Welcome back to our fourth round of “Comacan Questions:”. We sat down with the man with a plan, a member of the skate community whose hard work reaches further then just those who skate but instead many people from Hamilton and beyond. He is the guy whose passion and love for skateboarding has spanned generations involving professionals, beginners and many people beyond the world of skateboarding, owner of a shop focussed on giving back to the community and the first shop to carry our skateboards when we started Comacan, here is Jason Dworsky, Owner of the Local Skateshop in Hamilton, Ontario.
1. What was the inspiration for naming the shop The local?
I wanted to create something that was welcoming to all. Skateshop’s that support their scene are referred to as “the local” by their supporters so it was a no brainer and smart marketing choice as well it just worked.
2. Why did you want to open your own shop?
It was something I always wanted to do since the first day stepped foot in a shop. I always worked at skate shop most my life and felt we could have a significant impact on our scene, and it’s done just that. We’re lucky to have the support we have and I’m very appreciative for that.
3. What do you like most about owning a shop?
I Like that we can make a direct impact on people’s lives, we are a part of so many things big and small. It’s a big payoff for us and hooking a kid up with his first board, that just never gets old.
4. How can people view available items?
Our website – www.thelocalskateshop.ca, our Instagram, through our Facebook, on Youtube, In store and curb-side pickup available at 101 John St S. Hamilton, ON
5. How has the pandemic effected business for you?
It has definitely hasn’t helped but it really just made us work hard and pivot many times, there has been a lot to overcome such as employees having to work from home product shortages and tons more.
6. What makes The Local special?
We just love skateboarding! If you have shopped at our place you know that we try our best to make your time spent in the shop the best that it can be and do our best to get you what you are looking for. The Local is for the people and we give back as much as we can. The idea is that The Local is everyone’s shop we all have a part in it and try to work with as many people as possible.
7. How do you feel about working with other local companies?
Working with other local brands is key to building your community.
8. What is your 5-year goal?
Well, we’ve been open for 7 years so I’ve surpassed those goals lol. Looking ahead, as for goals for 10 years, well I’d I told yea it would be a surprise.
9. What do you like most about the skate scene?
It’s always growing and changing, I’ve been skating over 25 years and I’ve been through so many waves of style, tricks, fashion and what brands are cool. Right now, I’m the most stoked on seeing all the styles at come out at once, the 80s style skaters, 90s style, earlier 2000s styles and the current style. It blows my mind to see all these different styles at once, I’m definitely a big fan and can’t forget the curb crunchers out there in full force. Like I said so sick to see and skateboarding is in a good place right now.
10. Anyone you’d like to thank?
Shout out to Will and Scot from Comacan for this interview they were good questions.
My dad, our whole team not just the riders but the filmers, the editors, the photographers and our printing crew for making rad gear.
Ashley as well for all the hard work and passion she puts into everything. Also, our scene and people who support us. Thank you for giving us the run we’ve had so far.