“action sports” company? Steffi: Actually I always wanted to be a vet doc...but somehow skating crossed my way and then Vans and my job. It turned to be out the best job, since you get to know a lot of nice people and same minded souls! Even future husbands!
This week is “Girls Week” on FATBMX. Do you think there is less girl involvement in BMX compared to other “action sports”?
Steffi: I think in a relation to skateboarding it's the same, cause BMX is still a bit smaller or less people in total. But compared to snowboarding or surfing there are a lot less girls...we need to work on that. But it hurts..sometimes..!
Is there any girl BMX riders that you hook up with Vans stuff?
Steffi: Sometimes we flow some girls, but to be honest there has never been a girl convincing me fully over a longer time yet...it's pretty hard, since Andy now is
responsible for the German and Austrian team as well. So even less chances..haha. But at the "Ladiez first" camp in the Mellowpark we used to have great talents!! So ..! Vans have been around since 1966 and are still one of the leaders in the shoe business. Do you have an explanation for the success?
Steffi: Mhhhh...wafflesole and -soul. I think the Californian lifestyle and the history with Vans and BMX, especially BMX race is pretty
impressive. And although we are a huge company with a lot of lifestyle products now, we always put CORE first. The riders and th
e Vans product family always try to improve the shoes and product and that is part of the success as well I think. Product Manager in the US do usually skate, ride BMX or snowboard and that's the nice thing...knowing your products advantages and disadvantages gives you a chance to change. What BMX events did you sponsor in 2010 and why did you choose those events?
Steffi: Because they are just incorporating Vans BMX! Rebel Jam, Let it ride, Butcher's Jam, April Jam...and of course Kill the line!
Then we flow some local comps as well with stuff , stickers and PR support. That's important too, cause not all of us have the possibility to fly around the world. And somehow they have to get there with practise at local comps! Are you stoked on the Vans BMX team effort in 2010?
Steffi: Pretty YES!!! I like face brake faces and open ellbows! Hahaha...but don't break anythink or tear your ligaments...that always takes so long besides the pain...
What are the plans for 2011?
Steffi: I think we will continue with our main events and even expand our German and Austrian BMX team...I know already! Hahaha...Hopefully have a great Rebel Jam, Kill the line and a lot of small grassroot jams and another nice BMX tour again!
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.