Who did Nick mean?

Just something that poppped into my mind from a thread I read a while ago.
Nick Taylor wrote about his move to Remote (hope the move works for him) and his decision on where to go next.
He descibed his options as follows:

Owned by Bob - No.
Waterski company - No.
Owned by Bob - No.
Waterski company - No.
Owned by Bob - No.
Haven't heard good things from team riders - No.
I don't think they are still around - No.
WaterMonsters - Hmmmmm...
Remote - Hmmmmm...

I realise this could easily turn into a flame thread, please don't start hating.
But who did he mean?
What things that spring to mind would be
I don't think they are still around - Gator
Waterski company - CWB / Hyperlite or maybe Ronix

Any ideas?