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DeGroot for '09
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Besides running a skatepark, being a family man, and having enough time to ride and still progress, Chad Degroot (aka "The Goat," aka "Meat") also manages the UGP team, their promotions, and travel. Not sure how that's possible, it almost sounds inhuman actually and that's why I thought it a good idea to ask how and why?
"Meat." In front of the Skyway bridge, St. Pete, Florida sometime in November. Try crossing this within 10mph winds.
1.What are you currently doing for UGP? You've got dual responsibilities of both rider and TM right?
My duties at UGP are as follows:
1st Team Manager of 9 paid riders and a dozen flow guys
2nd Being a team rider
3rd Photographer
4th Web updates on 15 sites
5th Answer questions, look for new riders, find dealers, approach shops, work with magazines, start new promotions
6th Send promotions for jams or contests that represent UGP the best, box team orders
7th Product meetings and the direction of the company with some emphasis on sales
8th. Be the face and the look of UGP
9th Plan budgets, plan spending, book road trips, set up photo shoots
10th Make web edits
11th Test new samples
12th Make sweet ass xmas cards
13th Do pretty much what ever the shit I want when I want
2.Do you have input in print advertising that incorporates your photos? You pretty picky on how they are used?
The best thing about taking pics is seeing it in the final stage in an ad or posted somewhere. Problem is how many hands it crosses before it gets to that point. My biggest beef is people who crop photos. Sucks so bad to take a good pic and screw it up or put some lame filter over it.
I am picky as hell and want the rider to sign off on the ad and the pick before it goes to print. Another problem is people using deadlines to rush an ad or pic to where it's out or your hands. This kid that worked for us, he would wait till the last minute and change something to make it lame. I know he was young and didn't have much experience, but that was his job. So I would pull my hair out for each deadline. I firmly believe in planning and getting the job done early to sit back and critique.
As far as being picky on what the photos are used for, yes and no. If I turn some pics in, I have to assume they will get used in the best possible way. As of now I am only turning in the ones that I would approve. In the past I would give them the whole photo shoot (big mistake).
For 2009 I am not sure who we are advertising with, but I do know we had a major change in the company and everything is gonna change for the better. Most everything after summer 2009 is gonna be on point. In the clothing business if you make a mistake you have to wait almost a year to fix it.
We have an awesome group of guys for the team, sure we are a little midwest based, but these guys are all fun to shoot with and they all kill it when we need them to step up.
If anyone at Canon is reading this, I could use a new SLR, will promote the hell out of you if you send one my way. Thanks
3.Any close calls shooting photos with the guys. Have you or your equipment been smashed?
Close calls, not really with me getting hit, but I have been very close to missing the shot. I apologize to BK for an ice-pick shot, actually Dave F. and me both missed it, believe that. Think it was from a Lake Owen boozer, that will tend to make ya slow.
My video camera has been hit a few times, the lense fell off once. That was a long time ago and didn't seem to matter. You get what you get when you film or take pics. Ohh shit, just the other day in Tampa BK was doing this Bank rail and he came off and tagged my light pole, curled it. That was cool for 2 reasons, I got the shot and BK did it. You can't get mad at that....shit, he flew to Florida to do a rail.
4.How is it having someone else shoot you for an advert? What do you look for in a photo of yourself?
I like being shot for ads, problem is I am so random when I need the shots. Mulville has shot a few and BK too. Freimuth is really good. I actually haven't been in many ads, maybe I need to get on the other side of the lense?
In a photo of myself,f I really look for something that I am happy with, adding some humor to it helps. Just being different and making a good pic with sweet colors at a tasty spot.
5.Tell me about the two new UGP additions this year, K.P. and Jeff K.. What was the decision maker?
Jeff K and KP are really good additions for UGP for 2009. Jeff kills it whenever he rides, is a really nice guy, and wants the best for UGP. KP I always have been a fan of. He seemed to disappear for a little bit, but is back now. I have been talking to him for almost a year now about the direction and whatnot of UGP. He has some crazy ideas, and most of them make sense. Both the guys are perfect for the team. I personally think the team is really well rounded and what we are about. UGP is planning a video for the end of 2009, so look out.
6.Have you ever worn Coopers wig?
Cooper just got a little haircut, just his bangs. Sucks, but kids have to see what they are doing. He is clumsy enough with full sight. He still has a sweet mullet and a lil baby peach fuzz mustache is shining through. I would cut off all his hair and wear it for a day then give it to Locks of Love. Cooper and his dada are hair farmers...believe that.
7.What is the most difficult thing with managing the team?
The most difficult thing with the team can be when they don't get a check on time. They think I write them or wire them to their wallets or something. Dealing with someone's money is the worst job anyone can do. Money can bring out the worst in everyone but it is necessary in a lot of life...I hate money and what problems it brings.
8.What is the most rewarding thing with managing the team?
Rewarding is when the guys wear our clothes and get on a cover, or pages, or TV. Another good thing is when they call me up and say the new stuff fits good and looks dope...That makes it all worth it. If I know they are happy that is the rewarding part.
9.Any info you can release as far as new product goes? What do you guys have in the works?
We have new seats coming out with a focus on flatland. That was required as far as I am concerned. Flat is overlooked all the time, we need to go back to our roots with that.
Our clothing for spring/summer is very colorful and wild, its a great line and will get bashed for sure online, but the team likes it and that what counts.
We have a new distribution called UNDRGRND Distribution with focus on BSD, Deluxe, backpack company (to be announced soon), and a new shoe line.
2009 will be stacked with new products and non-stop movement
More for 2009...stay tuned...
-Matt
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Article id# 810
| Added Jan 21, 2009 |
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