Paul Dickie’s Arsenal Trucks, assembled in Clovis, Calif., are known to skateboarders around the world. Dickie, a member of North Fresno (Calif.) Church, 
designs and manufactures a specialized skateboard “truck,” the assembly under the board where the wheels are mounted. His unique design gives a stability that allows longboarders to race downhill at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. He took time out from juggling the many tasks that keep his business going to give Fast Chat a glimpse into his skateboarding world.
Are you a skateboarder yourself?
Well, yes, when I was younger I was on my skateboard every day. Now most of my riding is strictly to test the product we make. I can actually be seen riding in the "Garages" video on our methodskateboards.com website.
How did you get started in this business?
I’ve always gravitated to designing things with wheels. I have 22 patents to my name, but only one was my own—a skateboard truck. I decided to build on that and create a company that does business with integrity.
How did your trucks become known around the world?
A multinational skateboard manufacturer converted to using our trucks exclusively on their longboards. Now we are selling more trucks internationally than we are in the U.S.
Sponsoring skateboarders is one way to get your name out there. How do you choose your team?
We find riders who are positive role models in the scene and visible on social media. Our team leader is a Christian who has a clear understanding of my values. These skateboarders are extremely talented athletes, but they’re also young adrenaline junkies going fast downhill. You don’t want to curb that enthusiasm, but there is a standard to what I want my company to represent.
What can Christians learn from skateboarders?
The next time you see a skateboarder, think about the dedication and commitment it took to perfect each trick. If we would apply just a small amount of that to practicing our faith, perhaps we could be the change we want to see in this world.
For video of Arsenal’s team members flying downhill go to http://methodskateboards.com/blogs/videos/15543249-adrenaline-flow
Interview by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
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