Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Swope.
Travis, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Two Felons Skate Shop has been a Whittier staple since May 29, 2004.
I’m the owner of Two Felons Skate Shop. Along with my older brother Brandon, AKA “Fat Boy” (He’s somewhat of a mascot more than a partner) we stumbled across the opportunity almost 16 years ago to open the doors of our own store. The World Famous Two Felons Skate Shop.
My Brother and I are former West LA street gang members. We left that life behind us many years ago, but our previously felony convictions were always tails that followed anywhere we’d go. In Spring of 2004 we had the opportunity to do our own thing and do it our way. Fearing the city would run a background check and discover our criminal records, I opted to put it all on the line and just call our shop “Two Felons Skateboard Company”.
Our younger years were spent rolling around LA on skateboards, before any legal troubles. Reminiscing on our past we knew it had to be a skateboard shop.
The goal was to open a shop where hopefully we could earn a living while also providing a safe haven for the local kids where at least during business hours, they would be off the streets and out of trouble.
Fast forward to 2020, we are still here and our family has grown! Family owned and operated and as each year passes we add new friends and family to the TFS list.
We know our shop has a rough edge, and we and our customers are OK with that.
The formula has been and will always be, good customer service, good pricing, no pressure sales, and plan to stay awhile because we like to hang out and talk to our customers.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s taken 16 years to be an overnight success. The name “Two Felons” has always been a make you or break your obstacle and that alone has kept some people from crossing the threshold of our doorway.
We have had our share of hurdles to get where we are.
Multiple break-ins over the years have slowed us down. The economy crashing in ’08 put us tens of thousands in the hole in which we are still catching up.
Personally, I’ve had two motorcycle accidents that kept me from running the shop to its full capability. As well, My Brother Brandon “Fat Boy” once contracted a flesh eating bacteria that hospitalized him for months and kept him from helping out for half a year.
It’s been a rough road the whole time, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
I really believe, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger” and we are Strong!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Two Felons Skate Shop – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
We are considered one of the top skateboard shops on the West Coast. Specializing in anything wood and wheels.
Globally, our house brand “Two Felons” is known and respected worldwide. We have visitors from across the globe that use our little skate shop as a destination location when traveling.
To this day, I’m excited for anyone new to enter the shop, but especially when I hear a rich accent or even the few that may not speak any English at all. Through google translator, we’ve been successful at navigating the language barrier and have created some pretty rad friendships throughout the world.
The day we opened the doors, I never would have believed that a couple of overweight ex gang members would be accepted and appreciated by so many people.
I am most proud that we have never chased current trends. We sell what we like and support the brands that support us in return.
Support Your Local Skate Shop
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am happy with the success we have attained. If respect and admiration was dollars, I’d be a wealthy man.
However, What is lacking in my bank account can’t compare to how rich I am in relationships with our community.
I have no future plans. Here at Two Felons Skate Shop, We make it one day at a time and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Address: Two Felons Skate Shop
14125 LAMBERT RD
Whittier, CA. 90605 - Website: twofelons.com
- Phone: 5626988199
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/twofelons
- Facebook: facebook.com/twofelons
- Twitter: twitter.com/twofelons
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.m/biz/two-felons-skate-shop-whittier
Image Credit:
James Alvidrez (IG @billieth3kid) Travis Swope (IG @twofelons)
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