From creative designs to community involvement, we have some truly AWESOME clients. All Around Awesome is our way of sharing what we love about our customers. We think you’ll love them too!
Our August feature is dedicated to Local Skate Rats! A brand created by the owner, “Yung Fat Dan”, who is working to bring skate and surf culture to Waco, TX.
We caught up with Local Skate Rats to learn more about their business, their inspirations, and what makes them all around awesome.
Tell us about your organization.
Growing up in Southern California, I have always loved the surf and skate culture. Wearing nothing but Vans shoes while growing up helped shape my passion for skate companies. During quarantine I had missed the California surfing culture. I was still in Texas at Baylor and could not get back home to California, having so much extra free time and wanting to make my own company with my own designs Skate Rats was born. California, Hawaii, old vintage halfpipe skating, vintage California vibes all inspire me. I love bringing the swanky west coast beach thrifty vibes to Texas! I have also been known as “Yung Fat Dan” since middle school. I like when people are walking and they see “Yung Fat” and go huh? What does that mean? And there answer is… I don’t know but it sounds catchy and I like it! I was given the name Yung Fat Dan because I love going against the flow, avoiding the crowd and not being cliché. I changed the negative connotations the word “Fat” has and turned “fat” into a positive word that can describe cool unique things.
What is your favorite product or design you’ve gotten from Hole in the Roof and why?
Definitely the Waco Surf X Local Skate Rats collaboration shirt Waco surf. I designed and drew this shirt on the iPad. We were going for Texas western themed and “supporting local” aspects. The reason why I love this collaboration is because the owner David Taylor is also from California and we both connect heavily with surf and skate culture. My vision for Waco is to boost the skate/surf and wakeboard community in order to help make Waco diverse in the activities present.
Do you have any favorite stories related to your business?
Selling out of the Eastside Market I met an old Waco skater from back in the day, who then introduced me to the owner of Waco Surf David Taylor who ended up collaborating with me on a huge T-shirt deal at one of the coolest places in Texas!
What do you draw inspiration from for your products?
Growing up I have always resonated with cartoons because of the creative aspect. When I was in high school I volunteered with the kindergartners at church and would draw the lesson for the day on the whiteboard in cartoon form. The kids loved it and I always liked seeing people enjoy my art. My inspiration comes from the surf and skate culture and also the Texas western cowboy vibe squished into cartoon and fun designs.
Any other fun/useful information you would like to share with everyone?
Life is meant for us to be unique, spread joy, and utilize your God-given talents in order to create something AWESOME and make an AWESOME impact in your community and others lives.