ZERO Skateboards has announced a new collaboration with Kris Markovich, set to premiere this Saturday at 9 AM PST / 12 Noon EST.
The project carries a personal meaning for ZERO founder Jamie Thomas, who has looked up to Markovich since his teenage years growing up in the American South.
Back in 1990, Markovich left Pensacola, Florida, for California.
Within months, he appeared in Thrasher, followed by a Pro Spotlight in TransWorld within a year.
For Thomas, who was just 16 or 17 at the time, seeing someone from a nearby part of the country make a name for himself in skateboarding was deeply inspiring.
It showed him that he could also leave the South and build a life around skateboarding.
Markovich's photos and video parts continued to inspire Thomas throughout the years, giving him hope as he pursued his own path in skateboarding.
However, their relationship was not always easy.
Despite the admiration and shared history, the two had their ups and downs and never found the right opportunity to work together on something meaningful.
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That has finally changed.
Now in their 50s and both sober, Thomas says they have developed a new appreciation for each other.
Working alongside Markovich and his wife, Renee, has given them an opportunity to build a relationship rooted in gratitude and mutual respect.
The collaboration represents much more than a new project.
It's a chance to reconnect, appreciate how far they've come, and create something meaningful together after years of ups and downs.
Sometimes, life brings people back together at just the right time.
And for two longtime figures in skateboarding, this collaboration is a pretty special full circle moment.
Zero Posted:
"ZERO x @kris_markovich
This Saturday at 9 AM PST / 12 Noon ESTIt’s an honor to have the opportunity to work so closely with Kris & his wife Renee on a project at this stage in our lives.
I’ve said this many times, but Kris was a huge inspiration to me growing up in the South. In 1990, he left Pensacola, a little over two hours from where I grew up, for California. Within months, he was in Thrasher & had a Pro Spotlight in TransWorld within a year. To a 16/17-year-old me, this was proof that it was possible to make it out of the South & build a life in skateboarding.
Every photo & video part that came out in the years that followed fueled me with hope & inspiration.
Admittedly, we’ve had an up-and-down relationship over the years & were never able to work together on anything meaningful. Until now.
As sober, mature 50+ year olds, we’ve been able to redefine our relationship, building it on gratitude & mutual respect.
To me, this is what it’s all about. ❤️🙏🏼
-JT"