Jimmy Dowd

Born, raised and currently living in the Howard Beach section of Queens, Jimmy Dowd is an O.G. New Yorker who spent a decade working at Blades from 1991-2001. Overflowing with contagious enthusiasm and a zest for life, Jimmy’s lifelong passion for the Atlantic Ocean and beach lifestyle inspired him to launch St. James Clothing. In addition to running his own brand and traveling the world in search of epic surf spots, he also owns and operates Boarders Surf Shop in Rockaway Beach. Jimmy is a true jack-of-all-trades with an abundance of talent, and we’re proud to have him in the extended Blades family.

Q: As a former Blades employee, what did you like most about working at Blades?
The best thing about working at Blades was learning about retail, merchandising and the art of sales. Also meeting people and the challenge of success.

Q: Who or what inspires you, and why?
The beaches and traveling the world inspire me to learn and search for more culture and experience.

Q: What motivated you to launch St. James, and what’s the best part of running your own brand?
I always knew I wanted to be surrounded by the surf/skate/snowboard community for life, which motivated me to create St. James Clothing. The best part of running this brand is the sharing, creating events, giving gear to people globally, working on videos and making media to share with the world.

Q: Do you have a background in design, and who provides the illustrations/artwork for your products?
I never had a history in design, yet over the years in the retail business I developed a solid eye for what type of product would work well in this community. I had an idea for the images of current and non-existing NYC landmarks. I knew the best artist for the job, Mr. Hugh Gran, in which we are still drawing images for over ten years.

Q: What personal and/or professional accomplishments are you most proud of, and why?
I am proud of the waves I have traveled for and pushed myself to catch. The desire to travel to the destinations in all the videos you watch growing up–I was finally in that country riding the magic I wish I had since I was young. My professional efforts have paid off and I am proud I have never given up on those efforts.

Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?
My hobbies outside of the work place would be surfing, writing, kayaking and hanging with my family and friends with a couple of cold ones.

Q: What are your 3 favorite things about living/working in NYC?
- The most inspiring and fast-paced city in the world.
- The Atlantic Ocean and the slower pace of south Queens.
- The constant hustle and challenge to stay in the game.

Q: What does success mean to you?
Success equals hard work, because success doesn’t come easy. There are other types of success, yet if you want to live in NYC you need to work.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My goal is to create a family and share the amazing knowledge and experience I have taken in over the years with them, and stay fit to keep rippin’…

Q: If you could have dinner with 3 famous people (living or dead), who would you choose to dine with and why?
I’d have to say my grandfather and grandmother because of the history and stories the south Queens community hold to heart and share about them. The Beatles because they had the right idea!

Q: If you could only be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
If people are going to remember me, I hope they remember my generosity.

To learn more, please visit the St. James Clothing website and Boarders Surf Shop website.