 | From hanging with Condors in the 80s to hanging with Falcons in the 21st Century, Swope’s done it all in BMX. |
Steve Swope has been an important part of the BMX industry since the early 90s. He was a big huge of Hoffman Bikes since its inception, he helped organize some of the biggest events BMX has ever seen, and he’s a great rider, too. When Swope announced that he was leaving Hoffman Bikes and the Hoffman Sports Association and heading to a company called IMG, it was a big surprise. We asked Steve a few questions about his plans and what he’s going to miss most about the Hoffman Bikes life. Steve also happens to be a great photographer, and he shared some of his 2006 photos with us, so make sure to check them out.
How did the decision to go into business with Mat Hoffman in the first place come about?
Mat and I have grown up together and have been great friends since the early 80’s. We’ve been doing demos together since he was 13 and I was 15. When he decided to start HB, he asked me if I wanted to do it with him. Neither of us had ever run a bike company, we were young kids and just decided to go for it. I was the first person he hired, and the rest is history, as they say.
How did the decision to leave HB come about?
It was a tough decision. Mat and I are like brothers and he's done so much for me as well as everyone who's been a part of the HB & HAS (Hoffman Sports Association) family. With my wife's promotion (within ESPN) we were moving to California. Mat was totally cool with me doing my job from CA, but this great opportunity came my way. Nearing 37 years of age myself, with half of those years with Mat and HB, I felt it was time to try something else. I love BMX, it's in my blood and that will never go away, but personally, for me, it was just time for a change.
What made my decision somewhat easier was that Mat has some great people who are more than capable. Page Hussey and April Mays are unbelievable and deserve lot of credit, as does Mark Owen, who was the second person hired at HB. Mark's new venture, Sidewall Distribution, is a perfect setup for HB and Mat. I'll really miss working with my closest friends every day, but I'm sure I'll collaborate on some crazy project with Mat and the crew in the future.
You've been involved in BMX event promotion forever—will you still be involved in that side?
Yes, but in a different role. I won't be organizing events as I did for Mat and HSA, but I will be involved in other areas.
What does your new job at IMG entail?
My new title is Director, Client Management. I’ll just be getting into my new role sometime in early January, and will have more insight into what I exactly will be doing sometime after that.
What parts of the bike business will you miss, and which will you not miss?
I'll miss working with my friends, getting to see and work with so many great people at events, traveling to so many incredible places, and the satisfaction of so many riders benefiting from the work we have done (by “we” I mean everyone who's worked at HB or any HSA event) over the years. Much of this won't completely change in what I'll be doing in the future, but of course it won't be quite the same, either. I won't miss the politics and complainers.
I know it's impossible to sum up all of your years at HB easily, but is there any specific thing that stands out as something that meant a lot?
Mat...everything I've done over the years started with the Condor. Can't thank him enough.
Do you think there will be any big rig driving in your new position?
Doubtful, but you never know. Most people who know me know I'll do whatever it takes to get the job done right. If that means breaking out the CDL then let's get it on. Actually, I'm looking forward to living closer to Woodward West and all the good CA riding spots. Maybe I will finally be able to learn trucks instead of just driving them.
 | Click here to see an Album of photos that Steve shot last year. |
