Skates founded, composed, toured and managed Atlantic Recording Artists "Overkill", as well as being a veteran drum instructor and clinician. Since 1983, he has experienced and built many artistic and business skills essential to independent filmmaking: Writer, Videographer, Audio Engineer, Production Designer, Editor, Graphic Artist/ Animator and Actor. He has written and produced projects for Fortune 500 companies, record labels, multi-platinum recording artists, and the performing arts; as well as acquiring extensive business management skills as operations director for Home Depot USA.