‘I always say we’re in the business of giving back not selling skateboards.’
Josh Garcia
MAKESHIFT
March 2026
Can you tell us something about Texas that no one knows?
In May of 1976 the first skatepark in Texas was built in Corpus Christ,TX called Holly Hills which was 2 months after Carlsbad Skatepark opened in California. One thing that usually gets overlooked is our People’s St.THead at the marina, which was completed in 1941 and had a roller skate plaza built. Later it would be the epicentre of street skating in Corpus Christi and technically the first skate plaza ever built. It consisted of a circle with waist high ledges all around, a roof gap, waist high stage, and centre circle manual pad knee high which was also a ledge. Corpus Christi is often referred to as the original Mecca of Texas skateboarding.
What inspired you to kick off Makeshift skateboards in Texas?
Sometime in 2002, when I was 15yrs old I brought up the idea of a board company to our Co-Founders, brothers Alexis and Abel Trevino who were 20 and 23 at the time. It was an idea to make quality decks and have fun with friends, nothing more. I knew skateboarding was my future and just wanted to create something that embodied the idea and creation of skateboarding.
Can you tell us something about yourself?
I’ve been skateboarding all my life basically. I love skateboarding and giving back to skateboarding. I was also the first person to skate the flight deck of an USS aircraft carrier first trick was fake bigflip first try on flat, as well as build the largest skatepark on an aircraft carrier and hold the first skateboard contest on an aircraft carrier.
Do you think skaters and board companies need to be in California to pursue their career or can this be done out of Texas too?
No, not at all. If you can dream it, you can do it. No matter where you’re from. California does have a more welcoming vibe and plenty of opportunities in the Skateboarding industry, which can help move things along faster. Especially when you network properly.As for Texas it can be a bit tricky at times, depending on your city. It’s very conservative and in smaller cities/towns it has taken a very long time for those city officials to accept skateboarding as a very positive influence for people of all ages. Corpus Christi for example is barely accepting their history and place in skateboarding and that’s been a fight I’ve fought for 20 years and still fighting.
How you describe the skate scene in Texas now that you have been living out of state for so long?
Ooof….clickish and somewhat kookish BUT then amazing and badass when you find the real ones. Skateboarding has changed so much, it’s unreal seeing how some people act when I go back.We’re talking people who’ve skated for a year or so acting like they own a spot or DIY. It’s ridiculous sometimes. I feel everyone is out to make it for themselves like a dog-eat-dog world out there.That’s not us though we’re open to everyone and have never shuned any shops or brands but have definitely been the victim of some serious haters (laughing).As Jeff Grosso said, “there are skateboarders, then people who just skateboard and there’s nothing wrong with that, but they are not of my ilk”.
What do you mean by ‘clickish and somewhat kookish’?
Skateboarding has changed and mostly in a good way but there are some things that just ruin what skateboarding always was. Social media has played a big part in that, and influencers are everywhere but there’s definitely a bunch in Austin Texas and the scene is filled with just some bizarre people who act like the own the scene or the scene owes them. Yet they will say they’ve only been skating 2 years (laughing). So come on it’s just some kooks at the end of the day.
‘I feel everyone is out to make it for themselves like a dog-eat-dog world out there.’
When you say it is a dog-eat-dog world out there. Do you think this only applies in Texas or have you noticed it in other parts of the US or world for that matter?
It doesn’t just apply to Texas, no. But where I am from in south Texas it’s really hard.There’s almost no attention on that area and that is what makes it harder. So if you come from South Texas and are making it, you are a warrior. Don’t mess it up. (laughing).
Who would you call the godfather of Texas skateboarding?
Oh man that’s tough, history goes back to Jimmy Gonzales in Corpus Christi being one of the first to do it. Most would say Craig Johnson though. Zorlac had a huge impact on Texas skateboarding we definitely owe a lot to those dudes.
If you could sign up any skater, who would it be?
Honestly one of my favorite skateboarders right now is Quentin Jeang.We actually do have him on our roster though and I chose him because he is just a rad kid. He is 11 years old and one of the nicest kids I’ve ever met. He freestyle skates and he is good at any form of skating. He has great style and is an amazing skateboarder and I just love his ambition. Someone I think who would be rad on the team though is the Texas homie Jordan Santana from Houston. She is just amazing, her dad is super rad. I’d be stoked for that one.
‘I’ve had the pleasure to discuss their influence in hip-hop and its influence in skateboarding culture with them.’
I read that you donated all the money you made from an event to an organisation that helps abused women and children in Ghana.Are you also involved in their local skate community?
Yes, we try to give back 100% always. I always say we’re in the business of giving back not selling skateboards. My friend runs a non-Profit in Ghana called Change the World. So, we support him and those he helps as much as possible. I am not currently involved in their skate community but have reached out and plan to help as we continue to move forward.
Last Question. If you could interview any person in the world, who would it be?
I think I’d like to interview the Fugees. It’s not skateboarding but they welcomed me into their world, and I’ve had the pleasure to discuss their influence in hip-hop and its influence in skateboarding culture with them. They raised me through music and helped me create this brand and my love for others. So, I’d definitely love to really dive into their story and indulge in one of the most legendary hip-hop groups of all time.
Ready or not…
Ever ready ever steady.