Hey Al,

My name is Josh, and I am a twenty-three year old east coast surfer. Currently, I am a college student, studying Business with an emphasis in marketing and finance. My wife thinks that I am crazy because of my passion for surfing and for staying on top of what’s going on in the surf industry. Right now, I am at a cross roads and would like to begin moving forward with some of my life goal of living on the west coast and finding employment within the surf industry. You started your company many years ago and you have been a successful shaper and businessman. I am skilled with my hands and am always drawing and designing boards. How did you begin your career and what advice can you give to someone who is interested in becoming a shaper or interested in the marketing and design aspect of the surf industry? Do companies such as Channel Islands do internships or is it all about being plugged in to the local surf community and who you know? Thanks for your time and God bless!

Sincerely,
Josh Stolvoort
P.S. I ride “the Pod” and I love it! Your craftsmanship and partnership with surfers makes your boards a step above the rest.
&nsbp;

AL answered, “Be prepared to work long hours and love what you do. I used to put in 14 hour days shaping. I would surf Rincon for a couple of hours during the day and then shape until about 10:00 at night.”