I think a misconception from this episode is a lot of you think Clements is just feeding kids to Nike and the big brands. The way I understood it, you hire him to represent you, he listens to your desires and goes to bat for you. It doesn't mean you have to ride for Nike/Adidas/NB#, although that's where you'll probably get the most money. Obviously, I have no idea, but I bet if you wanted to get on Emerica or Lakai, he'd do the work, too. He's your employee, not one of your parents making decisions for you.
Also, like it or not, skateboarding isn't what it used to be, at least not for now. Not until the bubble bursts again. Kids are looking at skateboarding as careers and see dollar signs. They see the purses for Street League, the Nyjahs.
It's not like some of the recent Nine Club guests' stories, where they had fun, got good, started getting product and that was enough. Kids/pros are looking long-term. I can't completely fault them for that. If I was good enough, I'd be looking to set myself up, too, in a way I was comfortable with.
It's all a double-edged sword these days.
PS: I'd love to see someone here turn down $100K just to wear a pair of skate shoes.