Interview: Jon Elliott

Hey Jon, how are you doing and how exciting is it for you to finally have a own skate company up and running?

Good, things are good. Its crazy right? A skater owned boot company?!  Nimh is still young and just getting on its feet, but we are confident in its survival. Everyone in the Rat Tail family stands behind the brands and we are constantly looking forward.

How hard was it to make that company happen? How did you guys finance such a huge project, is there anyone behind it besides Rat-Tail (aka you and Shima)?

It hasn't been the easiest project. Its taken years of contacts and know how and its honestly helped that both of us have had our names on pro skates. NIMH is Shima and I, no dirty little secrets. No outsiders.



Why does the Nimh Skate come with a standard hardboot under the skin and do you think it does matter a lot if there would be a other boot under it?

The NIMH skeleton is the probably one of the most widely used shells. It has proven itself over time as not only functional but comfortable as well. It is hands down a dimensionally correct boot. Brian and I have both trusted this shape for years and years.....stunt after stunt its never let us down. I would have to answer the question with a yes. A different boot wouldn't feel the same.

Did you buy the hard boot from a skate company or is it just standard hard boot?

It is what you call an open mold.  A  factory developed this shell years ago and people have been designing around it ever since.

Why did you guys cut off the toe area and what is the benefit of it?

That was the one thing we didn't like about the mold. Our toes always bashed up against the plastic and would feel cramped. Put it this way, I can now comfortably skate a nine skate (10 liner) and I have a size 10 foot.

I heard Montre cut even more of and now skate a even smaller boot shell? Is that skate really that customizable?

I've heard some awesome stories from the Revolution skate shop and the SDSF guys. Montre is skating the 6/7 shell and he is actually a size 9. I think he actually went in there and cut a bit more of the toe out.

What is the concept behind the soulframe?

We don't feel like skate companies should lock you into a pre set groove. You should be able to create your own comfortable grind area. Why should you have to adjust your skating to the skate? The skate should adjust itself to you.

How do you see the future of rollerblading boots? Valo is going into the sneaker design, Deshi is going in a similiar direction just without skins, Xsjado isn't a hard boot at all. Are the days of simple hard boots counted?

I don't want to look down at a block of plastic under my feet anymore. I see customized skins, in direct correlation with the current sneaker culture. I see a bit more color and art added to skates. For example Arlo's custom VALO skin. That seems like its a step in the right direction. Its not something I would skate, but I think the concept is admirable.

You have been on a couple tours and on different teams. How did it feel for you to finally tour with your own team for you own skate company?

Its actually a bit more stressful because its your own money, but in the end its so much more satisfying.

How is it to work together with Brian on Nimh and what is the part of each one?

It goes back and forth. At first I ventured out to Asia and pitched the idea to the factory, then Brian went out and tested the first skate, then we both went out together. We work well together, and have been good friends for years. It can be frustrating at times, but we pick up each others slack.

How is the support for Nimh Industry wise, is it hard to get the support some other companies got?

Brian and I spent years building our own competition so its not going to be easy. We have a core support group that has really stood behind us. Its the guys that see the importance of a skater owned brand.

How are the other Rat-Tail companies doing, are the suffering under Nimh? Did the focus shift?

This was one of our biggest concerns. We have seen people spread themselves too thin many a times. I think things are starting to balance themselves out. We have Jeremy Beightol laying down amazing 4x4 lines, and he's been working on some Vicious art as well. Jan Welch has also been playing around with some really cool vintage movie poster re-creations.

I heard there are 2 new videos on the way, anything you can tell us?

Vicious is releasing its first full length team video. Jan Welch is probably twacked out of his mind at some coffee shop right now editing clip after clip to some obscure 60's garage band. Should be amazing. I watched the Joey Chase section last night and was blown away.

The 4x4 video is also in the works. Pat Lennen has been editing up in S.F. Its been a long time coming and Shima has been working really hard on it. Farmer is in town right now filming some of his last tricks. This flick is going to be intense.

How satisfied are you with the Nimh team? Is it yours and Brian's dream team?

We couldn't be more satisfied. Our goal was to find riders that had the same passion and drive that Brian and I had. These guys are professional. I think it will be interesting to see what happens (NIMH video).

You have been around for a couple years. You have yourself seen go pro and retire from being a pro. You have seen skaters like Haffey, Aragon, Murda, Broskow, etc. coming up and becoming a pro and being the old ones in the pro life. Who do you think is next and is there anyone trying to build the next pro league?

I remember hearing about this kid Chris Haffey killing shit in San Diego. It feels like yesterday, I guess I really am getting old. I think there will always be some skaters that are timeless like Shima and Haffey...ect. There will also always be a new evolved generation of kids. A new generation that has plucked ideas from the likes of Broskow, Farmer, and Aragon. I'm excited to see what's next.

Alright, a few last questions? Will we ever see another Jon Elliott video part?

I would have to get permission from my body for that. I doubt you will ever see a full video part, but I've been skating a bit more lately.

Do you think there will be a "What do you believe in?" Part II come out anytime?

I've heard rumors.

Obama?

Obama is like a reset button for the U.S. My only concern is that he keeps his promises (because they are big). I think he is a great communicator, and he is painting a picture of hope for so many americans. I'm just skeptical, because our system is starting to fail and it may be too much to clean up. Capitalism is about to learn a huge lesson in the next year or so.

What are you gonna do if McCain wins?

7 shots of Jameson, strip off all my clothes, cover myself in soot, and weep in the corner of my apartment.

Any shoutouts?

The Rat Tail family, and those of you who believe in a skater run industry.

Thx a lot Jon for your time...

Thank you Mr. Forstner

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