If there is a face to the boardsports industry, Selema Masekela wears it. He’s perhaps the most recognizable on-air talent in the business. But it wasn’t always like that. Salema started small, working as a clerk in a surf shop and answering phones at TransWorld Media—the action sports powerhouse from the turn of the millennium. 

“I loved that job,” says Selema. “I felt like the captain of the ship. All communication went through me. Photographers, shops, company owners, and advertisers all had to talk to me to get to the person they needed to get in touch with. I put Tony Hawk on hold on one of my first days at work, how cool is that! I soaked up every second of it, and raised my hand and went for any opportunity I could get. Your first job doesn’t have to be glamorous. Your first job is about getting you in the game.”

A famous person once said by way of career advice: “Never miss an opportunity to appear on television.” Salema also did not hesitate: He grabbed a hot mic and never let go.