A lot of pros start making money before they are even old enough to drive, and spend their early years traveling the world with their friends without a set schedule and with minimal responsibilities. When the curtains close, pros often lack the “real-world” experience to pivot back into “normal” society.

Rob Pluhowski was one of the few ex-pros out there that got ahead of the curve and was able to flesh out a plan for “retirement” early on. He discovered his love for woodworking and started making furniture with the help of a friend right as he was deciding to back out of the industry. Through his dedication to craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, he has attracted a strong clientele of designers who custom order his stunning (and expensive) work for the elite. We’re talking four to five-figure pieces of furniture here, not your regular old IKEA dressers or dining tables.

Rob can be pretty blunt, and maybe even a bit harsh at times, but seeing the level of success he’s reached and hearing some life advice from him should be an inspiration to all of us. We took the drive over to Jersey City to check out his studio, see how he works, and hear a little more about why he decided to honorably bow out from skating in pursuit of another passion.

Video by: Alexis Castro
Produced by: Jeremy Lugo
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