Innovation

Evan turned a passion into a living. He grew up skateboarding his whole life, and wanted to share his passion with others. That is how Shred.co was created. Instead of succumbing into corporate America, Evan wanted to make a meaningful impact, so he took a risk and started his own skateboard company after graduating college. “I graduated St. John’s with a marketing major but I then thought to myself, I really don’t wanna do this. I wanted to keep skateboarding in my life but yet make a meaningful impact on society.”

Rather than being another skateboard institution, Evan wanted to think bigger. He didn’t want to just help customers that wanted to learn how to skate, he wanted to help those who may never get the opportunity to be exposed to skateboarding. To achieve this goal, he created instructional lessons, municipal programs, after-school enrichment programs, participated in global summits, launched campaigns to donate boards, and much more! Shred.co focuses on improving physical, mental, and social-emotional wellbeing on a local and global scale through skateboarding.

Inspiration

Evan created Shred.Co as a skateboarding instructional program. He grew up skateboarding throughout his life and wanted others to enjoy his happiness . His mission was to improve physical, mental and social-emotional wellbeing on both a local and global scale. Overall, he wanted to give everyone of any age a chance to breathe and relax and put their worries aside. No matter how much knowledge or skill you had within skateboarding, Evan still welcomes anybody with open arms. He sees skateboarding as a great physical activity that gets people outside to let their creativity flourish. “I work with kids, adults and people who want to learn more about skateboarding with classes, programs and camps to share my passion of skateboarding with others.” He also wants people to understand how skateboarding provides for an improvement in balance and coordination whilst burning calories and strengthening muscles.

Overall impact

One of Evan’s main reasons to start Shred.Co was to help others that did not have enough exposure to skateboarding. A perfect example was his trip to Johannesburg, South Africa. In October 2019, Shred.Co was blessed with the invitation to attend The Goodpush Summit for Social Skateboarding in Johannesburg, South Africa. They talked with other participants and hosts about their organizations and how they use skateboarding as a tool for social change. They highlighted the importance of empowering the youth, girls and women alike, all through skateboarding. “We are not just providing skateboarding as a sport. We want kids to be engaged, active and most importantly introducing kids to other kids so they could make friends.” During their time in South Africa, they built lifelong friendships with a diverse group of passionate, devoted, and socially conscious skateboarders and even managed to do some skateboarding together as a group.

Within Shred.Co, there are many impacts on society. A key aspect that Evan touched upon was that skateboarding can let others and yourself be as creative as you may want to be. Within skateboarding, it fosters a sense of community among skateboarders, promotes physical activity, and can be a form of self-expression.

Skateboarding can also be environmentally friendly in several ways. First, it’s a sustainable mode of transportation, reducing the reliance on motorized vehicles and lowering carbon emissions. Skateboarders often choose eco-friendly materials for their boards, promoting sustainability in manufacturing. Moreover, the development of skate parks can repurpose underutilized spaces, contributing to urban renewal and reducing the need for additional construction.

Evan talked about how he wants skateboarding to be a stress free experience for everybody. In the short term, he sees skateboarding having positive effects on both physical and mental well-being. Physically, it provides a full-body workout, improving balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Mentally, it offers a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence as skaters learn and master new tricks. “Skateboarding also teaches determination… setting your mind to setting goals and being able to accomplish them." An important term effect that was touched upon are the relationships you create. Within the skateboarding culture, it leads to long lasting friendships and support networks. Evan works with people of all ages so it is very easy for him to interact and meet their needs. He shows that apart from being a skateboarder, he is also a friend you can always count on.

During March 2019, Evan and his team were authorized to travel to Cuba through the organization Cubaskate. They had brought along dozens of skateboard parts, shoes and clothes to provide to the skaters of Cuba. Due to Cuba's government, skateboard shops are prohibited in the country so all of the skaters must rely on outside donations for new skateboards, shoes and equipment. With the help of Shred.Co, the skaters in Cuba were once again on their way once again.

Business benefit

Shred.Co has harnessed the power of skateboarding as an instructional program to foster physical, mental, and social-emotional wellbeing. By providing a platform for individuals of all ages to immerse themselves in the joy of skateboarding, Evan aimed to create a global community that transcends boundaries. The innovation lies in Shred.Co's unique approach of not only teaching skateboarding skills but also contributing to various communities worldwide.

The business's commitment to giving back has had profound impacts. Shred.Co has not only empowered the youth with skateboarding skills but has also become a catalyst for positive change. Because the business actively contributes to communities, it has not only created a sense of purpose for its employees but has also strengthened its connection with the global market. The revenue generated by Shred.Co has not only sustained the business but has become a tool for social impact. The act of teaching skateboarding transcends a mere recreational activity; it becomes a means for community building, fostering creativity, and promoting physical fitness.

As a result of Shred.Co's innovative approach, the business has experienced increased retention, attracting more participants eager to be a part of a movement that extends beyond the sport itself. The revenue raised by Shred.Co has opened new avenues for investment opportunities, allowing the business to expand its reach and impact. Through teaching skateboarding, Shred.Co has inadvertently opened new markets, tapping into the universal appeal of the sport and its transformative potential. Because the business prioritizes community engagement and social impact, it has not only thrived financially but has also become a beacon for holistic wellbeing and positive change in diverse communities globally.

Social and environmental benefit

Shred.Co's innovative approach to teaching skateboarding goes beyond individual skill development; it extends its positive impact to society and the environment. The "who" in this equation is not just the individuals learning to skateboard but the broader communities that benefit from the company's commitment to social responsibility. The inclusive nature of Shred.Co, welcoming participants of all ages and skill levels, contributes to a more connected and supportive society. By fostering a sense of community through skateboarding, Shred.Co addresses social issues such as isolation and provides a platform for diverse individuals to come together, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity.

The Goodpush Summit for Social Skateboarding in Johannesburg, South Africa brought together 25 skateboarders from around the world, running social skateboard organizations. Through presentations and discussions, Shred.Co learned valuable insights on starting and running social skate programs, child safety, mental health, and more. This collaborative environment resulted in the initiation of the Spread the Shred Board Drive, a campaign during the 2019 holiday season to collect skateboard equipment for social skateboard projects in three African nations. The generous response from skateboarders and companies in Northern New Jersey allowed Shred.Co to assemble and send 60 skateboards to Zambia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa, addressing the challenges of acquiring equipment in remote regions.

Shred.Co's global outreach extends beyond Africa. The company has engaged with skateboard communities in Cuba and Nicaragua, providing essential equipment and support. In Cuba, where skateboard shops are prohibited, Shred.Co delivered skateboard parts, shoes, and clothes to passionate skaters. The company's involvement with GLOBE in Nicaragua led to the donation of four skateboards to schools and youth organizations, offering basic skateboard training alongside. The impact is not merely material; it is seen in stories like that of Margarita and Marcelo in Nicaragua, where a skateboard from Skate. Now brought joy and distraction to a young boy, benefiting both him and his mother.

On the home front, Shred.Co-collaborates with organizations like Freedom NJ, Boards for Bros, and Big Brother Big Sister to host skateboard clinics and board donations for disadvantaged youth in Trenton, New Jersey. Additionally, the company sponsors Freedom NJ's indoor skatepark, contributing to the local community's well-being. The outreach extends to foster care centers, where Shred.Co's skateboarding demonstrations not only entertain but also inspire and empower children. These initiatives showcase how Shred.Co's innovation in skateboarding instruction goes beyond teaching tricks—it creates positive social and environmental impacts on a global scale, fostering community, empowerment, and well-being.

Interview

Evan Dittig, Founder

Watch video on YouTube