Welcome to another week of Comacan questions, this week we are joined by a company who was the first to join our “Local and Small Batch” section on our website. Providing high quality unique stencil griptape was the beginning for this business, from there they evolved into griptape, t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, toques and clinch bags. Offering a variety of griptape to suit your setup no matter your style, were proud to share this week’s interview with MBS Griptape.
1. What does the name stand for?
So, the name originally (and technically still) stands for Matt Burley Stencils, as the business solely provided stencil-based artwork and grip. But I’ve heard some pretty hilarious guesses as to what MBS stands for, one of my personal favourites being “murder baby seals” (shout out Ryan Jessop for that gem).
Sidenote: MBS does not endorse the harm of baby seals. No seals were injured in the making of this interview. I promise.
2. Where are you based out of?
MBS is currently based out of Uxbridge, Ontario.
3. What products do you offer?
We primarily offer customized and pre-stenciled griptape, clothing, accessories (stickers, hats, ashtrays, etc.).
4. Where can people view your products?
You can find our products online at mbsgrips.bigcartel.com There may also be a few sheets of grip left at Switch Skate and Snow if you’re in the Ajax area.
5. Do you make custom pieces?
Yes! I definitely enjoy making custom pieces for people. It’s always interesting to see what ideas people come up with for a sticker or t-shirt. Shoot us a DM on Instagram @mbs.grips or send us an email at mbs.grips@hotmail.com (yeah, we’re old school).
6. How do you feel about working with local companies?
I’m always open to working with local companies. We’ve never done an official collaboration with a local business but if an opportunity ever presented itself then I’d potentially be open to something.
7. What is your dream with the business?
As corny as it sounds, I think it’d be really cool to run an ad in Thrasher one day. Thrasher is the bible to skaters so to see an MBS ad in there would be wild.
I’d also love to help my friends/team riders obtain new sponsors and give them something to look back on, whether it be memories or a video part, that they can be proud of.
8. What does skateboarding mean to you?
So, if you asked me a few years ago, I would have said that it’s a lifestyle that’s all about self-improvement (both health-wise and on the board) and working towards new goals. And there’s nothing wrong with skaters who share that opinion still. I just feel like there’s a little more to it.
My body isn’t as fresh as it was back then, and I don’t have the same time or energy to dedicate to skateboarding that I once did (this weird pandemic situation didn’t help much either). So now, I genuinely see it as a thing that I do out of passion. I love the feeling of pulling up to the skatepark or a spot with my friends. It’s something truly special that us skaters get to have to ourselves.
Also, even if it takes a few extra tries, it still feels really damn good to roll away from a snappy front-shuv.
9. Anything you’d like to add?
Despite the recent hiatus, we plan on releasing new gear soon! Thanks to everyone who has been asking about new products!
10. Anyone you’d like to thank?
A big thanks to my parents and family for always supporting my dreams, Shawn Fernandes for always putting his body on the line for a clip, Jacob Apps for his long-time support (congrats on the birth of your son!) Jesse Thellefsen for being the life of the party and all the regulars at the Uxbridge Park for putting up with over 8 years of bad grip tape jokes.
Also, a big thanks to everyone who has supported MBS over the years, whether it was a quick like on Instagram or a bulk purchase, I genuinely appreciate it all.
Also, thanks for the great questions, this was fun!