From Inc · · 1m
Toilet Paper Taught Tony Hawk Branding Lesson
Tony Hawk stopped a toilet paper license deal after realizing careless branding could hurt his business.
In brief
Tony Hawk stopped a toilet paper license deal after realizing careless branding could hurt his business. Tony Hawk ended a toilet paper license deal to protect his brand, teaching founders to keep control of their name. Originally reported by Inc.
Tony Hawk's Brand Story
Tony Hawk launched Birdhouse in 1992 during a skating lull, facing early financial struggles.
Toilet Paper License Deal
A company made a test unit of toilet paper with Tony Hawk's name on it for a licensing deal.
Hawk's Reaction
Hawk hired an attorney to stop the license after seeing the toilet paper test unit.
Why It Matters
Hawk realized the company didn't care about product quality with his name on it, only selling.
Cost of Legal Action
Hawk had to pay a lawyer to get out of the contract, showing the cost of careless licensing.
Key Lesson
Hawk's advice to founders: Keep control of your brand to avoid licensing pitfalls.
At a glance
Tony Hawk ended a toilet paper license deal to protect his brand, teaching founders to keep control of their name.