David Rajewski: a High School Student Who Turned $1,000 into a $1 Million Skateboarding Business

Stoked Skateboards’ founder David Rajewski wanted to buy his dream car out of his own earning. However, unlike most of his friends, he did not want to take up any odd part-time job and save money. One day, he sat with his father and asked him if it was possible to earn and save enough to buy the car he ever wanted. His father advised him to start something of his own and for he agreed to loan him $1000. Finally, Rajewski decided to turn his passion (he loves skateboarding) into a business.

David Rajewski (far right); Image Source: Inc.Com

In early 2007, at the age 16, Rajewski started his fieldwork which included spending time on understanding common business processes, visiting manufacturers, shop owners and speaking with Skateboard experts.
He started Stoked Skateboards as an online Skateboard Retail Store with an emphasis on high-performance longboard skateboards. What makes it different than other skateboard sites is that it allows its customers to customize their skateboards according to their choices. The customers don’t have to compromise on quality, color, design and sizes.
In the year 2011, Stoked Skateboards generated over $708,000 in sales which is expected to cross a million by the end of 2012. The company is located in Torrance, California.
Currently, Rajewski is a management student at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business.