Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Robeson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Charles. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Raid SB started as a one-off project of a custom skateboard design of 25 decks. Once we had them in and we released them, they flew off the shelf. I wasn’t prepared for the response we got. We decided to take preorders for more decks and sold over 100 skateboards in just a couple of days.
We had designs and the beginning of a brand, what we needed was a purpose, what we needed was a mission. I personally have always used skateboarding as a form of therapy. Even something as simple as rolling down the boardwalk in Mission Beach, I found therapeutic. We knew what our mission would be skate therapy.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has and continues to be a rough road. Our biggest struggles were figuring out production and marketing. It took us some time to find reliable manufacture that produced high-quality products. Now we are facing the challenge of getting into large distributors. Were persistent and kept bothering them until they let us in.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As a veteran business PTSD is very real to us. Our mission is to help others who battle depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health issues with skateboarding.
Fast forward to today, just under a year old and we have become a recognizes name in the veteran skateboard community. We began an effort we call “The Less Violent Project”, a platform for veteran skateboarders to tell their story of their skate therapy journey. Currently fundraising for “The Less Violent Project” documentary. We make skateboards with designs that are familiar to veterans. Firearms and equipment that military veterans know. We like bright colors and an artistic approach to design.
I’m most proud of the fact that we have come so far with just the support of our customers and knowledge from the mistake we’ve made.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
San Diego is the perfect place for a skateboard company. I mean Southern California is the birthplace of skateboarding.
Pricing:
- Custom one-of-a-kind skateboards starting at $125
- Decks begin at $50
Contact Info:
- Website: www.raidsb.com
- Phone: 619-884-8082
- Email: info@raidsb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raidskateboard/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raidskateboards/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/sb_raid?lang=en
Image Credit:
Raid SB
Charles Robeson
Nick Betts
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
