How to go
What: One Love Skate Shop’s 10th anniversary party and video premiere
Where: Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Cost: Free
More info: 937-299-0145 or www.oneloveskateshop.com
Operating a small business is a challenging undertaking in the best economic climate. It’s even harder in niche markets, yet One Love Skate Shop has survived trying times by catering to its hardcore customers.
The shop in Kettering celebrates a decade of selling skateboards, accessories, shoes and apparel with a party and video premiere at Gilly’s in Dayton on Friday. There will be multiple screenings of Nick Geis’ latest skating video beginning at 9 p.m., plus a live performance by Swim Diver. Admission is free.
Geis, the 38-year-old skateboard documentarian, who co-owns One Love Skate Shop with business partner Dave Dunkle, recently answered some questions.
Q: Congrats on 10 years. That’s a big feat. What does it mean to celebrate that milestone?
A: “It’s awesome. I saw a stat somewhere that said 50 percent of small businesses fail in the first two years and 70 percent fail in the first five years. We’re doing pretty good for a couple of skater dudes who opened a shop on their own.”
Q: How has the local skate community changed since One Love opened?
A: “We’ve had our ups and downs but the core kids are what keep us going. That’s our true customer base. Other people get in it for minute and then get out. There are a lot of young kids who see something on TV and then want to get into skateboarding. They do it for a while and realize how hard it is and get out of it. It probably sticks with one in 10 kids.”
Q: How does this new video differ from “Fumunda Forever” from 2011?
A: “The new video has my flavor to it but it doesn’t have any skits. This one has some funny stuff strewn in but it’s pretty much all skateboarding. The ‘Fumunda Saga’ is my own personal thing but this is more cut and dry skateboarding to showcase all the local kids that have come up.”
Q: How often do you skate these days?
A: “All the time. I don’t know how normal that is. You don’t find a whole lot of guys my age who aren’t pros still out there street skating. Most people hit their 20s and its jobs, family, kids or something that makes them get out of it.”
Q: What keeps you skating?
A: “I wonder that myself sometimes. It’s like a personal drive to keep pushing my own limits. It’s the ultimate form of expression. It’s a sport, it’s art and it’s fashion — it’s everything. Personally, if I didn’t have skateboarding, I don’t know what else I’d have. I’m riding it out while I can.”
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