BEHIND THE LINES: Tum Yeto

Steven Hemphill

• June 16 2009
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Tum Yeto has been a dominant force on the skate scene for years and continues to turn out some of the best gear on the market. We recently had a chance to pick Director of Sales Glenn Brumage’s brain about Foundation and Toy Machine’s upcoming decks, domestic distributors, and supporting core shops…

When Glenn Brumage talks, buyers listen.

How is Tum Yeto building skates today?

We work closely with Watson Laminates, the US manufacturer for all Foundation and Toy Machine premium boards. We are constantly testing new process’s to increase the performance and durability, as well as the green/environmental impact, of our boards.

With Watson, we developed Fiberlam and Fiberprime, both of which greatly improve on the performance of standard seven ply but with significant durability and lasting pop. As Tod Swank says, “Yea, a metal skateboard may last forever but it always rides like shit." Fiberlam technology is the perfect hybrid of wood feel and ultrahigh performance. It also has the benefit of not having the sharp edges of fiberglass.
The Fiberlam concept and material is so good that we see it as a long-term project and technology. We’ll keep improving it as needed.

Any new/innovative materials being used in the production of the 2009 decks?

We are using a new proprietary super double top-secret material that we discovered in a meteor fragment found buried deep in the Antarctic glacier. I could tell you the name but then I’d have to kill Jamey Stone. You couldn’t pronounce it anyway (we can’t).

Best selling models in 2008?

Toymachine 7.75 Monster Fiberlam

Foundation 7.75 Vertigo Blk Fiberlam

Toymachine 7.75 Monster

Foundation 7.75 Duffel Fiberprime

Foundation 7.625 Duffel Duffman

Toymachine 8.0 Harmony

Toymachine 7.875 American Monster

Foundation 7.875 Vertigo Yellow Fiberlam

Foundation Skate Company, Vice Mold F-bar model, $TBD Fiberlam Mold, $TBD

Do you suggest a retail price (MSRP) for decks? Why or why not?

We have not published an MSRP for decks as of the moment. We are considering it. We suggest that our retailers price our products accordingly, Tech, Pro, Team and Price Point decks.

Do you use domestic distributors? What are the pros and cons of using domestic distributors?

Yes. Domestic distributors perform a great service to those retailers that need to be able to place small orders of mixed brands. They will always be here for the “quick fix.”

The drawback is that distributors aren’t as good at presenting our specific brands and marketing personality as we are. The story we’re telling gets lost in translation or ignored all together.

Most of our accounts have become better business people and are now looking ahead to get better prices and marketing support direct through the manufacturer.

Toy Machine, Austin Stephens Pro, $TBD; Toy Machine FiberLam Monster $TBD

What is your company doing to help core shops?

Core skate shops are our life’s blood. They set the trends rather than follow them. We started the “We Believe” program 3 years ago and it is more relevant today. It increases the retail margin for those retailers that choose not to sell blanks and gets better if they don’t sell shop decks either.

We understand how, now more than ever, core retailers need help. So we have sales reps in every territory, charged with helping our accounts maximize their profits by having the right product at the right time, training their personal, merchandising Tum Yeto product and sharing successful business strategies.