WHY I HAD TO CLOSE MY SKATESHOP AND MY THOUGHTS ON THE SKATEBOARD INDUSTRY. 

NOOOOO, Ted we’ll miss you bro, me and the gang will always remember the free used decks you’d give us cuz we’re to broke and we wanted to skate😭

Special place in heaven for shop owners. Thanks for all your work helping the kids. ❤

The system is broke, props to you for attempting to build something of your own in it. It’s not easy to start a business in this era, Market is lowkey saturated for pretty much everything. Makes it so much harder. You can do everything right and ya still get fucked by the system and society. Working customer service really opens your eyes to how shitty and entitled people can be, they lackin compassion. Just straight abusing the workers and we trained to just take it. The culture has shifted so much not just with skateboarding but also graffiti and hiphop, i find it’s shifting into a more materialistic, attention seeking, look at me type thing. Just full of posers. Instagram has contributed to the watering down of the culture.. it’s just not real like it was, everything seems fake now. People don’t do shit because they love it anymore, they do it to impress others. Props to you for trying tho, sorry it didn’t work out.. many people in the same boat, dream chasing. Just adapt and re-focus find something new, your a really good speaker. Randomly popped up in my recommended and watched the whole thing. Keep going g.

Started skateboarding almost 4 months ago at 39. Love it. I just gotta commit to tricks.

Same with bmx. Wheelie kids and scooters getting more popular

I feel you. When I became a sk8er, I was in it for life. I am 45 and disabled, doesnt stop me man.

Best skater/skate shop owner i've ever had the privilege of meeting. One of the most solid dudes in the whole scene

You made some great points and you hit the nail on the head when you said a lot of the kids these days are not joining the subculture ("the club" as you referred to it) of skateboarding and doing it for the long haul. It's back to the days, when a kids get a board as a gift and then three months later he's done with it. I even heard John Lucero say that he wishes more companies would go back to the days when a board graphic would last entire year (or even 2 years) instead of just one quick season. Long haul board graphics use to be brand icons, now that board graphics come and go so quickly, there are no brand icons that everyone (consumers) want to own. Also many kids (and their parents who are buying the boards) get tired of keeping up latest thing...in this economy it's too tough to keep with anything that requires spending.

Damn bro I stopped by and saw you wasn't there. Now I know why. I wanted to get my sons first longboard from you. You'll be missed in the community.

The industry is very slow and its due to inflation, higher cost of living etc, most people barely getting by, and also skateboarding is a poor man's sport, You can make a skateboard last forever and that's less money for the shops, also everything online so no reason to go to a local shop. It's hard times man. Now everything is social media, no hype for parts/footage its just cookie cutter no feeling, its hit a plateau. Good luck with everything, keep your head up. I'm still skating at 31 and i've been at it since 10 years old, and even I'm tired (Knees get sore, I only skate 1-2x a week usually - this makes my board/shoes last way longer)

Man ,... i feel your pain . I helped build an indoor park in 1999 which was bicycle friendly . There was a bike / skateshop in the front and a park in the back . We managed to stay open for 2 years and created lifelong memories yet our generosity and taxes took a toll that was unsustainable . The idea was to build a park for enthusiasts however with an affordable $5 pr day membership we became babysitters rather than enthusiast procreators . I must admit whilst it was the lowest paying job i ever had it was also the most enjoyable . It broke my heart when the doors closed . A broken bone will heal yet a broken heart will not . Please understand that someone out there understands because at the end of the day that's all anyone really wants . To be understood . Thank You for being you 🎉

well at least you pursued the dream and opened up a shop.having a successful skateshop is hard in these times. good luck brother.

Skateboarding became too big for its own good, it's just going back to its core.

I visited Seattle last year and was shocked by the state of it. I’ve never seen that kind of drug use in the open.

Dang I ain't even know you, wish I was a customer for ya brother. You seem genuine asf. Edit: I'll check yo ebay out fam.

It seems like those of us who are 35 or older are all privy to how drastic the world, economy, and people in general have changed. Of course I realize the cliche of the older generation always complaining about the new one, but there has never been anything such as the internet (or more importantly, social media) until recent times. We are being conditioned to live digitally, literally, disconnected from each other on any real level and it seems like narcissism is greatly encouraged. The quality of technology has been increasing exponentially in the last 20+ years, as the quality of life (for us humans) has been plummeting down the drain.

Keep your head up. It's getting worse out there. These are unprecedented times. Best of luck.

I'm sorry to hear this. I've never seen a video from you or heard about your shop before this, but I wish you the best, man. Im 45, when i was a kid, all we had was local shops and our circle of skaters who supported it. Times have changed so much. Kids order online and big corps taking over markets. Skaters sell out to them so fast now. It sucks that skaters have no place that's safe to meet up and see new products. I used to spend hours watching videos and meeting up with friends to go skate. Skaters from other cities would randomly show up all the time. They were like chat rooms of today only in person.

I hope that everyone has an amazing 2024 and safe travels and skateboarding throughout the years. 🍀♾️❤️‍🔥

Sorry to hear this. Thanks for sharing! My local skate shop have closed down a couple shops over they the last couple years, they had 4. Peace & love from Australia!

I grew up in Lakewood and Tacoma and have been back three times in that last few months and really wanted to stop by now that I live in North Carolina. I found your channel while living out here and still wanted to support. I was bummed when I looked up your hours and saw you were closed.

I love your tutorials man! Even if the skate shop is closed I’m still excited to watch your new tutorials

Thanks for all the boards and pretty much my whole wardrobe growing up lol. Good luck on what’s next, miss ya brother.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on everything. It must be very hard to let this all out and I’m happy you did. My local skate shop. I saw pair down the hours till it finally just closed down. Rent was too high, not enough foot traffic and not enough sales.

Tag you have left so many good memories for people and have taught them so much knowledge you need to really be proud of that. You really contributed to the community you will be missed more than I think you can imagine. But you know when one door closes another open which required now for you to rest and remember all good. Things happened to those await. I will be good. PEACE to you and all your loved ones. Very excellent video. I had no idea that you have been making videos. I would’ve loved to have known that, but I see now where I can look back at them and enjoy them and then appreciate your passion. Your mama in law peace out.😮

I've just recently been getting recommended your videos, so you're starting to hit the algorithm mix. I hope everything works out for you!

It would be cool if you could sell skate stuff out of your suv as a side hustle during spring and summer.

Appreciate you Ted! You were the best in the business. Would love some more trick tutorials from you!

Sorry to hear that, towns need skate shops

Sorry to hear about the shop. However, when one door closes a new one opens . Glad to hear the videos will keep coming. You definitely have a lot to add to skateboarding. The industry is eating it's own with direct to consumer sales. I was an Adidas guy, but they stop selling to most skateshops so i stopped riding Adidas. Take this time to hang with the kids and find out what is next, i am looking forward to what you do with the channel withouth the weight of the shop over you. Stay Rad

Bro i lived in Tijuana and i went to Tacoma a few months back and it was way sketchier then Tijuana. I got hit up at the gas station while pumping gas and actually had let them know i was strapped and wasnt afraid to use it if things escalated.

Washington politics are destroying itself, meanwhile we are taxed senseless while we sit in traffic constantly to do it. Good job brother on the video

you got me and my sister our first boards. thank you so much man

Also.. the commitment part (13mins) .. and I'm a 48yr old dad.. but life for me def isn't as care-free as it was in the 80s when all we did was skate. Lastly, JP from "Skatepark Lessons" is a true teacher. He's an honest and straight forward teach.. I feel.

Great video,, sorry to hear about your shop closing but thanks for sharing!! I grew up going to rainier board in Bonney lake which closed down about 5 years ago. Now I live in the Puyallup area and id love to open a shop one day but it does seem very hard, especially with zumiez everywhere and there’s not a ton of skateparks in this area, plus its mostly scooters these days. If you ever want help filming or want to collaborate id love to skate sometime.

That's the problem kids now adays don't understand how much the local shops needs you. I have had alot of crazy shit happen to me just know if it didn't work out it's gods plan for a better tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your story I can relate in some shape or form

This is true for most sadly with online ordering and this economy most shops are closing. Hell looking at the market for the past 5 years its been dropping in sell around.

Also I have to say you’re right regarding the skate clips and vids having to be so grandiose and jaw dropping. I think it’s due to them wanting viral moments and shock/awe factor. I truly wonder if sales spike due to those kinds of vids.

Sorry to hear about your shop. I love skateboarding so much. I wish there was more money in it.

I bought bearing there last summer. That's a bummer.

Very interesting. I agree with what you had to say, I just went skateboarding for the first time in a long time, and it was pretty nice perseverance but man how I'm out of shape lol

So hard to make money in skateboarding , it’s unfortunate but I get it man.

keep your head high, bro

Sorry to hear this Ted but I'm glad you made the right decision. You did your best but obviously even Washington changed to worse. I definitely agree that social media, sport brands and skateparks changed skateboarding for worse - it's been overhyped by tricks and videos, it's not about having fun on the streets with your local crew anymore. The whole skateboarding industry is unsustainable, board brands are not even making profit from the boards anymore, no matter how many do they sell because margins are too thin.

Really well thought out and honest speech my man :) At around the 11min mark.. you mention the industry's been sorta on a down turn since the Hawk days. Two thoughts here. One: Hawk's still around and a lot of the Brigade crew. Do you mean since Hawk "boards" or the skater? And two: (and I've only been back skatin' for 2yrs.. from a 30yr hiatus) but does your perception of the industry going down.. from the lack of "deck" variety? (Popsicles v shaped) Cause I'm an old guy.. and I'm certainly stoked how shaped decks are still available (and still coming!) Just my own thoughts. Good luck my friend!! :)

You'll be blessed

I haven't been to Tacoma in 5 years.

I replayed the intro 50+ times :)

Whoops I just realized youtube glitched and put a comment intended for another video on yours. Sorry about that. Anyway you seem like a cool guy and I hope everything works out for you.

The idea of owning a skateshop is awesome but I realized it must be difficult to stay open nowadays. Idk if I just skate less but gear last super long now. I’ll ride the same setup and sb Blazers for a while. How is a shop gonna survive if gear last so long?

Sorry to hear Ted. I think when the church right down the road started the free food, spots to park and stay and other things the drug users and homeless people stayed. The area around the church has gotten terrible and the crime has increased since their free resource is right there so they flocked to the area. I hope the best for you bud.

I feel for you man. The PNW went totally nuts. I think between online sales and your social media presence you can and should pursue the shop without the brick and mortar. Like Willy’s workshop

good video

Gotta keep on pushing know what I’m sayiiinnnnnnnn fo realz doe

Hey man just sub to your channel two days ago hear for trick tips sorry to hear about the shop

Ted, This is Rusty Wieler. I wish I was able to help. I miss you homie

It’s nice you wanna make an announcement especially for the people that are going to miss your shop, but you don’t owe explanation to anybody

Skateboarding needs some sort of new innovation. Like it did in the 90’s when it went from massive 11” wide boards down to 7.25”… All the sudden tricks were way easier, and skateboarding exploded…. We need something new that will change skateboarding… I don’t know what it is, but it’s usually something very simple and you wonder why you didn’t think of it…

I completely quit skateboarding after it had been apart of my life forever lol. Got over it… I don’t like falling. It’s hard to be good. You have to be very consistent and even then it just hurts rolling your ankle and falling on your elbow or your tail bone that’s the worse. I broke my wrist skateboarding back in 2014 and had to have surgery. I still have issues with it to this day.

interesting vid

Damn man this is horrible hopefully you recover

Closing my skatepark was painful but it set me free

The skateboarding market isn’t something I’d ever go into selling lol good luck

Im curious what you did before skateshop,how long you had the shop and what your gonna do now for work.

If I owned a shop that was struggling I would put out a donation container. Put shops gonna close unless you leave a $

What do you think about starting a skateboard company?

Skate shop business is tough.

All bad🤕

Why don’t you just go completely digital? No commitment to a storefront

Move on to custom electric bikes

5:35 well hopefully you haven't been voting for any of that shit

🫡🫡🫡🫡

Do you know how upsetting it is to hear you say your service is no longer needed in the community? It’s a sad reality. And I’m sick of seeing this from a lot of dudes the last few years. I was also exiled basically and just been cruising for the last few years.

Skaters should be paid for doing sick tricks not getting likes on social media

Biden messed up the country unfortunately. Good luck on future endeavours homie 👊

It's a poor man's sport. God bless Ted

Sounds like you'll be voting for Trump the way your life's panning out having a small business take care bro I live in Vancouver BC similar stuff that's happening all around here too😢

In 2005 when I moved to Tacoma I was robbed by gunpoint at the skatepark… Crazy to even think things are way worse now 🫣

I need to stop buying these f skatewarehouse