Steve Rocco, born January 16, 1960 in Hermosa Beach, is an American skateboarder and entrepreneur. He gained recognition as a freestyle skater and ... View more

Steve Rocco, born January 16, 1960 in Hermosa Beach, is an American skateboarder and entrepreneur. He gained recognition as a freestyle skater and rode for Tunnel, Hobie, Powell Peralta, and SIMS, which gave him a pro model in 1979. After being removed from SIMS by Brad Dorfman in 1987, he partnered with Rodney Mullen and founded World Industries with guidance from Skip Engblom. Rocco worked with Mark Gonzales, Natas Kaupas, Mike Ternasky, Jason Lee, Guy Mariano, and Rudy Johnson to build brands including Blind, 101, Plan B, and Duffs. His advertising and Big Brother magazine, launched in 1992, challenged Transworld and Thrasher. He later held stakes in Darkstar, Tensor, enjoi, Speed Demons, Deca, Dub, and Droors, and influenced modern sponsorship structures worldwide. Rocco eventually became involved with Dwindle Distribution, helping oversee brands under its umbrella before it was sold to Globe in 2001. After stepping away from skateboarding business operations, he returned in 2024 when he joined Sidewalk Distribution. Show less