♻️ From Recycled Skateboards to Systemic Impact: David Stover’s Imperfect Journey

In this episode, I sit down with David Stover, CEO and Co-founder of Bureo, Inc., for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation on purpose-driven entrepreneurship, systems change, and staying the course—especially when things get messy.

David’s path started in a surf and skate shop in Rhode Island, wound through engineering school and corporate consulting, and eventually led him to Australia and then Chile, where a garage-based skateboard project sparked a global movement to turn discarded fishing nets into high-performance materials.

From lucky breaks with Jack Johnson and Patagonia to bold pivots and relentless supply chain problem-solving, David shares his journey of turning a small idea into a big impact.

“We were just working on a problem.” — David Stover, on how it all started

🧭 What We Talk About:

• His early career wake-up call and the pivot from EY consultant to purpose-driven entrepreneur
• The origin story of Bureo: recycled fishing nets → skateboards → apparel
• Why their journey has been “imperfect,” and why that’s okay
• Lessons from Patagonia, Kelly Slater, and other bold brand partners
• A call for strategic urgency in the face of climate and plastic pollution
• Why brands with conviction and consumers who care are key to scaling sustainability

💡 Key Takeaways:

• “Ideas are great, but action is where the road meets the water.”
• Strategic urgency is the sweet spot between moving fast and staying responsible
• Start with purpose. Build the infrastructure. Be ready for luck.
• System change is not a straight line—it’s about constant feedback loops and micro-adjustments
• Positivity and persistence go hand in hand

🧠 Memorable Quotes:

“We need brands with conviction.”

“Stay even-keeled. Don’t ride too high or sink too low—just keep going.”

“The world is producing more new plastic every year. That’s the problem we’re focused on.”

“If you weren’t worried about money, where would your career take you?”

🎧 Listen if you are:

• An early-career professional or student trying to find purpose in your path
• A sustainability leader or entrepreneur navigating complex systems
• Curious how a side hustle became a force for global supply chain transformation
• Wondering how you can help “accelerate the impact” we need
• A brand leader who knows it’s time to do more than talk

Music by Lidérc.

🔗 Links to Know About:

Learn more about David: David Stover on LinkedIn

Explore Bureo

#careeradvice #careerstories #careerjournies #plasticpollution #systemschange