Andrew Skalman’s positive outlook fuels success on and off the field.
WUSTL senior and athlete Andrew Skalman’s socially responsible apparel business helps raise funds for Access Surf, a Hawaiian nonprofit that provides aquatic experiences for disabled children.
Equally at home in the surf and on the turf, the senior defensive back and football co-captain helped lead the Bears to the playoffs while also founding Pupu Kine, an apparel brand promoting positivity in the community through nonprofit partnerships.
A native of Honolulu, Skalman described Pupu Kine as a lifestyle rooted in nature and inspired by the power of the positive mind. By emphasizing perspective and gratitude, his company aims to help others live the Pupu Kine way.
“Pupu Kine is Hawaiian slang for little or small,” he explained. “We picked the name because our goal is helping people realize how important it is not to sweat the small things in life.”
The company sells surf-inspired T-shirts, tank tops, hoodies and bumper stickers, donating a portion of its profits to charities that sponsor aquatic experiences for disabled children as well as for returning veterans.
“I think businesses are realizing that one of the best ways to market their products is by emphasizing social responsibility and giving back to the community,” Skalman said.
Skalman graduates from the Olin School with a degree in marketing and entrepreneurship and a minor in Japanese. He’s heading to Seattle for a job in brand marketing with Amazon.
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