Eli Morgan Gesner was a professional skateboarder as a teenager before being hired by Russell Simmons as one of the original clothing designers at the inception of Phat Farm. Gesner went on to co-create his own label, Zoo York, with Rodney Smith and Adam Schatz and served as design director for over ten years. Gesner later worked as Creative Consultant on HBO’s “HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA” (creator Ian Edelman has hinted at the show being inspired by Gesner’s life). Last fall Gesner helped the infamous street artist Banksy stage his latest show, BETTER OUT THAN IN, in New York City. Gesner currently co-owns and runs SHUT Shakes with his former Zoo York partners.