Tim Gavin: The Street Skater Who Became a Footwear Mogul

Tim Gavin is one of those rare figures in skateboarding who not only made a mark with his tricks and style but also reshaped the industry from behind the scenes. From his early days rolling through California streets to founding multimillion-dollar brands, Gavin’s journey is a blend of raw talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and personal transformation.

🛹 Early Life & Skateboarding Origins

• Born: Tim Gavin was born in California, though the exact date isn't widely publicized.

• Started Skating: Around 1988, inspired by neighborhood friends and the vibrant skate culture of the time.

• First Setup: A Valterra Meltdown—a classic K-Mart special.

• First Skate Spot: Vato Land, a local haunt that helped shape his early style.

• Influences: Randy Colvin was the first skater Gavin saw in person who blew his mind with style and innovation.

🎥 Video Parts & Skate Legacy

Tim Gavin’s video parts are etched into skateboarding history:

• H-Street’s "Hokus Pokus": His first appearance, featuring just two tricks, but it was enough to get noticed.

• Blind’s "Pack of Lies": Arguably his most iconic part, skating alongside legends like Henry Sanchez, Guy Mariano, and Rudy Johnson.

• Tours with Blind and Rocco: These were formative years, filled with camaraderie and progression.

🧨 Signature Tricks & Style

While Gavin wasn’t known for being the most technical skater of his era, his style was smooth, clean, and influential. He was especially noticeable for:

• Kickflips: Executed with effortless style.

• Manual combos: A staple of early street skating.

• Flatground finesse: His control and flow made even simple tricks look elevated.

🏁 Sponsors & Pro Model Decks

• Early Sponsors: Airbourne and H-Street were his first sponsors, discovered through Arizona contests.

• Blind Skateboards: Where he truly rose to prominence.

• Girl Skateboards: He was added to the team by Jovontae Turner, even before the founders knew.

• Pro Model Decks: Gavin had several signature decks under Blind and Girl, often featuring playful graphics that matched his laid-back persona.

👟 Business Ventures & Industry Impact

Tim Gavin didn’t stop at skating—he helped redefine skateboarding as a business:

• DVS Shoe Co.: Co-founded with a friend who owned a retail shop. Gavin handled marketing while his partner funded the venture. DVS became a powerhouse in skate footwear.

• Podium Distribution: Oversaw brands like Matix Clothing and Lakai Footwear, reaching over $100 million in annual sales.

• Filament Brand: A newer footwear company founded by Gavin.

• Knox Hardware: His skateboard hardware brand.

🧘♂️ Personal Transformation & Lifestyle

Gavin’s life took a dramatic turn when he decided to quit drinking and overhaul his lifestyle:

• Weight Loss: Dropped 40 pounds in four months through clean eating and regular exercise.

• Diet: Swapped pot pies and nacho cheese for protein and salads.

• Skating Again: His transformation reignited his passion for skating.

👨👩👧👦 What’s He Up to Now?

Today, Tim Gavin is:

• A family man, actively involved in the lives of his wife and two kids.

• Running Filament Brand and Knox Hardware, continuing to innovate in skateboarding gear.

• Occasionally skating and staying fit, having rediscovered his love for the board.

Tim Gavin - Goldfish 1993

Tim Gavin - Tim & Henry's Pack of Lies