his focus on homeownership and real estate investment
What advice would you give to skateboarders trying to make it in skating regarding their finances?
Avoid instant gratification and temporary satisfaction. Don’t feel like you need to spend all the money you make just because you don’t earn enough to save. Save, even if it’s just $20 a month. It adds up. Invest in something after doing your research. There are many investment options available, from the stock market to cryptocurrencies. We’ve been putting our extra money into cryptocurrencies because the real estate market is too volatile. It’s been up and down, but overall, it’s been a good investment.
So, the housing market was too volatile, so you invested in the safe and stable market of cryptocurrencies?
Pretty much! We started about a year and a half ago, and it went way up. We’ve been adding to it slowly. But, seriously, only invest what you’re willing to lose. Don’t go all in. But, never think you’re too poor to save. We’re doing well now at 35, but when we were in our 20s, we were broke. We wanted to progress, so we lived below our means, saved as much as we could, and bought assets whenever possible.
Where do you currently work?
I work for the city as a building inspector for remodels and new construction. It’s funny because I’m a government employee inspecting houses, and while I have the experience and qualifications, many of my colleagues don’t know I was a skater a few years ago. My first city job was in community development, processing building permits. That was my entry-level job, and I advanced from there.
Did you attend college?
I didn’t attend a four-year university, but I earned an associate’s degree after high school in arts and humanities. It was a worthless degree. But I would advise skaters to at least pursue an associate’s degree or attend community college after high school. You don’t need a four-year degree to succeed, but consider a trade school, an apprenticeship program, or a two-year degree. It opens up many job opportunities. I wouldn’t have gotten my first job without that degree. There are also many entry-level jobs in local government that don’t require a degree! People need to stop feeling entitled to certain jobs or thinking they’re too good for certain jobs. You have to improve yourself to become a better candidate. You won’t get anywhere feeling like you’re owed something. Work on yourself, and opportunities will come your way. There are too many entitled people in skateboarding. Why do you deserve that? Work harder.
What would it take for you to film a full part again?
If I could leave my full-time job and focus on YouTube and property development full-time, I’d be filming again. I got inspired the other day while filming on our little quarterpipe. Every once in a while, it feels good to fall.
