Not for nothing, but the shoe brands (core or skater owned or corporate, whatever) that are successful are the brands that actually marketed their products OUTSIDE of just skateboarding. Now, call it what you will, but that is what has made companies like DC and Etnies be competitive and successful, and why brands like eS or Emerica, etc NOT as successful. (the brands are examples, not calling them out).
The thing is this. You CAN be skater owned and be successful, you just have to understand that not only skateboarders have feet. And if you are only marketing your product to skateboarders, you're pretty much pigeon-holing yourself into a tiny, fickle market that's constantly changing due to fashion trends, etc.
Call it what you will, but it's the truth. And as a result, companies like DC are able to pay the Kalis', the Mike Mo's and other well know names a decent salary, etc.