Today we’d like to introduce you to Cory Keen.
Cory, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since the age of 10, I’ve been obsessed with skateboarding. Coupled with that my dad is a super handy dude so I learned a lot from him and always had access to just about any tool you can imagine. That being said I built several ramps/ obstacles as a kid (grind box out of the old cabinets when my parents remodeled the kitchen, benches, weldless rails, a launch ramp, and a handful of quarter pipes) as well as a mini ramp for my garage while I was in college.
I’ve been skating now for 20 years and never really thought much of the occasional ramp building I would do. In 2012, I built a quarter pipe for my ex-girlfriend’s nephew’s birthday. Everyone thought it looked professionally built and suggested I start selling ramps. From here I figured people like my work, it’s fun, and is a great way to pass on my passion for skateboarding so why not start a little business. It was all pretty organic. I couldn’t be more grateful for the way it all went down.
Has it been a smooth road?
Like most small businesses starting up, it’s been a wild ride. I’ve learned tons along the way (a lot the hard way), like having a solid general liability policy/shopping around for Workman’s comp and Commercial Auto Insurance/ finding a balance between what a friend vs. employee is/creating an identity for the brand/ and much much more.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Keen Ramps has rapidly developed an undeniable reputation for having the most rigid and fine-tuned action sports equipment on the market. The company is skater owned and we put the concern of fellow riders first. We offer all varieties of action sports obstacles such as mini half pipes/quarter pipes/boxes/rails, custom designs, rental services, and even contest and demo coordination services.
While the bottom line is important, it’s not what dictates how the business operates. We want our obstacles to last and be the ideal specifications for a variety of skill levels. I (Cory Keen) am most proud of the fact that our product is repeatedly a kid’s favorite Christmas or Birthday gift they receive. Some of the reactions we’ve seen upon installing or delivering a ramp are the most genuine/ heartwarming responses I’ve ever seen in my life. I still can’t believe how many kids we stoke out on a daily basis.
What sets up apart from others is that Keen Ramps is skater built, owned, and operated. Every obstacle has been meticulously tested by the owner and Professional skateboarders. We’re here to put smiles on families’ faces. We want everyone to #buildandenjoy.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Long Beach is the best place in the world for Keen Ramps to operate. It’s got tons of skate parks, shops, professional skaters residing in the City, and even quite a few local businesses owned by skateboarders. It’s also extremely diverse as well as socially and ecologically conscience.
I would definitely recommend Long Beach as a great place to start up a business.
Pricing:
- 2’x4′ Quarter Pipe (#1 selling obstacle): $349 w/ free shipping in the U.S.
- 7′ Adjustable Round Rail: $269
- Kicker Ramp: $199
- 2’x8′ Mini Half Pipe: $1,629
- 3.5’x8′ Mini Half Pipe: $1,879
Contact Info:
- Address: 3914 Cherry Ave Unit D
Long Beach, CA 90807 - Website: www.keenramps.com
- Phone: 855.SK8.RAMP
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenramps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keenramps
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/keen-ramps-long-beach
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