World Industries

Steve Rocco's company that helped drive the shift to street skating, known for Marc McKee's cartoon characters and for spawning brands such as Blind, Plan B and 101.

History

Steve Rocco started World Industries with Rodney Mullen; Rocco reportedly funded it with a maxed-out credit card and an initial run of 500 boards. [2][5]
Marc McKee was hired as designer in 1989 and created the mascots Devil Man, Flame Boy and Wet Willy. [3][1]
World Industries was home to sub-brands including Blind (with Mark Gonzales), Plan B (with Mike Ternasky) and 101 (with Natas Kaupas). [5][1]
In October 1998 a 70% stake in the company was sold for $29 million; by then World was said to be the top-selling brand, with Blind second. [4][1]
Globe International bought the parent company Kubic in 2002, sold World Industries to i.e. Distribution in 2007, and GVS America bought it in 2014. [1]
Rocco also founded Big Brother magazine. [2]

Sources disagree

Founding date: Steve Rocco's Wikipedia page and Frank151 say 1987, while the World Industries Wikipedia page says March 1989.
Founders: the World Industries Wikipedia page lists Steve Rocco, Jesse Martinez, Rodney Mullen and Mike Vallely; other sources name only Rocco and Mullen.