WHAT IT
TOOK TO
THRIVE.
In the heart of Oklahoma City, amidst the hustle of urban life, there lies a story of dreams, passion, and relentless pursuit. This is the tale of Marshall D. Cooper, a visionary whose journey from high school sketches to a thriving creative empire is nothing short of inspirational.
Marshall's story begins in the hallways of his high school, where his notebooks were more than just vessels for notes; they were canvases for his imagination. Here, he sketched the initial designs of what would later become MDC Designs. His talent for design was evident early on as he crafted unique shirts for various school events – senior celebrations, leadership forums, and other random occasions. Little did he know, these early experiences were paving the way for his future.
After graduation, Marshall's path took an unexpected turn. He moved to the scenic landscapes of Yosemite, California, where he discovered a new passion: woodworking. Amid the serene beauty of nature, he honed his skills, crafting decks for homes. This experience was more than just a job; it ignited a deep-seated love for the art of woodworking in Marshall.
Eventually, Marshall felt the pull of his roots calling him back to Oklahoma City. It was here that he decided to blend his newfound woodworking skills with a lifelong passion – skateboarding. The result was BC Longboards, a venture that turned into a resounding success. Marshall's unique approach to skateboard design, combining artistic flair with practicality, made BC Longboards a sought-after brand. However, as trends shifted, the demand waned, and the doors of BC Longboards closed in 2013.
But for Marshall, every end is a new beginning. He returned to his original dream, the one that started it all – MDC Designs. In 2013, MDC Designs was reborn, a culmination of Marshall's journey in art and design. For four years, the company thrived, offering innovative designs that captured the essence of its clients' visions.
In 2017, Marshall decided it was time for a change, a new identity that reflected the growth and evolution of the company. MDC Designs was rebranded to Thriven Creative. Thriven Creative, true to its name, thrived. It expanded its horizons, offering a vast array of services including logo design, website development, graphic design, illustrations, photography, videography, and motion graphics. The company became a beacon of creativity and innovation in Oklahoma City.
Now, in 2024, Thriven Creative stands as a testament to Marshall's relentless pursuit of his dreams. The company's success story is not just about the growth of a business, but about the evolution of a dream, from sketches on a high school notebook to a creative powerhouse. And in a nostalgic nod to the past, Thriven Creative is bringing back BC Longboards, this time focusing on apparel, with a promise of more to come.
Marshall's journey is a reminder that dreams, no matter how small they start, can grow into something extraordinary. It's a story of passion, resilience, and the power of staying true to one's roots. From the sketches in a high school notebook to the thriving enterprise of Thriven Creative, Marshall D. Cooper's journey is an inspiration to dreamers and doers alike.
MARSHALL D COOPER
OWNER - DESIGNER + CREATOR
Phone:
405-476-7319
Email:
Date of Birth:
July 14th, 1982
MARSHALLS HISTORY TIMELINE
2017-2024
GET THRIVEN LLC | Getthriven.com
GET THRIVEN OPERATES AS THRIVEN CREATIVE... Most of the time.
Get Thriven began in January 2017, when Marshall D Cooper, Tyler Vaughan and some friends were brainstorming, Tyler came up with the name ‘Thriven’ and it stuck. Since then, MDC Designs has been operating as Get Thriven LLC. We now have been providing a range of services to businesses who want to stand out from the crowd and get their message heard. We also sell our own apparel, handcrafted with quality and pride. Join us today and get your brand thriving!
2013-2017
CORNBOARD CBMI | Cornboard.com
STALKIT IS A SUBSIDIARY OF CORNBOARD
Cornboard Manufacturing Inc. is an agricultural company that produces a particle-style board from leftover corn stover after farmers harvest. It is a natural waste that is used as a filler in cattle feed. The goal is to produce a strong, renewable and sustainable product with limitless possibilities.
2013-2017
SURF. SKATE. SNOW.
I started building boards for Stalkit while I owned BClongboards. Following the close of BC's doors, I teamed up with Stalkit. Stalkit's goal of building boards manufactured with a renewable, bio-mass residue called Corn Stover interested me and I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. I managed Stalkit's social media, maintained their web and graphic design, worked as the shop foreman, running all board and product development, design and manufacturing, as well as coordinating events.
HOW WE MADE BAMBOO FIBERGLASS SKATEBOARDS WITH CUSTOM GRAPHICS
2007-2013
BCLONGBOARDS BEGAN 2008
Marshall Cooper and Brandon Bryant founded Bryant Cooper Longboards LLC in 2007. From building our first boards in our garage, to opening up shop in a 4600 sq. ft. building within a year and a half. Manufacturing 12 to 18 boards a day, offering custom graphics for free, BCLongboards hit just shy of 1 million in sales in three years with just two of the hardest working dudes you'll ever know.
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Work Hard . Live Free . Ride BC
2003-2017
MDC DESIGNS
OWNING MY OWN GRAPHIC DESIGN COMPANY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A DREAM OF MINE
Even as a child I was sketching logos. Many times as kids we are asked, "What do you wanna be when you grow up?" The dream of MDC Designs began in my early high school days. I have always had a 'work hard' mentality and thrive to do just that no matter the obstacle. I Obviously loved to draw, to broke to buy a computer.. barely enough money to pay for a phone, but I knew I wanted to be creative and help brand companies or possibly build my own and somehow that evolved into designing, building and creating custom skateboards for BClongboards that was founded by Marshall D Cooper and Brandon Bryant in early 2007.
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2001-2003
YOSEMITE, CALIFORNIA.
GRADUATE AND LEFT THE STATE. THATS WHERE I FELL IN LOVE WITH WOOD WORKING.
After High School I moved to Fish Camp California and bunked up with my Uncle Roddy Rutledge. We lived in a log cabin built in 1889. No A/C, No Heater, tiny rooms, mini fridge, it was amazing. Taught me some much, taught me how to enjoy life no matter where you are or what you have. "You are special to everyone else" anyways, I found a job building decks with a great man named Terry Booker. He was awesome! We did bible studies after work, he taught me about boxing and Weight Lifting. Shared so much history with me. RIP Buddy. After a while I came home. I was ready to take on my next adventure.
PHOTOSHOP
100%
ILLUSTRATOR
80%
AFTER EFFECTS
75%
SOCIAL MEDIA
100%
PHOTOGRAPHY
85%
VIDEOGRAPHY
95%
MOTORCYCLES
95%
HAVING A GOOD TIME
100%
CNC- 3D V-CARVE
65%
FINAL CUT PRO
60%
CREATING GIFS
80%
EXCEL
85%