Shorty’s Hardware was founded in 1992 by Tony Buyalos (RIP) and April Hamrick in Santa Barbara, California. Tony, a sponsored skateboarder, wanted to remain in the industry after his sponsorship and started a skateboard brand called Eppic, which later became Small Room skateboards. In the early '90s, Tony and April decided to create better skateboard hardware bolts that were smaller, lighter, and stronger. With just $200 out of their pockets, they launched Shorty’s Hardware, which quickly gained popularity.

Shorty’s Hardware filled a gap in the market, as there was little competition in that segment. Their focus on quality and innovation allowed them to assemble a stacked team. But it wasn’t until they added Chad Muska that Shorty's really took off!

Chad Muska, known for his distinctive style and creativity, joined Shorty’s Skateboards after a turbulent journey. He had been part of Toy Machine skateboards but got kicked off the team for a drunken incident at the Welcome To Hell video premiere. Muska received offers from various brands, including Flip Skateboards, but it was Tony Buyalos who flew him up to Santa Barbara for a meeting with Shorty’s. Tony pitched the idea of forming a new brand beyond hardware, and Chad was intrigued. Shorty’s Skateboards was born, offering Muska creative control, team input, and a lucrative paycheck.

Shorty’s became a skateboarding powerhouse in the '90s and early 2000s. They specialized in skateboard hardware, but their influence extended far beyond bolts.

Shorty's Hardware Skate Videos:

Shorty's "Fulfill The Dream": Chad Muska Section

"Skateboarding legend Chad Muska has made headlines recently with his reunion with the Shorty's family, but his impact on the skateboarding world extends beyond just his impressive skills on the board. One of his most notable contributions to skateboarding culture is his involvement in the classic skate movie, Shorty's Fulfill the Dream.

Released in 1998, Shorty's Fulfill the Dream features Muska and other members of the Shorty's team showcasing their skills on the streets and skateparks of California. The film was groundbreaking at the time for its innovative use of editing and music, which helped create a unique and immersive viewing experience for skateboarders and fans alike.

Muska played a significant role in the making of the film, not only as one of the featured skateboarders but also as a creative force behind the scenes. He collaborated with the film's director, Tim Dowling, on the film's soundtrack and helped choose the music that would accompany the skateboarding footage.

Shorty's Fulfill the Dream became an instant classic and has since been praised as one of the best skate movies of all time. It continues to inspire skateboarders around the world, who look to Muska and his fellow Shorty's team members as role models and icons.": eS Skateboarding

"One of my favorite memories of my entire 1990s was semi randomly going to Muska's house one day when he lived in PB and had gotten on Shortys like the week before. He was spinning Wu on turbtables in his living room and on the couch were Elissa Steamer, Chad Knight, Brian Emmers and Aaron Snyder. We were meeting up to go skate Mission Bay High School and piling into our crusty Civics out front. I asked Chad if he wanted to ride with us to the schoolyard and he was like "nah I'm gonna skate all the way there to get hyped for the session!" (This was pre Muska-lade and I don't think he owned a car yet) His energy was contagious and he got all of us so fired up. Will never forget that day from this era."

"Jason from silverton, if you're reading this, I still want the vhs copy of fulfill the dream I lent you in 2001 back."

"straight up classic."

"The 90’s were an amazing time to watch and be influenced by how quick skateboarding was changing by some of the best skateboarders to ever grace our world (Too many to mention) but then to have somebody like MUSKA round out the 90’s with this video and part will forever be etched in history. One of the best times in my life was when Muska and Creager came to Tasmania Australia and we all hung out and skated, ate pizza, shared blunts and drunk beers, the good old days"

"A quarter of a century later and no one has even come close. An instant icon. THE MUSKA."

Shorty's "Guilty" Skateboard Video

"Holds up 20 years later."

"I always remembered Sammy Baptistas part cuz he’s got that dope song"

Shorty's "How To Go Pro" Skate Video 

"Muska best part"

"Still have this on DVD from a magazine I ordered back early 2000s! Good times."