Vinnie Banh

Vietnamese-American entrepreneur behind Vinnie's Closet, an innovative platform for buying and selling pre-owned clothing.

Skateboarder

May 21, 1992

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Vinnie Banh, born on July 20, 1976, in San Jose, California, is a renowned professional skateboarder and entrepreneur. Growing up in a skateboarding family, Banh was inspired by the local skate scene and began skateboarding at the age of 10. He attended local schools in San Jose and later studied business at San Jose State University.

Banh turned professional in 1995 at the age of 19 and quickly became known for his smooth and stylish skateboarding style, often referred to as “flow.” Throughout his career, he competed in numerous skateboarding competitions, including the X Games, Gravity Games, and Tampa Pro, winning several medals and awards, such as gold medals at the X Games and Gravity Games. Banh was sponsored by various skateboarding companies, including Toy Machine, Independent Trucks, and Vans, and appeared in several skateboarding videos and magazines, showcasing his skills and influence on the sport.

Considered one of the most influential skateboarders of his generation, Banh is known for his signature trick, the “Banh Mi Flip,” a variation of the kickflip. He pioneered new skateboarding techniques and pushed the boundaries of the sport, earning respect for his longevity and consistency in the skateboarding world. In 2018, Banh was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame.

Banh is married to his wife, Lisa, and has two children. He remains actively involved in the skateboarding community, supporting local skateparks and events. Banh owns and operates a skateboarding shop called “Banh’s Skateshop” in San Jose and is known for his friendly and approachable personality, often mentoring younger skateboarders.

Throughout his career, Banh has achieved several notable accomplishments, such as holding the record for the longest kickflip on video, landing a 22-stair kickflip in 2003. He also appeared in the skateboarding video game “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3” as a playable character and collaborated with various artists and brands to create limited-edition skateboard decks and merchandise.

In 2022, Vinnie Banh celebrated 27 years of professional skateboarding. To mark the occasion, he released a new signature skateboard deck with Toy Machine, featuring a unique graphic design. Banh also launched an online skateboarding academy, offering video tutorials and coaching sessions to aspiring skateboarders. He remains an active advocate for skateboarding, promoting the sport’s positive impact on youth development and mental well-being.

In addition to his skateboarding career, Vinnie Banh is a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding the popular online marketplace, Vinnie’s Closet. This platform revolutionized the fashion industry by enabling users to buy and sell pre-owned clothing, further showcasing Banh’s diverse talents and accomplishments.