James (revolution): Let's start with who you are- your name, and tell us the companies you're involved with.

Mark: My name is Mark Vanderboegh, and I own Sixwonsix, Integrated Distribution, and I am part owner of Night Hardware.

James (revolution): Sixwonsix has been around since 96', and is still going strong today. What was the reason for starting Sixwonsix in the beginning? Who are all those involved with Sixwonsix?

Mark: Actually, we started in 95'. It was very local at first, and was started to help unite everyone we skated with. At first there was myself, and 4 others that I skated with everyday- Mike Moser, Shawn Hipskind, Nick Stockton, and Caine Krieger. When I graduated and went full-time into this, Caine came in as my partner. Caine did all the photography in the beginning and helped with design. He decided to go to college for photography, so now it's back to just me.

James (revolution): The logo placement on certain shirts is really unique, it breaks away from the norm. What is your inspiration for designing the clothing line? What makes you set Sixwonsix apart?

Mark: Well, thanks. I really try to do something that is different and unique from what is out there. It was a lot easier a few years ago when everything was all the same, but now it's a lot harder to be different. Drew Bachrach has helped out with designing the last 2 lines, and I have been working on finding a unique way to get those onto the products.

James (revolution): Sixwonsix is known for coming out with new clothing items, bringing out fresh items like the micro-fiber shorts, cargo sweats, etc. Where is Sixwonsix going with the next line?

Mark: I think you can really see a jump in the quality of our products starting with our 2001 line. Having a real artist in Drew doing designs really frees me up to focus on finding fresh ways to show those designs. We started doing welds, 3D embroidery, and appliques. This year we started combining some of those processes, and you can really see that in our Team logo shirt. It's a really complex and costly process, but I think it's worth it when you have something that really stands out. I also have more time to focus on designing things like the shorts and new types of beanies.

The next line is going to be even more original. You will be seeing completely custom hats, and more unique beanie styles. More shirts with combination processes. Possibly, the return of our Chino pants, and some new accessories. Something very new is also in the works, it should be very interesting.

James (revolution): Who is part of the team representing Sixwonsix? Tell us about them.

Mark: Right now, the team is Derek McClain, Jeff Stockwell, Brian Murphy, Grant Schaap, Chris Fleener, Mike French, Josh Amacher, BJ Bernhardt, and Mike Radebaugh. Don Bambrick will be moving up from flow to the team for the new year. This team is the heart and soul of the company. Without these guys, there is no SWS. We started as a family, and it still is that way. Everyone on the team is like a brother to me, and it really is like a true family than a team.

James (revolution): I remember Sixwonsix was one of the first companies to come out with an aftermarket skate accessory, the gel shock abosrber. Now today, you have formed a company that is specifically tailored to aftermarket skate accessories, Night Hardware. What is the purpose of Night? Why did you decide to start it?

Mark: Well, SWS has always been more than a clothing company. I always wanted to make accessories that skaters needed, and that is why we did the first shock abosorber. Making needed accessories is a lot harder than making clothing, so we have kind let that part fall to the side, but it should be back next year.

As for Night, Al Dolega and Ryan Czajkowski approached me with the idea for Night, and I was sold. I knew it was beyond time for something like Night, and that if we didn't do it, who would. Night's purpose is to help the progression of rolling through innovative, high quality hardware. Night fills the gaps, and improves the durability and versatility of most skates on the market.

James (revolution): What kind of material is Night Hardware made out of? Which products are available right now for skates?

Mark: All Night parts are made of UHMW plastic. The fastest, most durable plastic available for grinding. The first offering includes Razor Genesys Soul Wings, Salomon Soul System, Fiziks Hitch-hiker Blocks, and Anti-rocker Wheels.

James (revolution): Skate customization is the future, skaters want to be able to create a skate to match their style. What else can we expect to see from Night?

Mark: Absolutely. UFS was just the start, and hopefully we can help move this forward some more. We have a lot of ideas for the future including souls for Remz, Deshi's, and UFS Thrones. There is also a possibility for a "lite" line, which will be a thinner, closer to stock version of our parts for those that want the stock feel, but with the improvements of Night parts. And of course colors, colors, colors.

James (revolution): Who are the team riders for Night?

Mark: The team right now is Don Bambrick, Brian Murphy, Dre Powell, and Jeff Stockwell. The team is a reflection of the parts we make. As our line grows, so will the team.

James (revolution): Now, on top of Sixwonsix and Night Hardware, you operate Integrated Distribution. Tell us which companies you distribute?

Mark: Integrated handles Sixwonsix, Life+, 9MM, Night, and Be-mag.

James (revolution): I admire how you maintain a balance between all that you're involved with, how you're able to stay on top of everything. Do you still find time to skate for yourself?

Mark: Sometimes it is overwelming. There are a lot of late nights and 14+ hour days. It's always a struggle to pay the bills, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I enjoy coming to work, and not many people can say that. Finding time to skate is very tough, and it seems like I am skating less and less with the more stuff I get involved with. But, having a skate company means you have to go out on photo shoots or to film, so I get plenty of opportunities to get out and roll, and work at the same time. It also helps having a mini-ramp in the warehouse!

James (revolution): With everything that you've done so far, I'm sure there is more to come. Rollerblading is fortunate to have a person like you involved. Who do you want to thank for getting you to where you are today?

Mark: Well, I don't know if I would say that. I would say that I would not be here without the support of my parents. This all really started when I moved back home and ran SWS out of their basement. Without their support, this never would have happened. The original SWS crew, the entire team from 95' til now, and all those that supported and still support SWS. Caine, Drew, Al, Ryan, Mike and Dave for all the help, input, and hardwork. Thanks to Revolution for the interview. Heather for putting up with all this for so long. All the guys in K-zoo, MUX, GR, Detroit, and everywhere in between.