MK: What is your history with skating, how did you get into it?

LL: I got into skating, in 1991, to help improve my surfing. My first longboard that I started riding (about 44 inches long, with marine grade plywood and pine and parts that we scavenged off other boards) was one that my brother made in high school.

MK: What skills did you pick up that led you to shaping decks, how did you get started?

LL: I have done furniture building and have always been interested in and done, wood working. When my oldest son was younger, I used to put him on the longboard with me and ride around. When he got older and started skating on his own, that is when I wanted a better and bigger board. One that would exemplify surfing. After searching for a big board with flex, not one of those little 48 inchers, I decided to make my own. The first shape I came up with is my 56-inch cruiser. After many prototypes, I got the amount of camber and concave that gave the board a “surfy” feel.

MK: It seems you are busier than ever building decks, what do you attribute the increase of this to?

LL: Word of mouth, Silverfish, and the style of graphics I do. I am doing a style of board that you can’t get anywhere else. I am building boards that fit the rider.

MK: How close is this to becoming a job for you?

LL: I am very close to being able to make a living, but I hope that this never becomes a “job”. Too many people don’t enjoy their jobs and I love what I do.

MK: You mentioned that some of your decks never meet the pavements, is there any differentiation in your build process when you know it will be a wall hanger?

LL: I build every board to look as good as it rides. Any differentiation would be due to the customer’s request.

MK: There is a great deal of artistic attention paid to the detail of this deck, the wood, the fade, the grip and the use of fabric all bring it together. What is it about these aspects that you feel enhance a boards beauty and use?

LL: With the attention to detail, I feel it reflects on me as an artist and builder. I put the graphics on the top of the decks because that is what you see when you ride, and what people see when you ride by. I take the styling from longboard surfing, where the graphics are on top of the deck. I have been a longboard surfer longer than a longboard skater, and I’ve always enjoyed the look, the beauty and the use of a great longboard. Each one of my boards is built custom for the rider. Nothing makes me happier than a customer’s appreciation at the attention to detail that I put into my boards and how much fun they are to ride.

MK: I know you can’t play favorites but do you have any builds that stand out in your mind?

LL: My favorite build is the 60” board that I built for my father for Father’s Day.

MK: Any idea how many decks you have built?

LL: As of August 13, 2005, I have built 118 boards.

MK: What do the numbers mean on the decks that you sign?

LL: The first number is board shape. The second number is total number of boards built. The third number is something that I just recently added – the total number of that shape. And of course I have the length, width, and wheel base (inner hole to inner hole).

MK: That rubber nose bone is brilliant, is the origin a secret?

LL: No, it isn’t a secret. I thought it was brilliant too.

MK: Speaking of secrets, any way you can enlighten us on the way you do grip?

LL: That, my friend, is a secret.

MK: Who inspires and supports you to do what you do?

LL: My family. Without a great wife, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hope to one day hand this business down to my sons.

MK: Who do you feel in the industry is a great proponent of longboarding?

LL: As far as companies advocating longboarding, I would have to say Sector 9 because they are the ones promoting longboarding. Go into almost any skate shop and you will find Sector 9 boards there.

MK: Who do you ride with?

LL: My boys, wife, extended family and friends. Green Hornet, Dan Cook, John Wood, Tim Johnson, Mark Schultz, Scott Lambright, and most recently Adam Colton, Chris Reeves and Shayne Rivers, who I had the pleasure to meet due to a broken down big blue bus.

MK:Any sessions stand out in your mind as truly memorable?

LL: When I would put my young boys on the front of the board, with their toes on the nose and I would hold their hands and we would ride together. I am looking forward to doing that again with my 5 month old.

MK: What is your favorite type of pie?

LL: Coconut Cream Pie.

MK: Do you have any advice for aspiring custom builders out there?

LL: Pay attention to detail, take pride in your work and have fun.