Who is Mark Korte and what does he have to do with rollerblading?
I can basically answer that by saying… I am the USD Enforcer, one of the founders of the Stretch Crew, and a Powerslide veteran… since a lot of kids might not know what in the hell that means, I will break it down. I came to be part of USD in the late part of ‘98, when the team was Arlo, Champ, Dustin, Jon, and Josh… at the time I was only hired by Powerslide to push papers, but that changed after a week or so. To make a long story short, I had found my calling. I got to know all of the USD team (which was going through a transition period, much like we are now) and I ended up being the filter between the company and the team; I might even go as far as to say the glue, and at the same time I was the International Sales Manager at Powerslide. So I was able to combine all of that into helping make USD (and The Conference Brands that followed) the hottest thing available. During this period, of which I am very proud to be a part of, we had the undisputed best team in Rolling, I built a worldwide flow team to rival all others at the time, and worked with distributors in over 40 countries building USD. I was very adament about everything having structure, and working with the best team of rollers in the world has moulded my personality to this day, and I am grateful to each and every one who ever rolled for USD.

What are some of your past associations and contributions to blading?
I almost had to laugh, because I once read in Arlos Fanzine “Rolling” and I quote: “I am not sure what he actually does at USD, but I think he is responsible for the ‘Original Ass Huggaz’ jeans” - that always made me laugh hard. First, because actually that is true, I came up with that name, just like so many others like “Tommorows Visions, Todays Reality,” Universal Skate Design (which changed from Upside Down), Stretch Crew, and a lot of other names and slogans, even for Powerslide, like the now outdated “We keep the world rolling,” and being an American that speaks fluent German, I had of course an advantage, and a sort of a knack for coming up with stuff. And secondly, because, like so many poeple who work for Powerslide now, you never really know who does what, when, so I can understand the confusion. Currently, I am in charge of the USA Market for all Powerslide products and Team mattters. My heart however, beats “aggressive” and I am well known in the industry and have a relationship with pretty much all of the players. That being said, I intend on making USD a market leader in the US, and I look forward to the challenge.

Where have you been? What have you been doing the last couple years?
Well I left Powerslide in ‘05, this was simply because I was burned out. I don’t want to get into it, but I was not entirely happy with the direction it was going at the time and I had some other offers, so I realized that I needed another challenge, and something that would solidify my credentials. Being a Sales Manager, I wanted to grow as a manager, and joining a new golf company was interesting for me. Since I knew my abilities lay in brand building, I decied to give it a shot, so I went to the golf industry, and that is where I have been the whole time. I successfully built a company from the ground up. Little did I know that the people I worked for were less than honorable. Nonetheless, it was a very profitable and eye-opening time. I got to play loads of golf (which I enjoy to this day very much) and I was able to further develop my sales and brand building skills. But, it was not Rolling. I had constantly been in contact with Matthias through the years (the USD Creator, and Big Boss of Powerslide), and we have always had a pretty good relationship. We talked about me coming back and here I am. And I could not be happier to be back on the Powerslide team and doing my part to take us into the future.

What brings you back to blading now?
I think I answered that above, but no matter… I will say what my goals are. To me, the USD legacy has faded. I will be upfront about that. Our image has been neglected, and although hearts were in the right place, my personal feeling is that the “machine” left when I left. But let me clarify. Without Matthias Knoll and the big heart he has for Aggressive, USD and the Conference brands may have fallen by the wayside long ago. Powerslide has developed into a worldwide company, and there are many, many pieces to the pie. Luckily I can remember the glory days when USD was the lead horse pulling the Powerslide cart, but times changed, and now everything else is just as important. I also want to say on record that Matthias has always been like a mentor to me — to this day I am stunned how he keeps it all together, and still has time to come up with innovations and new ideas — truly a great guy, but still also one person. Although we have a huge team of employees now, that has a huge workload and does an outstanding job, I think that the passion and drive I had invested in USD was simply missing. And Bauer, who is also an amazing guy, could also not really handle the load alone even with Oli Benet’s help. That being said, coming back into the Dream Team, as I call it — as far as Aggressive at Powerslide goes, which was always me, Matthias and Bauer — will strengthen the synergy and make for a solid foundation again. You can expect great things to happen for the future.

The news just started going public that Conference brand distribution will no longer be handled by Integrated but will instead be handled direct from Germany. What can skaters and retailers expect from that change?
Yes, you are right. I will also take the opportunity to big up Mark Vanderbough. We had a long talk on the phone the other day that was pretty inspiring. I’ve known Mark since back in the Monarchy days, and this is a solid great guy with a big heart. But due to circumstances beyond his or our control, the room for advancement ran out and Powerslide made the call to take their destiny into thier own hands. And the decision was made. Mark has to be commended for two major things: filling some of the biggest shoes after taking over the reigns when Scott Walker withdrew himself from the industry, and being an absolute professional during this transition. I was very happy to hear that Mark also felt that this was the right step and I felt especially flattered when he told me he was happy that I was the one who would be taking over. I will not dissappoint him. I would like to answer the second question by first explaining the difference between then and now. Both Scott Walker and Mark Vanderbough were distributors, and this brings many advantages as well as disadvantages. There are good points on each side of the fence, but right now, dealers and skaters a like will enjoy opportunities which have never been available to them. For example, access to the full Conference line. In addition, dealers have added potential because they can also access other brands that Powerslide offers beyond the aggressive brands. Hopefully this will strengthen the possibilities and support the dealers in a very hard period of economic strife. Simply put, pretty much any local dealer will now be able to buy from Powerslide and in turn sell to skaters throughout the states just as if Powerslide were based in the US. In addition, as our sales structure grows and develops, we will be able to do much more in the US (as traditionally, distibutors were limited by budget and sometimes even manpower) as far as marketing, promotion and industry support. My vision is to contribute to the scene while keeping the entire Conference line available to whoever needs it, with a focus on quality and customer service. Being American, I am a very big advocate of these things, and I take it quite serious.

Can you explain the chain of command for The Conference? Who does what and who makes the call on what gets done?
This is a very good question! I dont think anyone ever took the time, or had the insight to ask this and I am very obliged to answer. (This also makes me chuckle a bit as for years, and even to this day, kids have thought that “Mark Korte owns USD”) I have been condemned, applauded, and credited for everything from creating the Psirus to firing Brian Shima (all false of course), so thanks Justin for giving me a platform for setting the record straight! Powerslide, I like to call the mother, as it owns everything. Matthias and Stefan (who have been partners for like 15 years now) own Powerslide. From there (referring to the Conference only) Matthias, Bauer and myself pretty much handle the Conference. Bauer and I answer to Matthias, then there is a somewhat confusing group of other poeple who contribute in-house and out-of-house on many different levels which include (last names have been spared to protect the innocent! ha,ha) Oli, Kenneth, Matty, Marian, Demetrios, and of course Shane. And to round it all off you have the USD/Conference team input. This brings me to an important point — since being brought back on board, I have received clear instructions to bring USD and The Conference back to strength, a job which I plan to do thoroughly. From now until 2010, changes will mostly be behind closed doors, and somewhat subtle. This is a transition period where almost everyone who has anything to do with The Conference will have an opportunity to shine… or not. Come 2010, changes may become more visual and apparent, some maybe even shocking, but I will say one thing: the USD/Conference of 2010 wil be a loyal bunch of Killas, ready to motivate and innovate, ready to represent as a unit and ready to uphold the Legacy it stands for, or my name is not Mark Korte.

Groups like LA ALL DAY and AIL and ROLL TOGETHER and weekly skate nights all over the world are working to help get skaters out in front of new people and showcase the sport to new people. How does The Conference feel about the current efforts, how do they think they could improve, and what are you guys doing to get new blades on new skaters? Anyone approach you about donating some kids “transformer” skates for youth demos? (Cause consider that my pitch!)
Absolutely. Currently I am talking to all of the shops and dealers we currently have on file and I have been overwhelmed by the response and feedback. I will also be in the states on regular intervals, and I pledge to work together with everyone in the industry and the dealers themselves to support programs wherever possible. As to your indication towards a “childrens” movement, maybe I should take the time to explain that in Europe, Powerslide has been supporting such projects for years. I myself started flow programs back in the day, which were there to help the dealers support the talent. Shops were given discounts on skates or free clothing and equipment to give to thier shop level skaters, these skaters have since risen throughout the ranks to be some of today’s ams or pros, and in my opinion, there is no better way to do it. The “local dealer” is my “boots on the ground” and I (and in turn Powerslide) have always supported such dynamics. I do have one more thing that I would like to touch upon, and that is a new skate we are releasing for Christmas. It has to do with an amazing skater that is only a small boy, but already a massive influence on others in his age group — he is Pam and Richie Velasquez´s son Jojo, and you will see a skate being released soon in which the royalty off sales will go towards his college fund. If that is not supporting the youth and rewarding the dedication I dont know what is. Both of my Team Managers understand my position, and my flow plan, and quite clearly it is literally traveling through the ranks. In the future, at USD there is a path to follow, no free rides, and it all starts with loyalty and dedication.

Mark, you emailed me and said you’d been reading the PDFs online and liked what we were doing with ONE. Can you tell me and the readers what you thought we were doing right?
Well, a number of things. First of al,l when I read ONE, I can feel the dedication and passion. Now, more than ever, it is important to revive the legacy of our sport; mention and honor the pioneers, and blow some life into what we love, as well as talk about the current scene, the different things going on around the world, the up and coming rippers, and the attempt by many of us in the industry to give our lifestyle some structure — unfuck the clusterfuck if you will. I also appreciate the knowledge you have and the asking of the right questions. For example, if I hear “what is your setup?” or “tell me your favorite spot” or “what music do you listen to?” one more time I am gonna throw up. We have an amazing path behind us and an even more amazing path in front of us. I can only quote Bob Marley (as I always love to do) “If you don’t know your past, you can’t know your future” and I think that a lot of publications or online mags forget just that. Without Arlo, Roadhouse, BHS, BK, Makio, Opalek, Edwards, etc., etc., etc., we would not be where we are today. The same goes for the Champs, DLs, Julios, Pettys, Feinbergs. My thing is “teach them when they are young” and we can have a thriving sport again. Remind poeple why this is so amazing that a guy like me would leave a well paid job in the golf industry to sling blades. We have to find our way back to quality and honesty. I remember when a picture or ad would drop that would take your breath away. Kids, peeps, industry people would talk about it for months! Remember Brian Shima’s part in “Coup de Tat” (or any part for that matter) — that was quality! These guys killed themselves and a Navran made them look like gods! This is what I am talking about. Why is ONE amazing? Simple: “attention to detail, love and passion, and respect for the past legends.” Real simple. That is why I applaud Arlo with GOST, and Jon Julio with VALO, and Fussy and Jochen at Ucon ,for example. Because they are concerned about the way they, and our sport looks, so they put out quality stuff that makes all of us look good. If the entire industry from the grommet to the industry head utilized the same passion and dedication, we could not save ourselves from poeple wanting to be a part of our sport! For me it is simple (and I apolgize for the rant). If you remember back in the day with FP or the USD Stretch Crew, we made shit look and feel hot. We would not put out any whack shit and would not tolerate it. And that is why for years we ruled shit; a combination of dedicated fools having fun and enjoying shit, while being down for each other and what we stood for — this equals quality. End of story.

So now that you’re back with USD, should we expect any other old familiar faces to pop up on the roster? Should bladers get ready for a Feinberg resurgence?
If I did not know better, I would think we have leak in our house! Well, there is much speculation on the direction of USD for the future, and quite honestly, I have always been the disinformation master, and always ready to “sensationalize” almost anything, but my intention is simple — I will lead USD back to strength. Even poeple in my own camp ask me “Well, what does that mean exactly?” Well, for one, it means we wash our clothes in our own house. We have respect for ourseleves and others, we never forget our USD pioneers legends, and we never settle for just ok, we innovate as we did back in the day until we are putting out quality in all things, we also don’t sponsor “just anybody.” These days are over! You don’t come up the ranks and you don’t rep like your life depends on it, you won’t make the cut. Our future contains unity, at all levels, loyalty and dedication, a positive and can-do attitude, be yourself, but be mindful of your responsibilities to your brand, your leaders, and your legends. And my job remains to enforce this as such. To fully answer the question though, there will be changes, so put on your seatbelts and enjoy the ride.

Since you were last super involved with USD and Conference there’s been much discussion on whether Europe or North America was a larger part of the global blade community — and subsequently those impressions impacted how companies split up their ad dollars and promotional efforts. What kind of picture are you looking at in that regard?
Well, to be as clear as possible on that, I will simply put it as honestly as I possibly can — if The Conference is generating and maintaining sales in the US, a potential budget grows. As that budget grows, the opportunities will be abundent, and things can be done. Quite simply, if you ain’t got it going on, you can not advertise as such. If you don’t believe me, ask all of the companies that have gone under; great ads, no future. Big hype, no content. “Good intentions,” no plan of action. Being honest as I always am, you may see some rollerblaing companies die this year, as they do every year for exactly the same reasons. As Forrest Gump would say “It’s a skater sickness.” All kinds of great marketing savvy, no plan to cover the costs of it. I mean, really, some of the media itself is to blame. Again, “good intentions.” I remember back in the day, skate companies paid huge amounts for ads in magazines, then you would see a full page poop-butt ad for some new “clothing brand” or “curb wax” or “innovative” wheel brand, and we would think “Damn, where did they get the money for that?” Well, the mags were giving “newcomer butt buddy” discounts, and shortly thereafter these “wonderbrands” were dead and buried. But I guess since they are “keeping it real” it is ok. As I have said many times before, don’t believe the hype. I am all for “skater owned,” but really, take off the packaging and have a real hard look at the content before you drink the Kool-Aid. Damn, again on the ranting. I promised myself I wouldn’t do this. So, back to answering the question. If I do my job right and the team I have behind me does as well, we should be looking good in the ad catagory in the future.

When or what was a high-water mark for your previous blade career?
That is simple, Jon Julio took a picture of me doing a (sloppy) miszou in Paris once. I saw it on a website, (I think it was even Valo’s site) so that was the height (or high water mark as you call it). I am a terrible skater; I do love it though. Since I am 41 now (and an Army Reserve Soldier as well) it is hard to find time to practice, but I have started back up again as my 6-year-old has taken a liking to Rolling and I have enough skills to show him the ropes, so that is good enough for me. I know that some of my past USD Crew members have some very embarassing footage of me rolling, so that might be well left in the closet.

What’s the next skate innovation gonna be from The Conference? Also, how has licensing or buying the Xsjado technology impacted The Conference? I mean, at ISPO 2008 I saw Xsjado-style (shoe/exoskeleton_ ice skates…)
Hmmm… again, leaks somehwere? Anyways, it is true there are amazing things in the works. These I will not disclose right now, otherwise I could not have fun spreading disinformation and fueling speculation in the coming months and year. I like having fun just as much as the next guy. I will address the Xsjado thing though, and first of I want to make it clear that I love both Shane and Dustin and I mean no disrespect, but the “concept” is as old as the hills. Loads of companies had done similar things of that nature in all venues of skating going back 20 years. But I will say that DL and Shane certainly made it attractive and functional! I would also like to clear up another thing about the aquisition of Xsjado by Powerslide. Contrary to what you have heard (and mind you I was not even at PS during this time), I can assure you that it was because of love for aggressive first and foremost that Xsjado was saved. Yes, I said “saved,” as Salomon left the building. For whatever reason, Shane, probably unable to continue under his own power (and again speculation on my part), and before seeing it die, I am almost certain that Matthias (Powerslide) decided to buy it off Salomon rather then see it put in to hands that may not have good intentions for the brand. I will also take the opportunity to support Matthias (not that he needs it) in a myth that has always been percieved, and that Powerslide is not skater owned and in turn a “Corporation.” This I immediatly put the smack down on. Matthias was a speed (rollerskater! at the beggining) skater and world record holder. He sold Hyper wheels out of his trunk and that was how Powerslide started. I won’t bore you with details, but at one point or another Powerslide was the biggest distribution worldwide for some of the most influential rolling brands in history, including: Senate, Fiction, Mindgame, 2nd Regime, DB, Franco, Eulogy, and countless others. At the time, Upside Down was created when aggressive skating was but a bug on the windshield of the “Fad Express.” I could go on for pages with the contributions Powerslide has had in the industry, including UFS, or being the pioneers in customization of skates, to utilizing parts to create pro-style skates exactly to our pro specifications. How many other skate companies can boast of such achievements?

I’ve pried enough! Anything else you want to get out there; let people know?
Seems like I have ranted enough, ha, ha! I appreciate the opportunity to let off some steam and vent on some issues, and reconfirm my commitment to our lifestyle. Since I don’t really get interviews a lot I will take the time to do a grip of Big Ups, and if I forget anyone, my apologies, you are just as important! OK, first of all, anyone who skated for me, mainly though, Arlo, Dustin, Petty, Julio, Champ, Shima, Gillan, Sagona, Rachard, Aaron, Frederick, Abdiel, Hooi, Dem, Wedge, Louie, Randy and anyone else who skated for me — you are truly inspirational, and you are the reason there is such a thing as the USD Legacy. (And to all of the members of the original Stretch Crew! Ha, ha — you know WHO you are!) Damn, I even put them before my family! Ok, my wife and kids who I love dearly and my Mom who is in Cali and who I don’t get to see enough, thanks for putting up with my USD addiction all of these years (and now again!). Also, damn, thanks to YOU, Justin, for not forgetting the history and asking me to do this interview! It is appreciated! On to all of the Industry poeple who had anything to do with me past or present, you know who you are. Big Up yourselves. On to Powerslide who pays my salary, and all of my colleuges (some of whom I am just getting to know!), good on ya. Also, those distributors and dealers all over the world who I have had the pleasure of dealing with. A Big Up to the golf industry that did not want to lose me; it was good while it lasted! Can’t forget my “Chip in Crew” as well (my golf buddies). A Big Up to my Army Reserve battle buddies, and all of my fellow soldiers who represent the flag. And last but surely not least, a special thank you to Bauer, who will always be Dr. Kizer to me, and Matthias and Stefan for giving me another go, and putting their trust in my abilities.

I almost forgot one thing I have been meaning to get out. We lost a roller last month (who I unfortunately did not know personally) and it reminded me how much I miss Richard Taylor and Tino Kunz, two rollers who I knew very well and two of the nicest guys I ever knew. Your are all remembered.

Mark Korte - USD
m.korte@usd-skate.com