NHS Inc. began with a company called Santa Cruz Skateboards. It was founded by 3 people: Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman in 1973.
NHS stood for each founder's last name.
At the time, their vision was to create a skateboard company. One that would incorporate a culture around skateboarding. They saw the skateboarding culture blossom as the years passed.
In the mid-1970's, they hired an artist by name of Jim Phillips. The rest is history, as he was a very important factor in creating some of the most iconic graphics for skateboarding.
One of their major successes is their "Screaming Hand" logo designed by Jim Phillips in 1985.
It turns out they had many other successes. The moment they turned some of their skaters professional. Such as Rob Roskopp, Cory O'Brien, Natas Kaupas, and Keith Meek.
To this day they remain a private company, and own several skateboard companies in the industry.
To name a few they produce Santa Cruz Skateboards, OJ Wheels, and Independent trucks.
NHS Inc. is alive and well, and they continue to keep the wheels rolling for skateboarders worldwide.
If you have visited Santa Cruz, you'll most likely see people sporting the merchandise.