INDUSTRY INSIDER
	Author: Brent Stallo	Features | Friday, 19 June 2009 09:57

Photography: Powell/Stallo

 

Volcom's recent commitment to motocross has been more than instrumental in the growth of their individual sponsored athletes. It's also served as a platform to build the sport's popularity in other genres of the action sports world. Predominately known as a board sports brand, Volcom's move into motorsports has made big waves within the motocross industry. Any time a brand makes a push into a new sport there is always the face behind the curtain that made that move possible; the one who understands the passion behind said sport and who, ultimately, is responsible for the success of the brand in that particular niche. For Volcom, that person is Troy Powell. From the dusty confines of the World Mini Grand Prix - where we first met Powell three years ago - to the pits of the Anaheim Supercross, Powell is the man behind Volcom's push into motocross. His success thus far can be seen through his riders, who include Ryan Villopoto, Nico Izzi, Darryn Durham, Jason Anderson and Mark Worth. It is their unique approach to marketing that has captured the motocross world by storm and is what is sure to ensure their success for many more years to come.

 

So without further ado, we would like to present you with Industry Inisder with...Troy Powell.

 

Give us a brief history of your involvement in the action sports industry?

I guess you couldn’t really call it brief, though! I’ve been with Volcom Since 1995. It’s been a long road, but a fun one. It’s kinda been a part of my whole life, growing up surfing and traveling and stuff. I started surfing for Volcom and the brand was really small then, and I always thought I had more to offer to the company than just being a team rider, so I started helping anyway I could. Sales, marketing, parties, tradeshows, events, whatever they needed! I also helped Volcom scout new young rippers for the surf program or anything I could do to help the brand grow. I thought it was just a rad company to be a part of. Volcom has always been like a big family; we’ve had a bunch of good times along the way.

 

How did you get into Motocross?

This dude Jake took me out to Hollister Hills and put me on one of those old clapped out trail bikes with the whacked spring shocks, you know? I looped out then fell down a hill and I was instantly hooked. Not much later down the road I got introduced to this bad ass 80 kid from Michigan named Nico Izzi and it was all downhill from there!

 

What is your primary role at Volcom?

Any and every detail that has to do with Volcom and motocross! That’s my main deal over here. I also still try to help manage some free surf event stuff we do for the kids. Cause it’s nice to be able to go hang out on the beach with the kids or go to the tropics and get some good surf. I took Nico surfing one time he did pretty good!

 

Volcom is primarily a board sports brand. How has everyone adjusted to your recent move into motorsports?

My boss and the some of the other guys at Volcom had been riding for a while and we just started meeting up and just going riding. A few of us got pretty into it so it all just seemed to come together.

 

Volcom is still new to the moto scene, but has managed to pick up some of the biggest names in both pro and amateur motocross. What are the criteria to become a rider with Volcom?

There really is no criteria to it, come as you are, we like individuality. In this sport you have to want to win really bad to achieve your goals. So that element is a huge factor, too. Try your hardest and just be yourself and good things will come.

 

You guys are currently doing a promotion where you give away a ton of free moto swag for people who sign up for your mailing list, explain?

Yeah, we got a bunch of stuff to give away! Limited edition tee’s, hats, and other stuff we had made up for the riders and their families at the races! We might even let you pick out whatever your want from the Volcom warehouse!! Thor also kicked down some jerseys and we had Izzi and Villopoto sign them to give away!! Go to volcom.com/mx to sign up and win!!

 

Are there any new riders on the radar that you might be picking up in the coming year?

There might be... We are always watching, don’t be scared! You never know? Come introduce yourself.

 

Brent Stallo is known as one of the sickest photographers in the business. How in the hell did you get him to shoot photos for you?

That’s a crazy story! I was doing a little riding out at Cahuilla Creek MX track and I was approached by this dude Tucker Stockton while they were filming Jason Anderson for the upcoming Vurb film “EPIC”. I was kinda got caught off guard cause he asked to get some free clothes, but he seemed like an alright dude so I listened to his story about how he had this crew of friends that know and film all the bad up and coming MX riders. That’s how I got Brent Stallo to shoot some photos, he was there hanging with Tucker!!  Tucker’s definitely a different kid, man!