Times are a changing for sure. I've predicted for awhile that cultural & sports trends would lead to an increase in foreign athletes leading global marketing campaigns. Rodrigo Petersen is the most recent testament to it. Here's an interview ESPN Skateboarding did with him. Interesting to see him find a spot the BLVD team...

It has never been easy for foreign skaters to make it big in America. Language and marketability have always been a factor in U.S. kids gravitating towards riders from other countries. Recently there has been a shift towards international pros actually staying put and having pro models on brands based in their countries like Blueprint, Cliché, Jart, etc. But Rodrigo Petersen has always had loftier goals than being big only in Brazil.

Nike's new skate film looks to be pretty awesome. What I found interesting is that the roster of athletes in it will be most reflective of what the U.S. youth market looks like right now. Two Hispanics, one of who is bilingual, and a black kid. It's no wonder the brand has had so much success in action sports as of late...

On June 2, 2011 Paul Rodriguez, Theotis Beasley and Omar Salazar take the stage in the NIKE CHOSEN.

This event already happened. But this image represents a unique mash-up of creative concepts I've been working on as of late, had to document it...

Well, can't say I'm surprised Nike was singled out by Fortune Magazine as one the most admired global brands. - 'How Nike Rules the World'

From Shanghai to Sao Paolo, the swoosh is figuring out what it takes to conquer each market...appeal locally, be bold, & adapt the model.

The above three reasons is why I've recognized them as the brand to really watch when it comes to the youth demographic and action sports. Soon enough how they market overseas will influence the United States. It's already playing out with urban snowboard market.