In my early 20’s a got an email that changed my life - the beginning of a relationship with what would be the first shop internationally to offer my work. Hiroshi Yahagi introduced my work to Japan, and essentially took me by the hand, helping me learn to work with surf shops - his patience with me, as I learned such things as what an invoice is, was helpful beyond measure. He brought me on my first international work trip, a tour of Japan to surf and visit shops he worked with - something that was humbling beyond comprehension. He embraced my work and myself wholeheartedly, and unknown to most, was the inspiration for the rectangle logo that’s been on my boards for years now. I remember sitting down with him one day while visiting, creating that version of my logo on the spot together. He saw something in me that took me a decade to understand, and helped guide me to that point whenever possible. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing a couple of weeks ago; immediately filtering through nearly 15 years of memories of his enthusiastic support of my shaping and exploration. His presence and influence on my early business was immense, and in his memory I have decided to retire the logo we created together; something I know he was very proud of, and something I would like to dedicate to his name. The last boards with this logo are filtering through glass shops now, and the next batches to go out will be the first with the new variation, shown in slide two 🫶🏼 life goes on for those who are left in our wake, hopefully we have affected some positive change for those who will hold through the waves of grief and change that follows. Rest In Peace Yahagi-san, and thank you 💛