Mar 10, 2025
When you think of Tony Hawk, chances are you picture him pulling off a 900 or flying high in a skatepark. And while Hawk managed to conquer the skateboarding world thanks to his legendary skills, he managed to hone some pretty serious financial tricks too.
In a YouTube video, the old-school skater chats with hosts of Nine Club Clips to reveal what he learned about finance and the power of money as he built his brand and his business.
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Here are three key lessons investors of all types can learn from Hawk’s journey.
1. Unexpected success can be life-changing — if you’re ready for it
Tony Hawk has invested in multiple business ventures, including his skateboard company Birdhouse and various clothing and video game projects. And while Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game series was a massive hit, even Hawk himself didn’t anticipate just how successful it would become.
After the release of the fourth game in the series, he was shocked to learn that the first three games were still in the top 10 sales. The result? A surprise $4 million royalty cheque that changed his life.
This is why it’s so important to be ready to seize opportunities. Sometimes, a single investment or venture can unexpectedly take off and change your life overnight. But this only happens if you’re in the right place at the right time, with the right mindset, to take advantage of the opportunity.
For investors, this highlights the importance of staying connected to your passions. By backing businesses that align with his personal interests, Hawk has been able to stay engaged and motivated — and ready to seize opportunities when they come.
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2. Importance of giving back
Now that you’ve made your fortune, how will you make use of it? Hawk didn’t just sit on his newfound wealth. He used a significant portion of his earnings to give back through his Tony Hawk Foundation, which builds skateparks in underprivileged areas.
Philanthropy can be a powerful way to share your success, and it also builds a lasting legacy. Whether donating a portion of your earnings to charity, investing in sustainable businesses, or supporting local initiatives, giving back can create a ripple effect beyond financial returns.
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Beyond personal fulfillment, charitable giving can have tax advantages and can be an integral part of estate planning for those thinking long-term.
3. Staying humble even in success
Despite his wealth and fame, Tony Hawk is known for staying grounded. He doesn’t flaunt his success, preferring to focus on meaningful projects and personal fulfillment rather than flashy displays of wealth. Hawk’s humility is a reminder that staying grounded is key to long-term success.
When things are going well, it can be easy to get caught up in chasing profits and showing off. However, staying humble, avoiding risky or showy investments, and keeping your focus on long-term goals can help you sustain your financial success.
True wealth isn’t just about money — it’s about how you use it and how it aligns with your values.
Whether it’s being prepared for unexpected success, giving back to the community, staying humble, or diversifying your investments, Hawk’s approach is one we can all learn from. His story proves that the principles of success — whether in skateboarding, business, or investing — often overlap.
So, as you roll toward your own financial goals, remember to take a few tips from the “Birdman” himself.
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Romana King is the woman behind RKHomeowner and currently holds the position of Director of Content at Zolo. She writes for various publications and her first book, *House Poor No More: 9 Steps That Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth,* is an Amazon bestseller.
