Tell us about how you got into skateboarding?
I got interested in skating just from seeing kids doing it in Elementary school. It fascinated me and I played soccer/ had good foot coordination so I figured I might be decent at it. So, on my 10th birthday, I asked for a skateboard, my grandpa bought me one from Sport Chalet. Ran that and some airwalk shoes for a couple of months then found out about real skateboard companies, videos, pros, etc. through the network of skate homies I had developed.
How did you come up with the name, Keen Ramps?
My last name is Keen, and my company builds skateboard ramps ha-ha
Is it hard to build a team? What does it take to be part of your team?
Finding the right people to represent your brand, be hard-working, dedicated, etc. is a big challenge in running any kind of company. Whether they ride for you (aka is sponsored) or work for you. I think the most important thing I’ve learned from the process is that you must establish a strong internal culture and develop a sense of belonging and/or family. Your vibe attracts your tribe! Expel good energy into the world and you’ll get rewarded with solid individuals by your side. When we hire new guys whether they’re building or behind the scenes, attitude is everything. Optimistic, self-motivated, team players! If everyone is on that page, we’re in good shape.
With the industry being flooded with new pros that we never heard of from smaller brands. What’s your opinion on that?
I think it’s sick! Skateboarding is an art form, you should be able to express yourself in any way you see fit. Making a company work and have a sustainable/ long-lasting biz model within the realm of the skate is super fucking hard! So, if you’ve got the dedication and perseverance to make it work more power to you! There’s something out there and a market for anything. Nobody should be shitting on the little guys for supporting skaters and putting their name on a board.
What makes Keen Ramps different than other brands out there?
Our entire squad skates and are all obsessed with the skateboarding subculture. We treat every job whether it’s pro-bono or a high paying client we make sure we give it our all. We’re here to put smiles on kids’ (and adults) faces and genuinely care about the stuff that leaves our shop. We’re here for skateboarding and anybody who’s down with skating. Anytime opportunities to support good causes or a local skate scene pop up we almost always jump on it! Integrity is everything.
Do you or do you have someone come up with the ramp designs for Keen Ramps?
I’ve come up with the bulk of them. Like with our quarter pipes, I’ve tried several different transition radiuses/ methods of mounting the coping/ etc. With various signature and/or obscure obstacles that we’ve made like Jordan Maxham’s Build A Bar set, we get as much input on the design from the skater(s) as possible. We’ve got a curb line coming out that features various obstacles all with recycled plastic parking blocks incorporated, for the designs of those I came up with the initial testers and then we’ll skate them a couple of times with some skaters to fine-tune the specifications.
Do you think it’s hard to get your brand out-there compare to some brand from Cali?
I was fortunate enough to grow up in California. I’m from a City called Bellflower which is just north of Long Beach. Being in CA for our product is ideal since there’s a big market here for skateboarding.
Let’s say: I’m a shop owner, you come to my shop & you want me to carry your brand. How would you get me to carry Keen Ramps in my store?
We’d hook you up with one of our smaller obstacles for free to have at the shop in exchange for making an order with us, let you know approx. how many units we think you’ll move, and offer to help support any events you have planned (i.e. if a shop does a 4th of July BBQ and they carry our stuff then we’d bring some extra obstacles to make the demo or whatever the event is that much better)
What is Cory Keen’s day like?
Wake up at 6 am, hit the shop at 7:30 am, check-in with the guys, maybe handle a couple calls or an offsite meeting, or if there’s a local install I’ll pop over and lend a hand, the latter part of the day is usually spent at the shop until 5 or 6 pm then I’ll head home and have dinner with my lady followed by some TV and computer work till bed.
Thank you for talking with us & wish you the best of luck with Keen Ramps. Is there anything you want to say to someone that wants to start their own brand?
If you’re going to do your own brand by 110% in. Eat, live, and breathe it (especially the first 5 years). Don’t doubt yourself and be unapologetic in your decision making while having an open mind. Be a nice fucking human being and network as much as you can.
