ONE DROP DESIGN - Key Persons
In 2012 Andrew began working for us assembling and machining yo-yos, but its not all robots and side effects! Outside of yoyo, Andrew enjoys a competitive game of tennis and is putting his pen to the digital canvas as he is pursuing a career as a concept artist for video games.
There isn't anything in the English dictionary to describe how thrilled we are to be working with Ethan Cheung. Reigning from New Jersey, Ethan has quietly worked his way to becoming a powerhouse in the circuit. His technical execution, elemental smoothness and flow pairs perfectly with the jazzy tunes he can lay down on his saxophone. The future is bright with Ethan and we are privileged to have him as a part of our family, and more than excited to see him serenade the world with his talents.
We are honored to welcome Graeme Steller to our team. Graeme has an enthusiastic personality that is loved by all, and his consistent joy and service to the community makes him a perfect representation of our "For the Players" mentality.
Graeme has quickly distinguished himself in the yo-yoing community, to say the least. His yo-yo videos each show editing technique and overall construction that is not only brilliant, but additionally thoughtful and masterful. While his name is recognized internationally, Graeme especially holds a strong presence on the East Coast of the United States, having grown up in Rhode Island. He has worked hard to improve the scene in New England through his many performances, yo-yo club start-ups, competition freestyles, and more.
Greg has been a strong supporter of our cause since the day he stopped by our shop on his way to visit his grandparents here in Oregon. We've had our eyes on him for years and are excited watch him blossom as a part of our talented team. As a member of the Tech Creators, Greg is always on the hunt to expand and polish his library of tricks. We're glad to be working by his side as he treks through this journey.
We are thrilled to have Jason Rodriguez, aka "J-Rod", aka "Rigo", as part of the One Drop team! He's a professor of anthropology, a musician, and a writer. He's been a yoyo modder, designed the CODE2, and has served as a moderator for the YoYoExpert, YoYoNation, and TheYo internet forums. You can find him at such contests as SER, Mass States, NY States, BAC, and the WYYC, as well as at the Finger Lakes Yoyo Club. He loves learning 1a, 5a, and fixed axle tricks, so come introduce yourself and trade tricks if you run into him.
Jonathon Best by day is a middle school computer literacy teacher and by night a yo-yoer with a passion for the hobby that has lasted over 20 years. He has spent most of his life in and around contests, clubs, and workshops. From the Duncan to the Yomega boom, to the birth of the internet, Jonathon has seen most of it grow and evolve around him as he developed into the player he is today.
Whether teaching kids or adults, running workshops, or doing demos, Jonathon's happy to spread his love of the hobby to as many people as he can.
A long time ago, Jonathon started to write graffiti under the moniker "Doctor B", and that name has followed him into yo-yoing. He produces yo-yo videos under that name and yelling out "Hey, Doc!" will get his attention at any contest. Talk to him about trick theory, string geometry, or yo-yo physics and you'll understand why he's called the Doctor.
We are beyond ecstatic to have Jt Nickel on the squad. As an Oregon Native, he is of course a perfect fit for our brand. Jt's yo-yoing has come a long way since he picked up his first yo-yo in the late stages of 2010. Since then, he has blossomed into a spectacular yo-yoer, showcasing his skills up and down the west coast with his very distinct style.
A recent graduate from university, Jt is getting his hands dirty in the art of machining and we're excited to see what he ends up making!
We are honored to welcome Lukas Pokorny to our team. Coming from one of the biggest yoyo nations Lukas quickly established himself as a role model in the Czech scene. He is working tireless to support the local community through supervising at yoyo camps, working behind the scenes at contents and running classes at elementary schools.
Lukas is also often found teaching or helping behind the counter at Slusny. Make sure to stop by and give him a high five if you ever visit Prague!
We are so honored to be in partnership with Mark Montgomery. He's a legend in yo-yoing and we're blessed that he loves our yo-yos and represents them with grace and style.
Mark has an extensive life outside of yo-yoing. He attends Savannah College of Art and Design as a Graphic Design and Animation double major. He also juggles, diabolos, beatboxes, breakdances, pops, plays trumpet, does music production, comedy, and freestyle rap.
Here are the teams Mark has been on in chronological order: Duncan, Yomega, Buzz-On Industries, One Drop.
Western Massachusetts native Matthew Giroux is well loved by the northeast yoyo scene. A regular on sport master podiums and at craft breweries, Matthew loves his beers hoppy, and his yoyos purple and green. And with over 5 years experience in the modern yoyo scene, Forum eXpert status at YYE, and deity status behind a grill...Matthew is the man to meet, rap about favorite One Drop models, and join for a great dining experience and a bottle of your favorite craft brew.
It is our great pleasure to have Nehemiah Peterson join the OD family. We believe he is an outstanding individual with a great passion for the yoyo community. Since his joining, he has become an essential asset to promotion through social media outlets, and you will likely find him behind the lens at the contests, documenting everything via picture and video capture.
We look forward to working with Nehemiah moving forward, and are thankful for all he does for the community.
We met Paul Dang in 2008 and our friendship has flourished since. In 2009, we asked Paul to join the team, of course he said yes! His commitment, talent and charisma towards life are few of of the many reasons we decided to ask him to join. He's grown as a yoyoer and more importantly as a person through this partnership.
In 2012, Paul packed his bags and moved two hours south to Eugene to work for us full time. Since then, he has been frolicking in his office, assembling and testing yoyos. He is also the head of our marketing and social media department, taking pictures, video and keeping the community informed on what's happening at the shop. We are proud and honored to have Paul Dang aboard!
Ryosuke is the first member of our team from Japan. By joining yoyo contests, making video clips, head judging and helping organizing 44CLASH he is very much involved in the japanese yoyoing scene.
We are excited to announce the addition of Talia Jamison to the OD family! She has been a big part of the yoyo community in Utah where she can be found inspiring the next generation of young players. She has a gift for working with kids and it's just hard not to love her! Talia has been moving towards the competetive side of yoyoing and we are proud to support her in those goals. We are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Talia!
We are honored to have Vilmos representing us on the team. Vilmos has a superb personality that no one can deny loving. His yo-yo presence not only is felt in Europe but also in the North America, taking trips to the states to visit us at the shop and compete for the World title.
Vilmos has quickly established himself as a yo-yo powerhouse. Not only is he the Hungarian National Champion, Vilmos utilizes his expertise to judge prestigious yo-yo contests all over the World. His resume doesn't quite end there, with a heavy background in webdesign, Vilmos designed our very own website and a few other yo-yo related sites.
It is our pleasure to welcome our good friend and Eugene native Will Prater to the One Drop family! As food connoisseur, master chef, musician, and freelance photographer, Will somehow finds time to incorporate yoyoing into his busy schedule. Making visits to the shop on a weekly basis, we consider will to be a great friend and an asset to the community.
Will is kindhearted and force to be reckoned with. We've got to see him grow as a player over the year and we're looking forward to seeing the impact he has on the community.