Welcome back to “Comacan Questions:”
Today we have Kris, an absolute powerhouse and hustler in the skateboarding world. A well-known name and face not only around Oshawa, Ontario but internationally with his products reaching countries all over the world. This is Kris, Owner of Progression Skateboard Co.
1. How did Progression Skateboard Co. get its name?
When I was thinking of starting my own brand, I took a really long time thinking of a name that held some weight, a name that had some meaning, something that many people (including myself) could relate to in Skateboarding. I ended up coming up with Progression Skateboard Co. And as soon as I said the name out loud, I knew that is what I wanted to roll with. Everybody who has skated for a long period of time, whether it be days, weeks, months, or years, eventually progresses. Progression is a huge part in Skateboarding, and it is something we can all look back on about ourselves like “Ah I remember when I was just learning that, now I have that trick pretty much down!”.
2. Why did you start your own business?
I wanted to start my own company because in High School we had this Urban Art class which was heavily focused on Graffiti and Street Art. At the end of the year, we could design our own Skateboard Company for the final project, and we ended up getting to make T-Shirts and Skateboards. Throughout high school I ended up taking that class literally I think 5 or 6 times because it was just so amazing. A lot of the inspiration behind Progression Skateboard Co. Without a doubt comes from Urban Art. Huge shout out to Ms. Wyatt!
3. When did you start Progression?
I started Progression Skateboard Co. June 12th, 2018.
4. Has Oshawa always been home for Progression?
Progression Skateboard Co. Was founded and currently still operates out of Oshawa, Ontario. However, we do business internationally.
5. Where are your products available?
You can find my products on www.progressionskateboardco.ca or, if you are in the Cranbrook British Columbia area, you can visit BonezCrew Skate Co. Inc. And get some of my gear from their shop in person or online at bonezcrew-skate-co-inc.shoplightspeed.com!
6. How can people contact Progression?
People can simply message me on my Facebook/Instagram pages (FB: Progression Skateboard Co. | IG: @Progressionskateboardco) or send me an email at Progressionskateco@gmail.com
7. How has the pandemic affected business for you?
The pandemic hasn’t really affected my business too hard, but business has definitely slowed down because of it. People have to prioritize their money in a time like this, so I don’t blame them. There are a few individuals who have heavily supported throughout the pandemic though, and from the bottom of my heart thank you. You know who you are!
8. How do you feel about working with other local companies?
I haven’t really worked with any local companies, although I would love to join forces with other hard working Skateboard brands. In the past I have worked with Drop Magazine based out of Toronto, Ontario and Onyx a multi-platinum record selling Hip Hop group that originated from South Jamaica Queens, New York. If you are reading this and would like to collab, hit me up!
9. What drives you to run Progression?
Certainly, the love from the community. The community really inspires me and pushes me to keep making moves. However, my biggest motivation in life would have to be a comedian named Joey Diaz. I have spoken with him on numerous occasions, listened to his stand-up sets and podcasts for a very long time now and he is probably the most genuine people walking this planet. He reflects on his struggles and what he went through to get to where he is today and he gives it to you how it is, no sugar-coated bullshit. Just hardcore truth. I am also big fans of Wade DesArmo and Neen Williams, both who I have also spoken to on many different occasions. They are very positive minded people, and they push healthy living so much on their Instagram and it really keeps me pushing myself to follow that same lifestyle. Shoutout to them!
10. What is your 5-year goal?
I don’t really like thinking long term because things change all the time. However, I plan on continuing to grow my social media and make as many people as possible aware of Progression Skateboard Co. As possible. I would like to get my product into more shops. I also plan on moving to Florida eventually. Regardless of whether I move there or not, when I go back to visit, I will be working with Boards for Bros and giving a bunch of Skateboards and other gear to some of the locals. I would also love to work with Skatepark of Tampa at some point.
11. What’s your dream with the business?
My ultimate dream is to be an established name in the industry. I want to sponsor big events, do huge giveaways, continue selling high quality product, build a team, that kind of stuff. When contests end up happening again, you can guarantee I will be sponsoring some and having some product giveaways. I was talking with Brian Schaefer (Owner of Skatepark of Tampa) and we were discussing me sponsoring the Tampa Pro event, but I don’t think it will be happening this year. Whenever the next Tampa Pro contest is, I will probably be one of the sponsors for the event which I am stoked about.
12. Anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents first and foremost for their constant support towards me and my dreams, I would like to give a shout out to Brian Schaefer and Paul Zitzer. Huge shout out to everybody who supports me whether it’s my co-workers, locals at the Skatepark, homies from across the world, etc. I would like to give a shoutout to Rick Molina for his support, Wade and Neen for motivating me to keep a healthy lifestyle, Ms. Wyatt for years of great times in Urban Art, BonezCrew Skate Co. Inc. For having me included in their shop and on their sign out front of the store, and most importantly big ups to CoMaCan Skateboards for doing this interview!