World Industries

World Industries was founded by Steve Rocco in '88 after Skip Engblom convinced him to cash out his credit card, buy some decks and start a company. The result was SMA Rocco Division which later became World Industries. Rocco set out to take down the '80s "Big 4" and convinced both Rodney Mullen and Mike Vallely to quit Powell and become riders/partners in his young brand. Rocco broke every rule in the book and waged war on several companies through print ads, lawsuits, company graphics and rider acquisitions. In '98, World was sold to an outside private equity group and has changed hands a few more times since then. Today, World Industries remains the manufacturer of skateboards, apparel and shoes.

• Website: worldindustries.com
• Wikipedia: World Industries