Opening A Skate Shop In 2025
Growing Up in Lakeland and Dreaming Big
In the heart of Polk County, I found my passion rolling through the streets of Lakeland, Florida. Skateboarding wasn’t just something to pass the time—it became the heartbeat of my life. From the moment I first stepped on a board, I knew I wanted to build something bigger than myself—a place where skaters could connect, push each other, and keep the culture alive. That same drive still pushes me today, keeping me focused on building something real for the next generation of skaters.
Peeling Back the Curtain
As I got deeper into the skateboarding industry, I started peeling back the curtain and seeing what really goes on behind the scenes. Coming from my neck of the woods, you had to stay alert—always aware of your surroundings. I’ve carried that same mindset into life, into every contest I’ve entered, and into my experience within the skateboarding industry.
I’ve seen the politics, the deals, and the limits that aren’t obvious when you’re just skating or watching videos. There are so many things I’ve wanted to do—ideas, projects, and ways to give back to the community—but the industry doesn’t always allow that freedom. Rules, contracts, and old traditions can block innovation, and that can be frustrating for someone who wants to push the culture forward.
For example, a lot of the industry still prefers retailers to have physical stores. Online shops aren’t always respected the same way. But here’s the reality: my community has been waiting for a shop with the right person behind it. With patience and persistence toward that goal, I’ve stayed focused—knowing hard times are inevitable. The skateboarding industry is on a downward trajectory, the economy is rough, and right now—with a government shutdown, financial uncertainty, and inflation hitting everyone—starting a traditional brick-and-mortar store just isn’t realistic.
It’s not about playing by someone else’s rules; it’s about being smart and surviving so the community can eventually thrive while keeping skateboarding alive. In modern skateboarding, every skater is considered a “brand.” My belief is that you should move like one—elevate yourself, even in a constricted situation that may not fit the norm. Everyone’s journey is different, but your passion will always be the light you need to succeed.
Starting Online First
That’s why I’m starting as an e-commerce business. Beginning online gives me freedom—the freedom to experiment, to provide the community with quality gear, and to build a brand that truly reflects who I am and what Lakeland skating stands for. It also allows me to work toward the physical shop I’ve always dreamed of, without taking unnecessary risks.
When that day comes, it won’t just be another skate shop—it’ll be a hub built on creativity, authenticity, and the lessons I’ve learned from the industry itself. Every online sale, every connection with a skater, and every small success is proof that persistence pays off, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Passion-Driven and Life-Changing
This isn’t about money or status. It’s passion-driven. Skateboarding chose me long before I ever knew what I wanted to do with my life. I always tell people that—I didn’t choose skateboarding; skateboarding chose me. It gave me direction, purpose, and an outlet to express myself when nothing else fit.
Skateboarding has given me more than I could ever put into words: discipline, resilience, a sense of community, and the ability to chase dreams that once felt impossible. Every deck I’ve held, every park I’ve skated, every trick I’ve landed—or bailed on—has shaped who I am.
Opening a Shop During Tough Times
Opening a skate shop during a government shutdown and one of the toughest economies in recent memory isn’t easy. Inventory delays, financial strain, and supply chain issues all hit hard. Honestly, I might be one of the only people in the world to start a skate shop during a government shutdown—and while I can’t say that for sure, it definitely feels that way. But just like skateboarding, the struggles make the wins even sweeter.
Lakeland shaped me. It gave me grit and fueled my desire to build a shop that’s about more than sales—it’s about longevity and giving back to the culture that gave me so much. Every small win online is a step toward making the dream real: a physical shop the community can call its own, where skaters can grow, create, and push the culture forward for years to come.
Why I Skate
Skateboarding has always been more than just tricks or competitions for me—it’s been life itself. It’s my passion. From the first time I stepped on a board, it gave me a voice, a purpose, and a sense of power and freedom I couldn’t find anywhere else. It taught me how to fall, how to get back up, and how to keep pushing no matter what.
This business isn’t just about selling gear; it’s about giving back to the culture that gave me everything. It’s about creating a space where others can find what skateboarding gave me—freedom, joy, and the relentless drive to follow your passion no matter the obstacles.
Skateboarding chose me, and now I get to choose how I give back. That’s the heart behind every deck I sell, every lesson I teach, and every step I take toward building a shop for the skaters of Lakeland and beyond.
This is my life, my passion, and my mission—and it’s only just getting started.
– Written by Corey B. Gonzalez