John Makens is the owner and creator of I Am Designs and Remind Insoles.  He shreds in Jackson Hole in the winter months and lives in So Cal/ Indonesia during the summer months.  Hailing from Minnesota, John knows how to appreciate these new surroundings and pulls a ton of inspiration from them.  We are stoked to present his interview and at the 2010 SIA show you can find out about a collaboration of the IRF and Remind Insoles. 

Name: John Makens
Hometown: Jackson Hole / O.B.
Current Location: Jackson Hole
Brands you like: Bluebird Wax, Liberty Boardshop, Asymbol, JH snowboarder Magazine, Dragon, Rome, Girl, IP Project, Fobia.
Brands you started: REMIND INSOLES, I AM DESIGNS

We think you have some super creative names aligned with cool product ideas and we want to know where you get your inspiration?
Thank you… Likewise… my inspiration comes from my environment that surrounds me. I get most inspired by those who are naturally talented at what they do, and have no false ego about it. The ones who are humble, do what they do because they simply love it, not to be in the limelight. Those are the most inspiring people to be around for me, and I’m surrounded by so many of them.

So lets talk about your latest project, Remind Insoles. What specifically inspired you to start this product line?
I wanted to bring forth a product that can help progress people with what they love to do everyday. So the Idea of an orthopedic insole came to mind.

How did you come up with the name REMIND and explain how the name specifically relates to the product?
The name REMIND came to mind because, it’s a reminder to remind us that we’re here to create and enjoy life…. It relates perfect with the product because, the Insole forms to, and remembers your exact footprint.

How did you manage to get into a business that is generally dominated by the medical industry?
I am working with a manufacturer that has been manufacturing products for the medical field for 30 years. So we are basically working together to bring this technology to all the people I care about.

Why does a rider need the custom foot Bed and how do they work?
The foot bed aligns your feet in the correct position, and the rest of your body follows. Resulting in better balance, support, pain relief, and comfort.

Who is landing on Remind Insoles when they're snowboarding?
Travis Rice, Bryan Iguchi, Chad Otterstrom, Kyle Clancy, Willie McMillon, Mark Carter, Adam Dowell, Kevin Jones… Along with industry people that would get fired if they told anyone they were using them. Rumor has it John Jackson got his hands on some.

What shops are already showing support for the brand, and why should snowboard shops immediately call you up as opposed to the competition?
Liberty Boardshop, Blindside Co springs, Thrifty stick, Jackson Treehouse, Method…

But that is not the only project you have going, tell us the latest with I AM Apparel.
Lately, I’ve been spending some time in Indo

How about your journeys to Indonesia, tell us a little about that.
It really blows… nobody should ever go there. The waves suck, the food is awful, and the people are rude. Horrible experience.

and the I AM movie?
A few friends and I are taking a month trip to Indo and going to document it. I can’t wait to see them trip out on the 3rd world way of life.

Why did you choose Indonesia for your manufacturing of the I AM Apparel and not some traditional Chinese manufacturer like the rest of the world?
I’d rather support the Indonesian people and not some sketchy child labor facility. Plus there is no surf in China.

What are your plans for this winter?
Shredding with my friends and filming with Bluebird, “Dobre Hombres”,

How did you end up living in Jackson, tell us about your history in snowboarding and what brought you there...
I grew up in Minnesota… started snowboarding when I was 8 years old. Because the lack of mountains and riding terrain, my goal was to migrate west, to an actual mountainous area. I spent 2 years in Steamboat, CO. Then 2 years in SLC. While there, I got in with Illuminati Snowboards which was based out of Jackson, and started making trips regularly whenever storms came through. I met Willie and the rest of the crew, and found the mellow little Mountain town I’ve always been looking for. Because of the complete lack of scene in Jackson, and great people I’ve met, I moved there in a heartbeat. I really just wanted to be somewhere where I can be completely under the Radar. I’ve been in Jackson 8 years since.

What happens when there is a month of powder everyday in Jackson, what happens to business, on hold or still a priority?
Well the reason for business is so we are all able to be free and ride pow… so in that hopeful scenario; early bird pow session comes first, then mid-day business handling later. Or if business is un-avoidable, night pow at Snow King is always a good time. Both are a priority… just need to find the balance.

What is one thing that you are looking forward to in the next year?
There are many things… but I’m really looking forward to witnessing so many new projects and visions play out. Rice and Parillo’s Asymbol project, The Bluebird Movie, Carter and Dowell making a come up, I get stoked to see my friends doing dope shit with their lives.

Any inspiration you would like to share to the entrepreneur/ shredders that are out there reading this?
Don’t get caught up in the mix… The world is encircled with imagination.

Thanks Makens, anyone you would like to thank?
Mi familia, O’connor, Pindroh, J Brown, Rice, Willie, Drago, Guch, Parillo, Haworth, Ramirez, ZIM, Dowell, Carter, Harvy, R Smith, Dodds, CP, Chuck T, Wheeler, Brody, Runke, Cavan, Pash, Role Model, Any one who has kept it real along the way, I am forever grateful.