We started the "Skateshop Spotlight" earlier this year, as a way for skate shops all across the country (or, the world) to see firsthand, skate shops that "we" think are going above and beyond for their local communities, and the world of skateboarding in general. This month, we're happy to feature our hometown skate shop, Str8 Up Sk8 Shop here in Indianapolis, Indiana.
I put the "we" in parenthesis, to emphasize that these are largely personal opinions that we're talking about, here. Still, some things will always remain constant in this big blue world of ours. For example: Skate shops that consistently provide great customer service [or care] will always do well in the marketplace. Shops that embrace diversity, and a do-it-yourself ethos? Even better. Shops that are community-minded? Better still. And, as for shops that actually give something back to the community... whether it's through charitable giving, working with kids to provide a long-term positive influence, or building something for the kids (and, adults) to skate? Those shops are the very best of the best, in our book.
Str8 Up, is all of these things.
A lot of the shop's success is because of the sort of guy that the owner is. Jason Ramsey is a seriously cool guy, with a big heart. Maybe I should note at this point that we haven't always gotten along. That's hugely significant, because even when we weren't on the best terms, it was still totally obvious that he was a great dude. Miscommunications happen from time to time. But dedication to your scene, and to skateboarding is absolutely timeless. That's the kind of guy that Jason is.
With that, we figured it'd be best to let Jason talk about Str8 Up, while we handled the photo, art, and caption duties. Jason, the floor is yours:
Jason Ramsey, the owner, handling his business. He's always smiling, by the way. We like that.
The front facade at the "new" Str8 Up location. They just moved in to this spot what, about a month ago now...? Maybe, not even that? It's a lot more convenient to find [and get to] than the "old" store was. That alone, is a major improvement.
First question: You give to a lot of causes and charities. Which ones do you support, and why did you pick those?
The American Cancer Society(we have a shop "Relay For Life" team), Feed The Children, and we have special "runs" of shop decks that we donate some of the money to the South Side [Indianapolis] Animal Shelter. We wanted to be involved with organizations that have affected our own lives,in one way or another.
Does your charitable giving have an impact on your customers? Does it motivate them to get involved with their community, too?
Honestly, no. Not yet [that I've seen]. We're trying to open skaters eyes to the bigger picture of their communities, and to doing for others. We, as skaters, are looked at as a nuisance. If we can open people's eyes to who/how we really are, by doing "good" things, I think they'd be positively surprised.
The new shop is a bit bigger than the old shop was, with a lot more stuff packed in there. They also "diversified" the inventory by adding a few old-school and longboard items. This will probably go over pretty well with Indy's fast-growing old-school and longboard scenes.
This behind-the-counter shot shows just how many more decks are here than meets the eye. Big companies, small companies, trendy companies, core companies, d.i.y. companies... they're all represented, so there's literally something here for everyone.
The "Matt Hensley wall", just above the register. The man has good influences, that's fer damned sure...!
How's everything going at the new location? It looks a lot better stocked, and roomier. And, it seems like a lot of kids hang out there- moreso than they did at the old shop.
It's going good. We have about 4 times the space we had before. Having an indoor place for the kids to skate at sure brings in a lot more people that stay for a lot longer time. We're here till 9 most nights. When I was a kid, I woulda' hung out here...! (Laughing!)
[Editors' note: I woulda', too...!]
The entrance to the indoor skatepark. It's been quite some time since Indy's had one of these...
Skatepark overview. It all started with the mini-ramp over in the corner. 3' high, 16' wide, just the right size for techy mini-ramp champs, and for little kids to learn on. Two weeks later... maybe, not even that? They tore off half a platform, and added the spine-to-wallride. Two weeks later again, and Jason's already dreaming up the next metamorphosis. Panoramic photo by Bart Kelley, OIS.
What do you have planned for the future of the park...?
We're talking about putting in a banked-bowl-corner thing. Right now I'm enjoying watching what the people build on their own, out of extra wood we have. I like seeing their own creativity. Plus, it makes them feel like they're a part of things here... that this is their local spot.
What do you think is your biggest accomplishment with the shop/park, so far?
Giving skaters a place they can come feel at home, a place to be yourself.
The mini-ramp spine isn't the "standard" double-round coping. Instead, it's an old parking block! Indianapolis style! Believe it or not, it actually works great. No hang-ups, easy to transfer, hella legit grind-wise, and sticky enough for controlled disasters (and other tough lip tricks).
There's also some pretty cool "distractions", in the form of an air-hockey table, a pool table, and a well-stocked concession stand. It feels like "home", and it's pretty clear that Jason thought of everything, and put it all together really well. He's cool like that.
What have been the biggest challenges?
Money... or lack thereof...! (Laughing!)
Anything else you'd like to talk about? Whatever you like, I'm game for anything!
I guess, just come check us out...!
If you're ever on Indy's south side, stop in for a quick session. It's a legitimate road-trip stop, so you'll be glad you did. Skating is only $5 for the day, so it's also pretty easy on the wallet.
Str8 Up Sk8 Shop
3117 Kentucky ave
Indianapolis,IN 46221
(317)-856-4164
Send Jason a letter! str8upsk8shop@yahoo.com
