Plan B Skateboards

Founded: 1991

Plan B Skateboards was founded in 1991 by Mike Ternasky, with Danny Way joining as one of the original team riders at just 17 years old. Under Ternasky's visionary leadership and with the team's incredible talent, Plan B quickly became one of skateboarding's most influential brands.

The company's groundbreaking videos, including "Questionable" and "Virtual Reality," set new standards for skateboard video production and showcased progressive skateboarding that influenced an entire generation. Plan B represented a skater-centered approach to the industry, prioritizing progression and authenticity above all else.

After Mike Ternasky's tragic death in 1994, Danny and other team members worked to keep the brand alive, honoring their mentor's vision. Danny's ongoing involvement with Plan B, including helping to resurrect the brand in later years, demonstrates his commitment to preserving this important part of skateboarding history.

Key Achievements

  • Revolutionary video productions
  • Legendary team roster
  • Industry-leading graphics and decks
  • Skater-owned philosophy
  • Multiple brand resurrections
  • Ongoing influence on skateboarding

DC Shoes

Co-Founded: 1994

In 1994, Danny Way co-founded DC Shoes alongside Damon Way (his brother) and Ken Block. What started as a skateboarding footwear company quickly evolved into one of the action sports industry's most recognizable and influential brands.

DC Shoes revolutionized skate shoe design with innovative features that prioritized both performance and style. The brand's commitment to supporting skateboarding through team riders, events, and video productions helped solidify its position as an industry leader.

Under Danny's influence, DC became synonymous with progression and innovation—values that reflected his approach to skateboarding. The brand supported not only Danny's groundbreaking achievements but also countless other athletes across skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX, and motorsports.

Brand Impact

  • Global footwear innovation
  • Multi-sport sponsorships
  • Iconic brand identity
  • Industry-leading events
  • Revolutionary video productions
  • Worldwide distribution

Entrepreneurial Philosophy

Danny's approach to business mirrors his approach to skateboarding: innovative, fearless, and focused on progression. His companies weren't just about profit—they were about advancing skateboarding and supporting the community.

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Athlete-First

Prioritizing the needs and progression of athletes over pure commercial interests

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Innovation Driven

Constantly pushing for better products and new approaches to support skateboarding

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Community Support

Investing in events, videos, and opportunities that give back to skateboarding

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Quality Focus

Never compromising on quality or authenticity in products or partnerships

Impact on the Skateboarding Industry

📈 Market Growth

Helped expand skateboarding from niche subculture to multi-billion dollar global industry through authentic brand building.

🎨 Design Innovation

Pushed boundaries in product design, creating shoes and boards that set new standards for performance and style.

🌍 Global Expansion

Helped bring skateboarding to international markets, making it accessible to millions worldwide.

🎥 Media Production

Invested heavily in video production that documented and promoted skateboarding progression.

👥 Team Support

Created opportunities for countless skateboarders through sponsorships and team programs.

🏆 Event Creation

Developed and supported competitions and events that showcased skateboarding's best talent.

Business Legacy

Danny Way's business ventures demonstrate that success in entrepreneurship, like in skateboarding, requires vision, dedication, and willingness to take calculated risks. His companies haven't just been profitable—they've helped shape skateboarding's culture, infrastructure, and global reach.

Through Plan B and DC Shoes, Danny has influenced not only how skateboards and shoes are made, but how skateboarding companies operate, support their athletes, and contribute to the broader skateboarding community. His entrepreneurial legacy is as significant as his athletic achievements.

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