From Profit to Purpose: Why Art on Deck is Going Non-Profit

It was never primarily about the money. I started Art on Deck because of a lifelong obsession with two things: art and skateboarding. My goal was simple—combine these passions into a venture that increased the exposure of independent artists while promoting the culture of skateboarding.

Growing up as the son of a career printmaker, I saw firsthand the instability of the art world. My mother’s work brought immense joy to people, yet the struggle to make a single sale was constant. Art affects people emotionally and socially in ways a paycheck never can, and that realization stayed with me.

I discovered skateboarding in the early 90s in Kitchener-Waterloo. As an Asian minority in a socio-economically privileged school, I often felt like an outsider. Skateboarding gave me a sense of belonging. It was anti-conforming, gritty, and empowering. It didn’t matter that my first board was a "budget" Valterra from a department store; it represented freedom and a community where I finally fit in.

The Reality Check

Fast-forward 25 years. After a decade of collecting and reselling vintage boards, a confrontation with a buyer changed my trajectory. He criticized me for "flipping" boards for profit, arguing that I was draining local skateshop inventory. While I countered with the reality of supply and demand, the interaction stuck with me. It forced me to ask: How can I contribute to this culture in a more positive way?

In 2018, I incorporated Art on Deck. I wanted to print my mom’s art—and eventually the work of other obscure, talented artists—onto decks. I jumped in headfirst, fueled by the "build it and they will come" glamor of e-commerce marketing.

The reality was a series of expensive lessons. I invested $6,000 in a first run of custom boards that, due to high production costs and a lack of brand recognition, didn't move. To build inventory, I sought out niche, artist-led Canadian brands like Atlantic Aire and Cutts and Bows, hoping to support the "little guy" rather than compete with local shops.

But the math didn't add up. After investing over $80,000 of my personal finances and accumulating $35,000 in inventory, I hit a breaking point. The debt was straining my family life and my future. I realized that trying to sustain a "for-profit" model in such a slim-margin, niche industry was unsustainable.

The Pivot to Purpose

Despite the financial hardship, the most fulfilling parts of this journey had nothing to do with sales. They were the moments of connection: donating products to community skateparks in Port Hardy, supporting the JK All Day anti-bullying event, and collaborating with artists like Moving Comic Factory, Tekty, Vinny the Guy and many others art and skateboarding enthusiasts at local events or through electronic communications.

I’ve realized that my vision doesn't fit the framework of a corporation. I’m not in this for the profit; I’m in it for the betterment of the community.

I am officially transitioning Art on Deck into a not-for-profit organization.

Moving forward, the focus will be on artist relationships, lean community-based productions, and promoting the positive influence of skate culture. To get there, I need a fresh start.

How You Can Help

To formally close the books on the corporation and transition to a non-profit, I need to clear my current inventory. I am selling off my remaining stock at or below wholesale prices—including an additional 40% discount on already reduced prices.

Every purchase—whether it's a limited-edition artist deck or essential hardware like trucks and wheels—directly funds our transition into a community-focused non-profit. By purchasing from artondeck.com, you aren't just getting high-quality gear; you are helping me repay the company debt and clear the path for a mission-driven future. Help me focus on what really matters: supporting artists and skaters in our local communities.