Alien Workshop (a.k.a. AWS) is a renowned American skateboarding company founded in 1990 in Dayton, Ohio, by Chris Carter, Mike Hill, and Neil Blen... View more

Alien Workshop (a.k.a. AWS) is a renowned American skateboarding company founded in 1990 in Dayton, Ohio, by Chris Carter, Mike Hill, and Neil Blender. The brand gained attention for its unconventional approach to skateboarding, notably being based outside of California, the heart of the skate industry. Alien Workshop was also recognized for its distinctive marketing, which was inspired by UFOs and conspiracy theories. The company’s name came from a friend’s bulletin board discussing alien technology, setting the tone for its unique and creative branding. From the beginning, AWS made waves with its innovative skate videos, starting with "Memory Screen" in 1991, which introduced skaters like Rob Dyrdek, Bo Turner, and Scott Conklin. This was followed by "Timecode" (1997), which featured Josh Kalis, Lenny Kirk, and Fred Gall. In 2000, "Photosynthesis" became a defining moment for the brand, with Jason Dill and Anthony van Engelen becoming key figures in its legacy. Throughout the years, AWS faced ownership changes, including being acquired by Burton Snowboards in 2008 and later by Rob Dyrdek in 2012. Financial difficulties led to the company’s closure in 2014, but AWS was revived in 2015 under new management, introducing a fresh, all-amateur team and distributing through Tum Yeto. The company released its sixth video, "Bunker Down", and continued to produce iconic skateboards and gear. Skaters like Jason Dill, Anthony van Engelen, and Jake Johnson were integral to AWS’s success, with the company being known for its artistic style, largely driven by Mike Hill’s design contributions. Despite the ups and downs, Alien Workshop remains a lasting influence in the skateboarding world, continuing to release videos and new pro model boards. Show less