Alien Workshop
| Company type | Privately owned company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Skateboarding |
| Founded | 1990 in Dayton, Ohio, United States |
| Founder | Chris Carter, Mike Hill, Neil Blender |
| Defunct | May 2014 |
| Fate | Ceased operations in May 2014; revived in 2015 |
| Headquarters | Dayton, Ohio (original); Miamisburg, Ohio (since 2016) , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Chris Carter, Mike Hill, Rob Dyrdek (former owner) |
| Products | Skateboard decks, wheels, apparel, accessories |
| Owner | Private; formerly Burton Snowboards, Rob Dyrdek, Pacific Vector Holdings; independent since 2016 |
| Website | www |
Alien Workshop (AWS) is a privately owned American skateboarding brand established in 1990 by Chris Carter, Mike Hill, and Neil Blender in Dayton, Ohio. Following periods of ownership by Burton Snowboards and professional rider Rob Dyrdek starting in 2012, the company was purchased by Pacific Vector Holdings in October 2013. Before its closure in May 2014, Alien Workshop manufactured skateboard decks, wheels, apparel, and related accessories.
The brand experienced a revival in 2015 with the introduction of an amateur team and distribution handled by Tum Yeto, accompanied by the release of new decks and the video Bunker Down. By 2016, under the guidance of Mike Hill, operations were relocated back to the Mound Laboratories facility in Miamisburg, Ohio, restoring the company’s independent status after a complex sequence of ownership changes.
1990–1999: Origins and initial video projects
During a period when skateboarding culture was largely centered in California, Alien Workshop was founded in Dayton and swiftly attracted attention with its debut video Memory Screen (1991), showcasing riders such as Rob Dyrdek. The 1997 production Timecode introduced notable team members Josh Kalis and Fred Gall, strengthening the brand’s foothold in the skateboarding community.
2000–2008: Growth phase and acquisition by Burton
In the early 2000s, Joe Castrucci joined to produce Photosynthesis, which featured emerging talents Jason Dill and Anthony van Engelen. The company established DNA Distribution as an internal entity to oversee multiple brands including Habitat and Reflex Bearings. In 2008, Burton Snowboards acquired DNA Distribution. That same year, Alien Workshop expanded its roster by signing professional skateboarder Arto Saari from Flip Skateboards as part of a strategic talent acquisition.
2009–2014: Development, Dyrdek ownership, and operational difficulties
The 2009 video Mind Field highlighted new team members such as Jake Johnson and Heath Kirchart. Arto Saari returned to Flip Skateboards in 2011. In January 2012, Rob Dyrdek purchased Alien Workshop along with DNA Distribution from Burton Snowboards; he managed marketing activities from Los Angeles while Chris Carter oversaw Dayton operations. That year also saw the launch of a product line inspired by Keith Haring’s artwork.
Significant departures occurred in May 2013 when Jason Dill and Anthony Van Engelen left the company. Later that year, Mikey Taylor ended his eleven-year tenure with Alien Workshop. In October 2013, Pacific Vector Holdings acquired a controlling stake in DNA Distribution for $1.5 million plus stock options; Dyrdek retained a minority share. Alex Campbell joined the team following his appearance in Nike SB’s Two Up video.
Facing financial challenges under Pacific Vector Holdings’ management, Alien Workshop ceased operations in May 2014; this included closing retail stores and implementing cost reductions aimed at saving $722,000 annually. The shutdown was met with disappointment within industry circles. Founders Chris Carter and Duane Pitre participated in a retrospective screening of Memory Screen in June 2014.
Rob Dyrdek later characterized Alien Workshop as being on hiatus but expressed intentions for a future relaunch employing a streamlined business approach tailored to contemporary market demands. By 2015, Mike Hill resumed leadership with distribution through Tum Yeto while Chris Carter concentrated on developing Reflex Bearings. The brand released its sixth video Bunker Down that year and welcomed rider Yaje Popson early in 2016.
Since 2016: Resumption of Ohio-Based Operations
In the middle of 2016, Alien Workshop concluded its collaboration with Tum Yeto and fully shifted its operations back to Ohio. That September, newcomer Frankie Spears unveiled his video segment titled Bigly. At the beginning of 2017, Yaje Popson and Joey Guevara were elevated to professional status, each receiving signature pro model skateboards—the first such releases following the brand’s revival. Mike Hill provided a comprehensive interview detailing the company’s revitalization plan, creative direction at the Bunker facility, partnership efforts with Supreme, and confirmed Rob Dyrdek’s departure from active management roles.
Videography
- Memory Screen (1991)
- Timecode (1997)
- Photosynthesis (2000)
- Kalis in Mono promotional film (2006)
- Mind Field (2009)
- Bunker Down (2015)
Life Splicing collection
Introduced in early 2011 as a digital series focusing on team riders through artistic cinematography by videographers Greg Hunt, Benny Maglinao, and Cody Green. The series received acclaim for transforming online skateboarding content into sophisticated visual art.
- Life Splicing No. 001: Kevin Terpening (2011)
- Life Splicing No. 002: Life In A Box (2011)
- Life Splicing No. 003: EXP (2011)
- Life Splicing No. 004: Nick Boserio (2011)
- Life Splicing No. 005: Gilbert Crockett (2011)
- Life Splicing No. 006: John Fitzgerald (2012)