It was 1989 and he was a ten year old Jersey kid down the shore with a beat up WRV under his arm. He hit the surf, rode his first wave … and fell in love.

That love grew on, even with the flat spells and the cold conditions during most of the year. Joe would take the hour drive to hit the ocean - riding when he could, paddling and rowing when he couldn’t.

His other childhood love was art, and it was only a matter of time before the two would come together …

In 2003, he obtained his first blank from a shop in Ship Bottom and started teaching himself how to shape. In ‘04 his first board, a 6’8” pintail, was born. He named it OKOTO.

The balance of the word represented the balance the ocean brought him. It stuck, and now adorns all his other customs.

He went on shaping, often with his younger brother, Mike, in the shop helping out and learning the ropes.

A year later Mike shaped his first board, a 6’6” retro fish.

The two brothers shared a mutual understanding that life is more than just a daily routine. It’s always been their desire to keep things exciting and inspire others to do the same.

It was that inspiration that won the heart of their third partner, and Joe’s girlfriend, Amy.

Through her friendship with Mike, she met Joe in late 2005, and the direction of OKOTO began to change.

With Clark Foam shutting down and the industry stopping in its tracks, Joe’s stock of blanks began to dwindle. It was then Amy encouraged him to shift his creative direction to apparel. Her love of fashion and art brought about the idea that OKOTO could continue on in new ways.

The thought of a new challenge and mutual project excited them both. Later that week Amy purchased some supplies and three brains started storming. In early 2006, the first OKOTO tee was made.

It still hangs in their shop today, a reminder of where it all started and how far it’s all come. With strong core values and the simple dream to inspire others, OKOTO has become the representation of a lifestyle.

The name, with its strong symmetry, is meant to remind us to cultivate a life of balance … one that embodies not just our obligations, but also recognizes the importance of both helping others and living a fulfilling life.

For that reason, Joe, Amy and Mike do all they can to make sure the brand behind their label is one of integrity, intention and inspiration.

Their life experiences, the people they’ve met, and places they’ve traveled is what inspires this artistically driven designs. It's their mission to create a name that will inspire you.

Through their apparel line, events and strong support of non-profits, OKOTO strives to be more than just cloth and thread, but the common thread that connects us all.

Dress to live. Live to Inspire.