Independent Truck Company

Last updated
Independent Truck Company
Company type Subsidiary
Industry Retail
FoundedMay 23, 1978;47 years ago (1978-05-23)
in Newark, California, U.S.
FoundersRichard Novak
Jay Shiurman
Fausto Vitello
Eric Swenson
Headquarters
Santa Cruz, California
,
U.S.
Products Apparel
Sports equipment
Number of employees
14
Parent NHS, Inc.
Website www.independenttrucks.com

Independent Truck Company is an American skateboard truck manufacturer based in Santa Cruz, California. Established in 1978, the brand is currently owned by NHS, Inc. and has an extended list of sponsored team riders.

Contents

Origin

Independent was created by Fausto Vitello and Eric Swenson, along with Richard Novak and Jay Shuirman, in 1978 in Newark, California. [1] [2] Rick Blackhart and Kevin Thatcher were involved in the early stages of production with the company. [3] Blackhart stated that, "one broke, and one didn't turn" in regards to Bennett and Tucker trucks, the largest company producing trucks at the time. [4] The company has become one of the most well-known brands in skateboarding. [5]

The original logo was designed by Jim Phillips in 1979. Phillips's original vision was based off the "surfer's cross", [6] a variant of the German Iron Cross, due to the connection between surfing and skateboarding. It was initially rejected by others within the company due to the Iron Cross's connection with Nazi Germany. The company did later accept the design following Phillips's insistence, as he notably pointed to the regalia of Pope John Paul II. [7] In 2022, the company changed their logo [8] and publicly distanced themselves from any association with an Iron Cross. [9]

References

  1. ↑ "Fausto Vitello R.I.P. (Updated)". Transworld Skateboarding. April 24, 2006. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  2. ↑ Sebastian, Simone (April 24, 2006). "Fausto Vitello -- entrepreneur in skateboarding world". SFGate. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  3. ↑ Burnett, Michael (February 24, 2021). "Talking Ed: Kevin Thatcher Interview". Thrasher. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  4. ↑ Denike 2004, pp. 22–25.
  5. ↑ Dawes, Lance (January 16, 2013). "The biggest name in skateboarding, Tony Hawk, now rides for the legendary Independent Truck Company". ESPN. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Jim Phillips Screaming Hand Drawing Contest". Transworld Skateboarding. March 14, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  7. ↑ O'Conner 2019, p. 108.
  8. ↑ "Independent Trucks Logo Change". Shredz Shop. September 29, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
  9. ↑ "About the Independent Skateboard Trucks Logo". Independent Trucks. Retrieved June 21, 2025.

Sources

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