Cliff Skighwalker, a communication senior, never stops moving. From his work with Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique in Royal Oak, Mich., to hosting hip-hop shows along the banks of the Red Cedar, Skighwalker is making waves on campus. He talks about his duties with Burn Rubber and muses about his future.
Cliff Walker never stops moving.
By day, the communication senior, who goes by Cliff Skighwalker, is a student working toward his degree. After fulfilling his school duties, Skighwalker is the manager of Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique in Royal Oak, Mich., where he acts as the liaison to special projects for the store.
“To always keep moving and doing something is better than doing nothing at all,” Skighwalker said. “If I wasn’t in school, I wouldn’t be doing all of this, so I have to always make sure my schoolwork is taken care of and then delve into working with Burn Rubber.”
Burn Rubber started in 2004 and, after it changed owners in 2007, has made its mark as an exclusive sneaker and clothing boutique.
Skighwalker said the store also has become synonymous for working with and sponsoring hip-hop acts in the Detroit area.
Rappers Big Sean and Mike Posner were sponsored by Burn Rubber before their careers manifested into musical successes.
Skighwalker said it’s a tremendous opportunity to do what he’s doing. He said at times, it can be difficult to manage his school and work responsibilities, but his passion is what keeps him moving forward.
“It’s always cool to see where (artists) are and where they’re going musically,” he said. “We don’t just give our shirts to everybody — a relationship has to develop.”
Rick Williams, one of the owners of Burn Rubber, said Skighwalker started out as an intern at the store. Williams said he’s excited for Skighwalker to graduate in May so he can take on a bigger role and spend more time with the company.
Although Skighwalker still is in school, Williams said working with someone like him is a special opportunity because he takes the initiative to do anything he can to help Burn Rubber expand.
“Cliff does everything me and my business partner do except the accounting and the buying,” Williams said.
“He’s our right-hand man. We can send him somewhere to represent Burn Rubber and trust him to make the decisions we would make.”
Skighwalker also works with the Residence Halls Association, or RHA, to coordinate special events and concerts on campus.
When Washington, D.C., rapper Wale performed at the Auditorium earlier in January, Skighwalker was on stage, hosting the event and interacting with the crowd between acts. He also was the host when Big Sean and Mike Posner were on campus for a show in September 2009.
Although working with big names and hip-hop acts might seem overwhelming, Skighwalker said he remains grounded and is grateful for the opportunity.
“(People) pay however much money the ticket is to be part of it so you want to give them their money’s worth,” he said. “Basically, I’m there getting the crowd hyped.”
Rodney James, the RHA special events coordinator, said Skighwalker has a likable and comedic presence on stage, which makes him a clear choice to host events.
James heaped praise on Skighwalker and said he does a great job entertaining and captivating the audience when he’s on stage.
“Cliff is one of those rare individuals who comes around once in a blue moon who is very versatile and has a passion for what he does,” James said. “(Skighwalker) has definitely been a face for the young generation in Detroit as far as art and sneaker culture.”
Through positive energy, which he credits to his mother, Skighwalker said he’s going to continue working at Burn Rubber and taking advantage of each opportunity that comes his way.
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“Always stay progressive because the motto I feel is: Movement is life, stagnation is death,” Skighwalker said.
“(I’m) always working on something new and making my next move, my best move.”
