Today we’d like to introduce you to Selim Wehber III.
Selim, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started Profit skateboards around April of last year, however, I had the idea in my head for a few years now. I knew I wanted to start my own business after working for a couple of successful mom and pop shops. Growing up in San Diego, skateboarding had always been a huge part of my life and I knew I could use my skills in graphic design to start a business in the industry.
After months of planning and product research, I eventually came out with my first round of merchandise and started to develop a team of talented local skaters that will help advertise the product. I named the company Profit because people forget there are more ways to profit in life than just making more money. The best things in life are free and I hope the name not only challenges the way people think about the word but also makes them think about how they profit daily.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been pretty smooth so far however, my biggest setbacks were not knowing how to start a business and finding the funds to do it. After researching online, I eventually decided to take a few entry-level business classes at my community college. I enjoyed taking business law, accounting and economics and felt it left me feeling better prepared for the future. Finding the funds was a much more challenging problem. With bills and a student loan taking up a majority of my income, it was hard to pay for it myself however, after setting up a budget and making a few minor changes in my life, I began to slowly come up with the money I needed to keep going.
Please tell us about Profit Skateboard.
Profit skateboards were made to serve as a platform for the skateboarding community of San Diego. We have an interest in working with creative people and talented athletes that could help exhibit the lifestyle of street skateboarding. At our company, we design and produce unique merchandise that is then promoted and advertised in multiple ways. From graphic design to filming and editing promotional videos, we like to take on the challenges ourselves and push the limit on what we can do as a team. The profit made from sales then goes directly towards funding future trips and new product ideas to ultimately help expand the brand.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I met most of the people that helped shape who I am today through sports. By the time I hit middle school, I had a group of best friends that I met through baseball or soccer. The thing that bonded us the most was our interest in skateboarding and we grew up spending long days at the local skateparks learning new tricks. Those days spent with my friends were where I heard a lot of my favorite music for the first time and got all my influences for the clothes that I would wear.
My friends kept me humble and supported me the way they should and that has a lot to do with who I am today. Skateboarding also taught me a valuable lesson at an early age, which was to always get back up after you fall. You never know what you can truly do in life until you try. You will almost always be awful at the things you try for the first time but learning how to set aside the fear that comes with leaving your comfort zone and failing will help you achieve more in life. Learning that lesson at a young age also had a big impact on my personality.
Contact Info:
- Website: profit-skateboard-co.square.site
- Email: profitskateboardco@gmail.com
- Instagram: @profitskateboardco
Image Credit:
Victoria Boston, Selim Wehber III, Dariuz Dunn
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Sponsor Shoutout:
Melissa Finestone and her team at the MULK co. are Mulking it…like no udder! Jokes aside, they have created one of the most exciting, plant-based milk alternatives on the market and we strongly encourage you to check them out! Cows everywhere thank you.
Check them out at: www.themulkco.com & @themulkco
