Welcome back to another week of Comacan questions, this weekend we are heading into Canadian thanksgiving and we are proud to share an interview with some of our friends right up here in Canada. These friends of ours, another great Canadian business, produce a fine selection of high-quality soft goods, also carrying some decks as well. Spanning over a decade now this brand has brought a wide selection of product, including various graphics, to customers through their own website and local skate shops. We are proud to share this week’s interview with Yokohi Calver, owner of 66thieves.
1. How did you come up with the name 66 Thieves?
The number 66 came from the old location of the very first shop sponsorship I had. As a young skater I was just a number to society and was treated like a thief. So why not mix the two worlds and 66 Thieves came to life.
2. Where are you based out of?
We are currently based out of The Kawartha Lakes / Peterborough. I Came from a small town named Lindsay, Ontario.
3. How long have you been operating?
The brand has been running since 2010.
4. Where can people view your products?
All products can be viewed on our website. For an in person experience you can find our product located in several stores across Ontario and a shop out west in Cranbrook BC. List of store names and locations are on our website www.66thieves.ca
5. How can people contact you?
We can be contacted through any of our social media accounts (Instagram and Facebook) along with our email that is connected to the website the email is 66thievessalesinfo@gmail.com
6. Do you have a team?
Yes, we have an established skateboard team with flow and AM riders, along with sponsoring a few snowboarders. We have a few different categories we want to look at to expand the brand in the future. We want to be able to sponsor more kids, so they can build their passion in whatever their sport is.
7. How do you feel about working with local shops and companies?
Love it, I love having a local brand and working within my community. Working with local companies brings more business to our community and builds a better future for everyone. My goal is to open my own shop in the future so that I can hand the company down to my son one day.
8. What is your favorite part of owning a business?
Creating something that everyone can enjoy. I enjoy throwing skateboard events for kids and trying to help my community grow. Over the last 2 years it has been hard not having skateboard events due to COVID, but in the future I hope that we can get back to social events and have some fun again.
9. What is your dream with the business?
To have my own shop where I can expand and be able to support more kids that have the same passion for skateboarding like I did as a kid.
10. What does skateboarding mean to you?
Skateboarding is my passion, it’s my life! Everything I have ever known was around skateboarding. Growing up I didn’t have much, my grandmother got me my first board, that paved the way to who I am now. One day I hope to pass on the same knowledge I have to my son and others. I have run a program in my spare time since 2006 during the summers called C.S.O.S (Coys school of skate). I teach kids the basic knowledge of skateboarding. My passion is to help and teach everything I have learned over the 25 years so far I have been skateboarding.
11. What is your favorite memory while owning 66Thieves?
My favorite memory was when we grew from being an at home local brand, to being asked to have our clothing in a skate shop. From that day on we have continued to excel and secure spots in several stores across Canada, with hopes to be in more stores to come.
12. Anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my Skateboard team past, present, and future riders. I would also like to thank my Filmer and graphic designers who I have been working closely with, thank you for bringing my ideas and designs to life. Thanks to all the shops that took the leap of faith to carry our brand. Lastly, I would like to thank my family for always supporting me whenever I need to bounce ideas around.