We were lucky to catch up with Robby Hargreaves recently and have shared our conversation below.

Robby, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In my eyes, success takes determination, grit, and the courage to keep going—especially when things don’t go as planned. It’s about being willing to fall, fail, and get back up again—over and over—without losing sight of why you started in the first place.
For me, true success isn’t just measured by money or recognition. I believe the highest form of success is when you can take something you’re deeply passionate about and turn it into a way of life—a way to make a living and give back to others through that passion. That’s what I’ve tried to build through skateboarding, and it hasn’t always been easy.

I’ve faced my share of setbacks—both personally and professionally. From battling cancer as a child to launching a skate shop in a small town without an established skate scene, there were plenty of times where quitting might have seemed easier. But every challenge helped sharpen my sense of purpose. Each time I got knocked down, I reminded myself why I started: to share the joy and freedom of skateboarding, especially with kids who need it most.

One story that stands out is when I first started hosting skate camps years ago. I didn’t have much—just a few ramps, a passion for teaching, and a lot of faith. There were days I showed up to teach and only one or two kids would come. But instead of giving up, I doubled down. I talked to parents, showed up consistently, and gave each child everything I had. Over time, those small beginnings grew into something meaningful, and now I get to teach kids year-round through structured lessons, camps, and clinics.

The lesson I’ve learned is this: Success isn’t about never falling—it’s about learning how to fall, and more importantly, how to get back up. That resilience, combined with purpose and passion, is what keeps me moving forward and helping others do the same.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Robby Hargreaves. I’m a professional skateboarder, coach, and the owner of Solvang Skate Shop in Solvang, California. I’m also the founder of Skating For Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the joy and healing power of skateboarding to kids and families affected by cancer.

My path to where I am today has been anything but ordinary. As a child, I battled cancer and was told I likely wouldn’t live past my sixth birthday. My father was in the military, so we moved around a lot, and skateboarding quickly became my anchor. It was more than a sport—it was freedom, creativity, community, and survival. Now, at 37 (soon to be 38), I’ve been skateboarding for nearly 30 years, and I’ve turned my lifelong passion into a mission-driven business and lifestyle.

Building the Dream
Owning a skate shop was a childhood dream. I’ve been running my own skate camps and coaching for about 20 years, so when the opportunity came to open Solvang Skate Shop, it felt like the perfect way to combine my experience in the industry with my deep love for teaching and mentoring.

We offer quality skateboards and equipment, private lessons, camps and clinics, and community events throughout Solvang and the surrounding cities. Whether it’s someone picking out their very first board or a seasoned skater looking for their next setup, I love guiding people through the process and helping them feel connected to skateboarding culture.
More Than a Shop — A Community Hub

Solvang doesn’t have a large skate scene—yet. That’s something I’m actively working to change. I see the shop as more than a retail space; it’s a safe, welcoming space for people who are looking for community, creativity, and belonging. A lot of kids and teens feel like they don’t quite fit into traditional sports or social scenes, and skateboarding gives them a way to express themselves and connect with others.

I’m also an advocate for better skateparks and public spaces. I work with local governments to bridge the gap between city leadership and the skating community, helping push for inclusive, safe parks that support all-wheel sports—skateboards, scooters, BMX, you name it.

Skating For Hope: Turning Pain Into Purpose
One of the things I’m most proud of is my nonprofit, Skating For Hope. Having survived cancer myself, I know how tough it is—not just for the kids, but for the entire family. Through Skating For Hope, I share skateboarding with kids who are either going through treatment or have family members who are. It’s about giving them an outlet, a spark of joy, and a sense of hope during some of the darkest times.

What I Want People to Know
At the end of the day, I’m just someone who fell in love with skateboarding as an 8-year-old and never let go. Now, I get to share that love with others, and that’s a blessing I don’t take for granted. Whether you’re brand new to skating, a lifelong shredder, or a parent looking to support your kid’s passion, I want you to know: you belong here.
Solvang Skate Shop isn’t just about boards—it’s about people, purpose, and building something real through the power of skateboarding.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

One of my favorite marketing moments happened on the 4th of July during the Solvang parade. I wanted to do something memorable to promote Solvang Skate Shop and really connect with the community. So, I decided to take a big risk and pull off a live stunt right in the middle of the parade route.

I set up a jump ramp and, right in front of the crowd and the parade announcer, I jumped over the mayor of Solvang on my skateboard. As I soared over him, the announcer was calling out my name and the name of my business, introducing Solvang Skate Shop to everyone watching.

It was nerve-wracking — there was a lot on the line. If I messed up, it could have been embarrassing or even dangerous. But when I landed cleanly and the crowd erupted with cheers, I felt this huge rush of adrenaline and pride. That moment instantly created buzz around the shop. People remembered us, talked about it for weeks, and many came by afterward just to say they saw the jump.

That stunt taught me the power of bold marketing — when you combine passion with a little bit of risk, it can pay off in unforgettable ways. It’s also a reminder that sometimes, you have to step outside your comfort zone to truly connect and make an impact.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe what helped me build my reputation in the market/community is being honest and transparent with people and always putting the customer first. Whether someone is buying their first skateboard or a seasoned rider is looking for gear, I make sure they feel valued and heard.

I’ve also worked hard to create a store environment that’s welcoming to everyone, not just skateboarders. We want families, kids, and community members from all walks of life to feel comfortable coming in, asking questions, and getting involved.

Beyond the shop, I’ve built strong relationships by engaging with local schools, churches, and community organizations. By being active in the community and offering programs and events, we’ve become more than a business—we’re a trusted, positive force that supports and uplifts local youth and families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://solvangskateshop.com
• Instagram: @robbyhargreaves @solvangskateshop
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@solvangskateshop

Image Credits

Photos Bob Hargreaves; Mike Kotowski; Barrett Colvin