How did I get here? From being a kid on a skateboard, doing it for the love of the sport, to being a man with paying sponsors, to the Dew Tour, to becoming a motivational speaker and author. My life a whirlwind of plane rides, hotels, contests, my love life, good times, bad times, lots of money, no money. How were these things cultivated from nothing more than luck, a wooden board, and four spinning wheels? That question would unveil itself slowly as I looked inward to examine my life to this point: from the tragic loss of my mother-which was an unbelievable low-to this proud moment of being in the spotlight. From my experiences as a child actor that morphed to my time in a band and ultimately led to my discovery of skateboarding; all these elements that seemed unrelated, but blended together and became the critical experiences that made up my life, my career, my nucleus.
About the Author: Chances are you've seen Doug Brown on NBC's Good Co.Today show, at the Gravity Games, AST Dew Tour, Vans Warped Tour, or even on a stick of X-Air Deodorant, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Doug is a motivational speaker, published author of Bliss of the Unwind, Beyond the Board and Looking Glass Self. Brown is founder of his highly acclaimed Skate Straight Program. From touring arenas with the band The Newsboys to visiting patients in hospitals as an all star member of Athletes for Hope, Doug has proven to be more than just a pro athlete. Hidden behind his contagious smile and charisma is a wide range of talents and a strong sense of determination. Doug's love for the world of skateboarding began in 1986 after seeing Back to the Future for the first time. While the skateboarding trend has waxed and waned in popularity, Doug's commitment to the sport remained constant. Doug's professional skating career began by chance at the 2002 Gravity Games, when he caught the eye of his first paying sponsors. He quickly realized his hobby became his living after a whirlwind of extensive traveling, industry events, demos, contests, and personal appearances. While he maintains a strong commitment to his career Brown has shifted his primary focus and energies towards his Skate Straight foundation entering schools, libraries, detention centers and being a keynote speaker for conferences. Brown wholeheartedly believes in positive change and the importance of hope and optimism. Notable causes and philanthropy include involvement with Athletes For Hope, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, American Red Cross, St.Baldrick's Foundation, SADD, and his own Skate Straight Foundation. Television appearances on NBC's Good Co.Today Show, Much Music Television, 54321, Fuel TV, ABC Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports, Planet X, Xcorps TV, and Sports Talk.