Name shop: The Boarding House
Location: Exeter, Devon, U.K.
Years in business: 34
Employees: Me and assorted part-timers
What was the reason for you to start a BMX shop?
The Boarding House: The shop had been here since 1984 (called BMX Superstore), in 1997 I had the opportunity to take over from the previous owner. Having mainly worked in the skate-surf industry before, it was an easy transition to run a shop, I had experience working in skateshops before, so, just right place, right time, to carry on working in something I loved.
Name shop: Groundedbmx
Location: Ninove
Years in business: 8
Employees: 2 sometimes 3
What was the reason for you to start a BMX shop?
Groundedbmx: I always knew I wanted to run my own company. Since my head is always full of ideas I talked to a friend of mine who has owned multiple businesses to figure out what Idea I should pursue. He told me to only go for the one I’m most passionate about. So, that was BMX :), a no brainer.
What was your first location like?
Groundedbmx: I started Grounded as an online store but soon had customers picking up parts in my bedroom which turned into a stockroom pretty quickly.
How did your first year turn out?
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.