Interview by Tedd Cookerly
When you use a term like “Home Town Hero” you’ll save it for people that have really earned it. I think that it’s only fair that we pull out that trusty phrase for someone like Michael “Minty” Plummer. In the midst of a recession Minty has put his time and talents into creating one of the newest skateboard companies in the business, Resident Skateboards. He’ll indeed be the newest company at the Cow Town Showdown and did I mention that he will also launch a new wheel company? Outer Belt Wheels will launch the weekend of Cow Town Showdown. Two Columbus companies, the biggest event in the city and countless hundreds of kids lining up to see what he will do next, is ten questions even enough? You’ll just have to read and see.
What were you initial fist thoughts about skateboarding becoming an event for the Arnold Sports festival in 2010?
Honestly, I thought it was about time. Skateboarding has become such a big sport and has such a following, especially here in Ohio, that it felt like a great fit for an event such as the Arnold. So I was excited, but at the same time couldn't believe it was finally happening.
What are some of your goals in sponsoring this event and whom would you like to meet while you are at Veterans memorial for the Cow Town Showdown?
With Resident and Outer Belt Wheels being so new, we're not even a year old yet, I'm hoping to use this opportunity to not only show our presence and passion for Columbus and the world of skateboarding...but also to meet new people, network, brainstorm, etc. The Cow Town Showdown couldn't have come at a better time for us.
Two days of skateboarding mayhem is about to go down…are you going to jump in there yourself and mix it up, watch as a spectator or just get crazy and throw down your 20 bucks and get the big prizes?
It's going to be a lot to take in, that's for sure. I might skate the course a bit for fun, if I get a chance...but you won't see me competing. I'll be passing out product, shaking hands, giving away prizes, helping judge/organize, and what-not.
Skateboarding now more then ever seems to speak to many people on many levels, how is skateboarding speaking to you and your support of the event?
While I may not have always been as involved in it like I am now, skateboarding has always been an important part of my life. From when I was a kid, to now...it's always been about one thing, fun. The freedom, the creativity, the friendships, the peacefulness...it's amazing how much power that little piece of wood with wheels on it has. Being involved in an event like this, allows those who share that same passion to get together and do what we all love. Because no matter how old you are, if you're sponsored or not, if you've been skating for a week or 25 years...we're all involved in this for the same reason, because it's fun.
What should everyone know about Resident Skateboards and what should we expect to see from you at the Cow Town Showdown.
Resident Skateboards and Outer Belt Wheels are new to the scene. But we've already been more successful then we could have dreamed in the short time we've had. We're skater owned and operated, and we're out of Columbus. Our approach to skateboarding, as a company, is a grassroots one...good fellowship and fun times are our priority. If we happen to sell a few skateboards along the way, well that's good too. Expect to see our riders putting on a good show with our friends from Blueprint during the demo, and mixing it up in the contests. And first and foremost, having a great time.
Sponsoring an event like The Cow Town Showdown is a big undertaking; we are all excited to find out about what kind of approach you will take towards being part of the event and what we can look forward to seeing at your booth.
We're going to be involved as much as we can. From competing, to judging, to giving away prizes, to showing off new product, and answering questions. At our booth we'll not only be showing off new and current product, but we'll also be launching a new wheel company. So we're very excited for people to stop by!
Tell us about the last time that you were on a skateboard and how did it go. Be honest, skateboarders fall all the time and was there cussing?
I try to get on a board as much as I can. While I don't have the tricks I used to when I was younger, I still try to ride with our team as much as possible. Though, I hurt my knee about a month ago, so I haven't really been on a board much since then.
As always the Arnold Sports Festival places a heavy emphasis on fitness, what do you do in your daily routine that makes you a fit person?
Skateboarding is great exercise and I snowboard in the off-season. I try to eat healthy, and get to the gym when I can....it's something I'm constantly trying to improve.
With so many events going on throughout the weekend, was there another event that you would like to attend and what about it attracts you?
I always like walking around and checking out the booths, but I'm excited about the MMA events. Also, I'm stoked about the new art competition! That's such a cool idea!
So Arnold himself comes up and asks you one question, what questions do you hope he ask and what will be your answer?
Question: What can the community do to help skateboarding? Answer: We hope that our local governments and communities can take steps to increase the rights of skateboarders. Skateboarding has become illegal in many cities, and has given a lot of us nowhere to go. Helping us build parks, or plazas where we can go (legally) and skate. Where we'll be welcome. Work with our local skate shops in coming up with solutions and ways to raise awareness. Skateboarding has such a positive influence in many people's lives, especially kids growing up. And this needs to be nurtured, so it remains that way.
Last modified: 2009-09-06 @ 12:00 am
