He took third place in freestyle skate at the 1987 World Cup in Germany, runs the biggest wholesale skateboard company in the U.S. and is a Wilmington resident.

Reggie Barnes is one of the biggest names in skateboarding, not only for his skills as a skateboarder, but for his thriving wholesale company, Eastern Skateboard Supply.

Barnes started skating in the 70s and between 1980 and 1991 he placed in the top five in 15 professional freestyle skateboarding events around the world. Some of his proudest endeavors include a second and third place win in Del Mar, and a first place award at the Florida Sundeck.

Barnes said skateboarding is the key to his success. “The sport has kept me young at heart and has helped me stay in good physical condition,” he said. He also mentioned that, were it not for skateboarding, he wouldn’t have friends from all around the world.

Barnes competes in downhill events, such as the skateboard slalom. He also competes in marathons and tries to surf daily.

Reggie Barnes is president of Eastern Skateboard, which he opened in 1985. The success of his company is due to it’s ability to sell everything board sport related through one company.

Because of Barnes’ managing skills, his warehouse is able to carry the same brands that his competitors carry as well as such brands as Birdhouse, Hook-Ups, Enjoi, and Zero.

According to the company’s Website Eastern prides itself on “large company service with a small family-owned business atmosphere.” They ship to all 50 states in the U.S. and many countries worldwide.

His entire staff has experience in some board sport and they have the opportunity to practice on the half-pipe in his warehouse.

Even with his professional skateboarding and business success, Barnes says he’s never lost sight of where he came from, and who he is. From riding to presiding, Reggie Barnes has made two successful careers out of a sport he loves.