Interview with Tim Swart of UNIV and Robust Flavor

Over the past few years, we’ve had the fortunate chance of meeting, working, and collaborating with many influential and talented individuals. Many of these people have helped us grow through donations, resources, and time. We want to highlight these people and understand how they’ve achieved their success and what drives these individuals to do what they do. Most importantly, we want to recognize these amazing people who help us in fulfilling our mission. In our eyes they exhibit Success Through Opportunity, Knowledge, Experience, and Determination.

Over the last 15 years, Tim Swart has been responsible for developing, marketing and managing many successful action sports brands. He created and founded Clive bags and is a co-founder of UNIV brand and concept shop in Encinitas, CA. Along with business partner Mirko Mangum, they also own and operate Coup De Grace and online shop Robust Flavor. Tim was born in London England and grew up in between there and New Jersey. He now lives in California with his wife and son. Tim is also a founding board member of Stoked and is one of its first major donors & supporters.

SM: What are you Stoked about these days?
TS: My family and new business challenges.

SM: What is your definition of success?
TS: loving what you do, feeling satisfied with your accomplishments and having a positive influence on others.

SM: What inspires you to do what you do?
TS: The desire to do something different and to continue to learn.

SM: How do you get motivated to take on major challenges?
TS: Find out the task, do a little research and then just dive in.

SM: How important is it to have a supportive community within your field of work?
TS: It is important but not a necessity. Sometimes it feels good blazing a new path too.

SM: Who has played an important role in your life/career? Any mentors?
TS: Every job I worked had great mentors. I am always looking for people to learn off of and grow.

SM: Any life lessons you’d like to pass on to our youth?
TS: Make goals for yourself and never stop learning. It may sound cliche but you can do anything you want to do, you just have to think it.

SM: What have you learned from action sports?
TS: So much. Dedication and commitment. These sports have given me every job, a world of travel experiences and a focus for my entire life.

SM: Why is it important to support a program like Stoked?
TS: Because it is focused on empowering people to apply themselves, look outside of their surroundings and learn/grow. The camaraderie and energy is amazing.