It’s always a somber moment when a skate company decides to call it quits. There are no grand goodbyes, just an Instagram post, heartfelt condolences from loyal fans, and perhaps a discussion on a forum. For Scumco & Sons, an East Coast skateboarding staple known for its unique approach to board design and quirky merchandise, the end has come after 14 years. In this interview, owner Nick Teodori reflects on the journey, the challenges, and what made Scumco a truly special brand.
Nick Teodori, owner of Scumco & Sons, in action
The Pressures of the Skate Industry
The decision to close Scumco & Sons wasn’t an easy one. Nick explains, “I mostly just can’t keep it going.” The pressures of the industry, compounded by personal circumstances, led to this difficult choice. Post-COVID, financial strains, including a house purchase that didn’t go as planned, coupled with the loss of Dave Abair, all took a toll on Nick’s capacity to run the brand. He admits to struggling with the mental burden of the business, the constant need to be online, and the pressure of social media. Nick longs for a simpler time when a skateboard company could thrive without the complexities of the digital age, a time when he could focus on creating instead of curating online content. “If I could just run a skateboard company without social media…that would be sick,” he says.
The Genesis of Scumco
Scumco’s origins were rooted in a desire to create something different. Nick, along with original partner Ben Smith, were both working in design and printing. Tired of producing work they didn’t believe in, they decided to create what they wanted to create. With no grand plan, they produced 30 boards, marking the start of their unexpected journey into the skate industry. The ease of access to Pennswood, a local board manufacturer, was also crucial to their humble beginnings. The brand’s early days were scrappy and resourceful, with Nick even using paper checks to pay bills, a stark contrast to the digital-first approach of many modern brands.
Navigating the COVID Rollercoaster
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected twists to Scumco’s story. Initially, the brand thrived because they could still get boards made at Pennswood while larger manufacturers were shut down. This allowed Scumco to sell a lot of their back stock. Nick recalls, “Scumco was kinda COVID rich.” A large batch of 200 boards sold out instantly, followed by 300 more. Then in 2021 they sold 3200 boards from PS Stix in a month and a half, a volume they had previously only reached twice in 10 years. However, this boom was short-lived. Shops, overstocked with product, slowed down sales. Larger brands started discounting, making it harder for smaller brands like Scumco to compete. This period highlighted the volatility of the skate market and the challenges faced by smaller brands in keeping up with larger companies.
A collection of Scumco skateboards
Unique and Unconventional Designs
Scumco was always known for thinking outside the box, creating unique products beyond just skateboards. Nick explains, “The whole concept was ‘make what you make and hope people like it.'” He drew inspiration from old World Industries boards, and this led to some intricate designs with 16-18 color Pantone spot color print jobs and 4-6 color top graphics, all for the love of creating “cool skateboards.” The brand also released unconventional items like a “Tinkle Tarp,” a skate stop remover kit, and a collapsible broom. These pieces highlighted Scumco’s playful spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a skate brand could offer. Nick recalls being inspired by cheap, packaged goods from a local store called Costume World.
Professional skater Ty Ly with his Scumco board
Legal Battles and Creative Freedom
Scumco wasn’t afraid to push boundaries, even if it meant some legal hiccups. While the Chrome Ball Incident collaboration board that referenced “Slash Skates” avoided any issues, a later Chrome Ball board led to a cease-and-desist from Santa Cruz. Nick humorously admits to having drafted a Rocco-inspired response but never sent it. These incidents underscore the challenges faced by brands that draw inspiration from skate culture’s past.
Legacy and Future
Looking back on 14 years, Nick acknowledges the significant chapter Scumco represents in his life. The end of Scumco doesn’t mean an end to creativity for Nick. He reveals that new ideas arose as he faced the end of the brand, showing that the creative spark is still alive and well. He has enjoyed the hands-on process of packing and shipping out orders. Nick also emphasizes the importance of the team that he has assembled over the years. He sees that the community built with the team as one of the most valuable things he gained while building the brand. He acknowledges that Scumco was like family and it will be hard to let it go. The impact and recognition Scumco has gained is not lost on him. He knows that he will continue to create, but is still figuring out exactly what that will look like.
Scumco Pop-Up event
Lessons Learned
When asked about advice for other indie brands, Nick jokingly admits, “Haha, you should probably ask advice from someone whose brand isn’t folding, right? Clearly, I don’t know what I’m doing.” This self-deprecating humor highlights the unpredictable nature of the industry, and the honesty with which Nick approached running his brand. Ultimately, Scumco & Sons’ legacy is one of creative innovation, dedication to skateboarding, and the importance of community. Their story serves as a reminder of the passion and hard work required to run a skate brand, and the need to stay true to one’s own vision.
Interview by: Anthony Pappalardo
Intro by: Ben Komins
Photos Courtesy of: Mike Chinner and the Scum Archives
