‘The black community didn’t understand skateboarding at the time, and the community outside of skateboarding were a bunch of racist bigots.’
Ron Thompson
SCNDCLSS
SCNDCLSS
February 2026
Can you tell us something about Texas that no one knows?
It isn’t big enough for everybody, so stop moving down here!
What trigged the idea to start your own skateboard apparel company? I read in an interview that your time in prison has something to do with it.
What triggered my idea to start this. With enough time to think in a Texas prison, it just came down to a resolution; mine was that I needed a skateboard in my life again.
What got you in prison in first place?
Selling dope. Kids don’t take that path! If you not built for it. Get a job. It last longer.
With ‘Scndclss’ or ‘Second Class’ you are reflecting on the good and the bad of growing up in Houston. You mentioned in the same interview, that being a black skateboarder you were not very popular. Are you referring to how you were treated within the skate community or outside? Or even both??
No, down in Texas being black in the 80’s wasn’t popular. Skateboarding wasn’t very popular either; you mix the two together and know you have SCNDCLSS Skate Co. The black community didn’t understand skateboarding at the time, and the community outside of skateboarding were a bunch of racist bigots.
Do you think a black skateboarder is now better off from when you grew up?
I do believe so, and I want them to know you can really do anything you put your mind to. Do the work, be patient and stay consistent.
How did you get into skateboarding?
Through some friends we find a 6ft quarter pipe while bmxing. Put the bike down. It’s been skateboarding ever since.
Which city would you consider the skate capital of Texas?
I want to say Houston because that’s where I’m from but the truth is that it is Austin. Austin is a weird place. And the best place for skateboarding is a weird place such as Austin.
What is the skate scene like in Houston?
It’s growing. It’s all like lil crews. But at the end of the day, we are all skateboarders.
‘With enough time to think in a Texas prison, it just came down to a resolution.’
What is the Texas skate community most proud of?
Our do it yourself attitude and that it’s still shut the fuck up and skate.
Who do you consider the godfather of Texas skateboarding?
Always like Mike Crum shout out to 4dwn.
If you could sign up any skater for Second ClassSkateboards, who would it be?
Sean Sheffey because he fits our mold: Straight Fucking Beast.
Last Question: If you could interview any person in the world, who would it be?
Mike Ternasky. I love the way that he built up his skateboarders.