Hi Les, how are you today? Can you tell me a little about Ten Letter MFG?
Hey, things are good. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Ten Letter MFG is the most recent name I've given the endeavours in the shop (everything from skateboards to cabinets and caskets). "Woodworker" and "skateboard" are both ten letter words so I think I'm going to stick with this name.
I recently got a CNC machine, it has really improved every aspect of my boards and it has helped increase production capability as well. I can make a lot of boards now.
What got you into building boards? How long have you been building?
Way, way back in the day (early-mid 90's) I lived in Kelowna B.C. and there was this local skateboard company there called ETERNAL SKATEBOARDS. They made their own boards and they did make boards for other companies, I even saw Skull Skates boards in there once. For some reason they included me in stuff sometimes and that's how I got exposed to the whole operation.
They were really interactive and supportive of the local scene. They always helped me out with boards and I did some graphics for them. I'm actually the guy who did the first Mike McKinlay graphic way before he became Deer Man of Dark Woods (shameless name drop). It was a graphic of the Okanagan lake monster Ogopogo.
Shortly after I left Kelowna in '98 is when I started making boards. By 2003 I won an Entrepreneur of the year award and that's when I switched lanes and started working in different woodworking fields, everything from industrial production to house building and finishing. Making skateboards started several careers for me.
What inspires you to create your boards?
It's just the kind of person I am. If I was into hockey, I'd be making hockey sticks right now. If I was into tennis, I'd be working on the sickest rackets anyone ever saw. I just really know skateboard decks; I think that's the reason why I enjoy making them so much. I know a rider's expectations and the dude provides.
I mean, I'd much rather make a skateboard instead of butt joining 2 X 4's, casing windows and making boxes for walls.
Do you skate? How long have you been skating?
Yes, I've been skating for decades. The first time I ever skated was in the early 80's. My friend Kevin had this aluminum banana board and we'd take turns riding it off a little stair set. But, the first time I fell in love with skating was when my friend Matt got a DSC Fire Fly. It was the first big board I ever saw and that first roll made me a lifer instantly. I'm 48 now and I skated the bridge spot (Calgary DIY spot) all morning today. Oh yeah, Matt runs GoodNews skate shop in Victoria now.
How do you use Roarockit products in the making of your boards? How did you find out about us?
Well, since I started out so long ago, I've actually built a lot of my own equipment (hydraulic presses etc). However, the wheelbase ruler is great when I need a specific wheelbase for a custom build. Mainly, Roarockit is a consistent wood supplier. I've always been really happy with the veneer I get from Roarockit.
Any advice for aspiring board builders and woodworkers out there?
Make a ton of noise about what you do. Focus on selling what you make. Don't hire yourself and then not pay yourself.
If people wanted to find out more about your boards. Where can they see your creations and contact you?
@tenlettermfg on Instagram. Everybody already DMs me there. And, I'm in the process of opening every free online shop I can find [update: Les now has a website].
Thanks again for your time Les, any last words for the readers back home?
Do it like you mean it.
Taryn O’Grady,
Roarockit Skateboard Company