In this episode, we sit down with Jared Nelson, the visionary craftsman behind the legendary Drang Longboards and his latest venture, Grand Proto Lab. While Drang may have closed its doors, Jared’s passion for pushing the boundaries of board construction hasn’t slowed down. Jared takes us on a deep dive through his journey, starting with the story behind the Drang name and the wild highs and lows of navigating the longboard industry. We talk shop about his new chapter at Grand Proto Lab, what it takes to build elite custom decks, and the vital role team riders play in testing and shaping the final product. Whether you’re a downhill speed freak, a gear nerd, or just love a good comeback story, this conversation is packed with grit, raw skate history, and board-building wisdom. What we cover:

• The Drang Legacy: Where the iconic name came from and the lessons learned from the brand’s closure.
• The Next Chapter: What Jared is cooking up now at Grand Proto Lab.
• Industry Rollercoaster: Navigating the unpredictable ups and downs of the skate market.
• Rider-Driven Design: The crucial collaboration between builders and team riders.

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