So I used to work for a clothing label that had a blog kinda like this one but more fancy looking. Anyway I was going camping in Tasmania and they asked me to do something for the blog so I decided it will be a great idea to interview my mate Jimmy. Unfortunatly it didn't make their blog but here it is so read it and weep.
Jimmy Mcmaken is like the Godfather of the skate scene in Tasmania and a genuinely top bloke. At his core he is a skater and that’s what makes Jimmys Skate and Street what it is, It more then just a store its a community. I had the chance to sit down with the man himself and try find out the secret behind his success.
Nelson
Who are you and what do you do?
Jimmy
My Name is Jimmy Mcmaken. I run Jimmys Skate and Street. Been a
skateboarder for twenty plus years and thats about it.
Nelson
How did you get started and what inspired you to open a skate shop?
Jimmy
Started skateboarding or started the skate shop?
Nelson
Started the skate shop
Jimmy
I had been working in the industry I guess for a fair few years just working
in a surf shop as the skate guy. Also working for snowboard companies.
I just saw a need for it I guess in Hobart. Like nobody was it. Surf shops
are ok but I don’t surf, skaters don’t surf you know so it just seemed like
it needed to be done. Where is was at the surf shop as well I was trying
to get better jobs and it hadn’t happened. In a way that was a blessing I
was kinda sick of what I was doing. Yeah so I just rolled the dice and luckily
so far it has worked out.
Nelson
How would you describe working in the skate industry and owning your own
store?
Jimmy
Best thing ever! Best thing I have ever done in my whole life. I did it just
kinda like stuff it somebody has got to do it and I was happy to eat rice
for awhile whatever you know and if it didn’t happen it didn’t happen.
Yeah its been five years and I’m surviving and yeah best thing ever.
The skateboard industry I just love it. Generally its just a big boys club
but in a good way. You know its skateboarding and if you down with that
and if your down with the cause then generally everyone seems to look
after each other which is what I’m all about.
Nelson
The skate industry seems to be recession proof cause I remember when
everyone was talking doom and gloom you opened another shop in
Launceston.
Jimmy
HAHA.. May not have been the best time to open a store but its all going
good, wouldn't say recession proof. I think we just for lack of a better word
have a “core” following. People just want to follow us we are in it for the
right reasons. And recession proof, I guess I’m just good at business..
Nelson
What are the benefits of being in Tasmania?
Jimmy
HMM.. Loyalty I think, crews just been amazing from day one.
I can’t believe it basically the loyalty from the skate community
and the wider community has just been insane. I think you get that
more in a smaller community like Tasmania. I have always like the
Tassie sceneyou know everyone, everyone looks out for each other.
There is no stupid clicks or this or that, You know this guy is with that
crew or whatever. It just seems to be skateboarding and looking after
each other.
Nelson
The Tassie scene seems to be getting alot more press thats got to be
good for business?
Jimmy
Yeah its been great for business, more people skateboarding more
coverage all that stuff. Its been awesome like ten years ago it would
have been lucky if anybody from Tassie got a shot in a mag. It was
lucky if anybody from Tassie was up to the standard of the rest of the
country. Now there is no doubting that there is plenty of rad skaters
that can hold their own and we have our own scene and our own right.
I’m really stoked with Tassie skating.
Nelson
Any shout outs to any young rippers coming up?
Jimmy
Yeah! All the crew I guess, like Ben Priseman and Levi Adams from
Hobart they kinda my boys. Up in Launceston Zane “No Brains” Brown
and Sunny, Just all the crew. The young crew down here seem to be
real rad and looking after each other. Yeah its all good.
Nelson
I always speak of the wonders of Tasmania but unfortunately it falls on
deaf ears. Can you explain to the mainlanders why they need to visit
this amazing place?
Jimmy
STUFF EM! HAHA.. Just leave it to us we real happy don’t tell anybody.
But at the same time yeah you all need to get down here. One its beautiful
tow skate wise its pretty untouched. You can come here and there is not a
trick list fifty tricks long on a rail you know. Its quiet its good but as I said
don’t come we don’t need you. If you haven’t figured out yet
don’t worry about it.
Nelson
What are the future plans for Jimmys Skate and Street
Jimmy
Like who knows I’m just stocked we still here. Yeah we opened another shop
a little while ago and its been amazing. Yeah just survive and keep on doing
what we have been doing and take over the world or not doesn't really matter
you know just have fun and whatever.
Nelson
Im done any last words?
Jimmy
Yeah keep on skateboarding.
P.S If you are ever in Hobart pop in and say gday you can find him at
120 Elizabeth St Hobart
P.P.S Dear Jimmy if you ever read this, We get hits NIGGA so yeah hook me up I'm a size 10, 31 - 32 waist, Size small to meduim when it comes to shirts and yeah I ride 8 inch skateboards indies will do.
