Steve Bultsma, parts manager at Mars Cars LLC, challenged expectations about slowing down with age. A father of two, Bultsma continued to pursue his passion for skateboarding and the thrill that came with it.
Growing up as the younger sibling, Bultsma said he became interested in skateboarding after watching his older brothers skate. He recalled trying to ride their boards whenever they were not around.
As he got older, skateboarding became more than a hobby. It also served as his main form of transportation.
“You’re pretty much riding your skateboard more than you’re walking, at that point,” Bultsma said. “That’s all I did, was just ride around town and ride to friend’s houses and skateboard along the way.”
What began as transportation eventually grew into a lifelong passion. After experiencing life challenges, including the loss of his brother Rich Bultsma, he created an organization to honor his brother’s memory.
“I lost my brother in 2014, so [to] keep his memory alive, I started Grind for Rich,” Bultsma said. “You know, with Grind For Rich, you fight depression one grind at a time, and that just motivates you. You go out and skateboard and next thing you know, you’re feeling better, so skateboarding is an antidepressant in that essence…”
Skateboarding also served as an outlet for self-expression and stress relief. Bultsma said the sport shaped the way he approached life and work.
“In order to pull a trick, you try it over and over and over, so it teaches you failure and how not to accept not being able to do something,” Bultsma said. “In the business life, it’s helped me in sales and stuff. Keep pushing—whether someone says no or not, you keep going and don’t let it phase you. [Skateboarding] molds kind of how I am in life.”
Beyond personal lessons, Bultsma said skateboarding created opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect.
“In skateboarding… one guy could be a lawyer, another guy could be homeless and another guy could be a high schooler and they all are relating to each other and skating in the same spot and having a great conversation, so skateboarding brings friendships and all kinds of positivity.”
With decades of experience, Bultsma also offered advice for those interested in skateboarding.
“For skateboarding, don’t give up because it’s super hard,” Bultsma said. “I’ve done it my whole life and I’m still not all that good, but I have fun on it, so it’s one of those things you can do your whole life, no matter what age or what level.”
Although he focused on skateboarding, Bultsma said the lesson applied beyond sports. The message resonated with anyone pursuing a passion regardless of age or skill level.
“It’s not a sport or a hobby. It’s kind of a way of life. You know, I look at myself—my whole life, I’ve been on my skateboard,” Bultsma said.
With every ride, fall or trick, Bultsma’s story reflected the importance of pursuing passions despite outside expectations. As he continued to ride his skateboard, he demonstrated that passion has no age limit and can continue to evolve throughout life.
