Rise Above Skate Shop: Rialto’s own on Route 66 by Thomas Schincke

        Skateboarding has seen rises in popularity throughout the years, and at the heart of it is local skate shops. They’re not only places to buy skate supplies but also a place to meet fellow skaters. I spoke with Rey, the owner of Rise Above Skate Shop, located at 118 East Foothill Blvd Suite B-2 in Rialto, to get a look into his experience of running one of  these shops. They sell everything from complete skateboards,decks,truck,wheels,bearings,wax and even skate rails, and you can find them in instagram at @riseaboveskateshop_.

Q: What motivated you to start the skate shop?

A: I knew there was a need in Rialto, and I wanted to fulfill that need, and due to a spinal cord injury I needed  a change in job.

Q:  What unanticipated challenges have you faced?

A: Finding a location that's affordable, but also profitable.

Q: Has there been anyone who has helped you out or given you advice?

A: I know a guy who owns a propane company, he said you’re either going to be a worker, a salesman or an owner. I couldn’t be a worker so I chose salesman.

Q: What changes have you seen to the business since it first started?

A: we have moved locations, as well as doing a pop up shop during the Covid pandemic.

Q: Do you have any future plans for shop?

A: We have a grand opening for our new location on June 19th, we’re gonna have live bands, a mobile skate park, and several guest pro skaters.

Q: What are the advantages of buying from a smaller skate shop, rather than something larger and more corporate?

A: I think we’re more affordable, we can offer more knowledge when buying.

Q: Do you feel like the shop has had any impact on the local community?

A: I feel we have, a skate shop is more than just a retail place, we bring a more family like community.

Q: From your experience, what would you say are some pros and cons of owning your own business?

A: Pros are being relative in the community and being able to work with my wife. A con is going up against larger retailers.

Q:Do you have any advice for someone who is either a beginner skater or thinking ablout getting into it, or maybe even someone wanting to start their own business?

A: As a beginner skater you’re definitely going to fall, you just gotta get back up, same with starting your own business. You have to be persistent