There is a lot of extra high cash being thrown around in the market. It is definitely cool. And as soon as skateboarding slows down, they are the first ones to hit the door. It is good that you mention big companies. And I am assuming you are talking about Nike, Adidas, etc.
Most sports have agents who play an important part in the athlete getting paid.
I don't think it matters if you have one or not, but now there are a lot of commercial aspects to the sport. Agents are only needed for the contracts, so they are probably good when there is talk about serious money like shoe contracts, commercials, movies, etc. Then you will need someone with that kind of knowledge. Another reason I ask about the business aspect of the sport is that society is beginning to change their view on skating. Once society accepts skateboarding as a sport, then they will be willing to drop dollars supporting the cause.