An Encinitas-based trade group for skateboard manufacturers on Monday said it had promoted its director of research as its latest executive director.
The International Association of Skateboard Companies said Thomas Barker would replace Josh Friedberg, who served from 2011 to 2015. The group includes manufacturers, distributors, skate parks, contest organizers and individual skaters.
Barker’s parents started the now-defunct Clive Backpacks brand based on a business plan he devised when he was 11, IASC said. After working for Clive, he moved to Black Box Distribution, a Carlsbad-based company affiliated with pro skater Jamie Thomas. Barker also championed the inclusion of a skate park at the Encinitas Community Park, which opened last January.
