Founded: 1976
Founder: Jeff Newton
Location: Dallas, TX

Most people that are into skating and streetwear history know that Zorlac has been around for a long time, but are surprised to learn that they was founded in Dallas, TX.  Dallas was not exactly a hotbed of skate culture during that time, but Jeff Newton was part of the thriving punk scene during this time and at the time, skating and punk rock were closely tied together.  It wasn’t until the mid-90s, that hip hop was a mainstay in the skate scene, pretty much taking over in just a couple of quick years.

When Jeff hired Brian Schroeder aka Pushead to do graphics for the brand it immediately established Zorlac in the skate scene.  Pushead was the frontman for the band Septic Death and was also a music writer for Thrasher magazine.  It instantly gave Zorlac credibility and the brand thrived from there.

Zorlac signed the two best skates in Texas as pros, John Gibson from Houston and Craig Johnson from Dallas.  After starting the company in his garage in Dallas, Newton moved the headquarters to San Diego in 1987.

With their grisly graphics and morbid themes (even before Pushead was onboard), Zorlac targeted a very specific niche even within the skate and punk communities and it proved to be a savvy decision.  For decades they have had a cult-like following of not only skaters, but also punk and metal fans and the musicians in the bands in those scenes as well. 

Contributing Members: @mrthingone