Skateboard Magazine

Cab Clothing turns 10!

Interview with owners Aaron Kienle and Brennan Wiens

David Gonzalez

Reflects on his skate journey

Inspired by Kenny Anderson

www.converse.com/skateboarding

Contents Special Cabiversary Cab Clothing Interview Page 4

Then to Now

David Gonzalez Interview Page 9

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Special Cabiversary When took a trip to my Father and Stepmom’s place in a small city of Yorkton Saskatchewan in 2007, my stepmom said there was a skateshop in the town. I drove around the town and had no luck. What my stepmom forgot to tell me where it was located, and that location was at the Parkland Mall. The next spring I drove in, and walked into a small shop that was very welcoming, and made you feel like you were at home. But this is more than just a skateshop, this is Cab Clothing. We are going to see exactly how Cab Clothing became from an idea, into a stellar shop and business about to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary. So I decided to talk to the owners Aaron Kienle and Brennan Wiens about the world of Cab Clothing.

What got you guys into Cab Clothing?

Skateboarding and Snowboarding have been our passions since we were kids.

It was only a matter of time before we seized an oppourtunity and opened up a shop and tried to make our dreams come true.

What does the CAB stand for?

Cab officially stands for Clothing Accessories Boards. You may have heard otherwise and it may or may not be true.

How did you guys start?

We started in the fall of 2003 with all the money the three of us could find. We saw a future in selling quality name brand products in a city that at the time didnt have much to offer.

Was it tough for you to get this off the ground? If so, what were some of the biggest challenges?

All business are about risk and taking risk is very tough. One of our biggest challenges was learning how to manage and grow a business. The world doesnt really prepare you for becoming an entrepeneur so many many hours are spent learning and re-learning from your mistakes.

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Above and Below: Inside of the mall location in Yorkton.

Where is the original store located?

The original store is located in the Parkland Mall in Yorkton SK. Why did you build a second location in Yorkton?

As our business grew so did the demand for more product. As we brought in more product our mall store quickly ran out of room. We literally had product hanging from the ceiling.

Downtown Yorkton was developing back into a vibrant core after years of many empty spaces. We found a space in a 100 yr old heritage building that was being renovated and we quickly jumped on board as their anchor tenant.

“If someone is going to be representing our shops publically we want someone who reflects the image we try to portray.”

Aaron Kienle and Brennan Wiens What does Cab Clothing represent?

Cab represents so much more than a retail store. Stores like this offer a way of life. From action sports to street wear, the brands we offer represent the lifestyle that we want to live. With our industry growing so rapidly in the last 10 years we have become the premier place to buy quality name brand clothing that tells a story about who you are.

How many riders do you have on your team?

The Cab family team fluctuates all the time. Presently I’d say there are around 10 representing music, skateboarding, snowboarding and all around good people.

Above: The original store location of Cab Clothing at Parkland Mall in Yorkton.

What do you look for in someone before sponsoring them?

Attitude attitude attitude! If someone is going to be representing our shops publically we want someone who reflects the image we try to portray. Just being the best at something doesnt immidiatley qualify you to be on the team. Nobody likes an asshole.

What do you see is the biggest change from starting out to now?

The biggest change is how big and how many people have entered our market in the last few years. We have worked so hard to get our product out there into the market and it has really paid off. To see huge corporations come along and try and steal away all our hard work really sucks.

Story Continued on Page 8.

Above Right: Outside of the new location in downtown Yorkton.

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Special Cabiversary Continued from page 5 You guys played a critical part in building a new skatepark. What were the steps taken in order to have one?

The skatepark came about almost on pure luck. There were no magical steps. If it wasnt for a few key people wanting to enter the idea in the Aviva Community Fund contest we dont think a skatepark would have ever happened. Luckily the small skate community rallied and got the city behind voting for our entry and we eneded up winning $150,000.

The city had always told us that they would match whatever we raised, so they put forth another $150,000 and the province kicked in an additional $50,000. One year later and the skatepark is busier than ANY other public park in the whole city and gets used more than baseball diamonds, soccer fields, etc.

raisers, Golf Tournaments, etc. You name an event in the community and chances are Cab has contributed in some way.

We also have our yearly skateboard and snowboard events.

Does Cab Clothing have anything on the go?

We currently are just focusing on doing what we do to the best of our ability. We have learned some lessons in the past 10 years about stretching yourself to thin and if we want Cab to be here another 10 years we really need to focus on that.

What does Cab Clothing plan to do for the 10 year anniversary?

We do not currently have anything set in stone, but we have been talking for over a year about what we want to do. Everyone knows Cab loves to party so lets just say expect one of the biggest parties of the year.

Would you say after 10 that CAB is stronger than Oh most definetly!

Above left: Some shots of the new skatepark in Yorkton.

I understand that Cab Clothing has helped out within the community. What other events have you guys participated in?

Each year Cab donates thousands of dollars in products and prizing to local organizations. Skateboard and Snowboard events,Hockey, Baseball, Soccer, Steak Nights, Charity fund8

years, ever?

Then to now Ever since this fiesty Colombian joined forces with the mighty Flip Skateboards he has undoubtedly been their most lethal weapon. After an impressive apprenticeship, 2008 was the year that took David Gonzalez to full pro status on the team and deservedly so. We managed to grab some words with him in London ahead of Flip’s anticipated Extremely Sorry DVD scheduled for 2009 whilst Flip’s new ams look forward to catching him up…

What sort of set up were you riding back Welcome back, how did you find the UK then and how easy was it to get new boards? for skateboarding over the 2 visits?

I had an Alien Workshop board with no I love it, it’s tight here. nose or tail. I never had a new board as Do you enjoy the demos or do you feel it was always too expensive for me. The scene in Colombia is getting bigger all pressure to perform on the spot? the time and becoming pretty good. You No way, I enjoy doing them for sure. just have to go and see how it is.

You travel a lot but where in the world do you want to visit most?

Probably Africa.

What sort of person do you think you would be without skateboarding?

No idea but probably something pretty sketchy!

We have not seen anyone skate both park and rugged street spots with such ease and confidence since McCrank. Have you thought of moving to California with your family?

Where do you feel most comfortable?

No, I just visit and get down to business.

Both. I don’t care, it’s all skating to me.

What got you into skateboarding?

I just saw people in the neighbourhood skating and decided to try it out for myself. I was about 10 years old then in Colombia.

What kind of terrain was on offer to skate?

Street – that’s all we had.

Do you miss your friends when you go?

Fuck yeah, a lot.

How did you and Flip find each other?

Jeremy Fox saw a promo video of me and came down to Colombia to check me out.

Did other skate companies get involved and ask you to join their team?

Maybe, but I can’t remember as I couldn’t speak English back then.

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Did you feel any pressure being amongst the likes of Penny, Rowley, Appleyard and co, or was it just a good outlet for getting around and having some good times?

I was too young to feel any pressure back then so I was just chilling with the team.

Anything out there out that actually scares you?

I get scared flying and motorbikes scare me, but that’s about it.

As the deadline draws closer for the Extremely Sorry DVD would you say you are happy with what you’ve filmed so How do the new ams on the team see it? far?

They are care free just enjoying the Fuck yeah for sure! skating.

What should we be expecting from it?

You seem to have a very good mindset Well, you will have to wait and see! about turning pro. Do you feel, spiritually and physically that you were ready?

I never even thought about it. 2008 was a great year and it’s amazing that I made it to pro but I don’t feel it has changed my skating or personality in any way at all.

Can you see yourself cashing in on the mainstream of skateboarding?

No way fuck that shit i’m going to keep it real like proper skaters.

What are your 3 fave movies?

Cheech and Chong’s Still Smoking, Stir Crazy and Rambo.

Imagine five years into the future, filming for ‘Seriously, You Have No Idea How Sorry We Are‘, is coming to a close – How do you think your skating would have What other skaters do you personally see developed? as up and coming talent in skateboarding Who knows. I’m still young and too busy right now? enjoying life!

Louie Lopez, Luan De Oliviera and Curren Caples.

If you could pick 3 guests to skate in your part, who would they be and what tune …and influences? would you choose?

Geoff Rowley and John Cardiel.

My friend who died from Colombia, my Brother and Geoff. I would use ACDC for Do you see yourself being tempted by my music. the nightlife scene?

I don’t know, i’m not old enough to drink Last words… yet but for sure i’m going to go out now Thanks to everybody who has helped me and again. I’ve seen enough though to especially Crossfire for the Iron Maiden know not to become one of those crazy tickets last year. Bloody amazing, I’ve drunk guys. never been to a concert that big before!

All time skate movie?

Streets on Fire. (1989)

Above: David doing a lipslide Above Right: David with a big boardslide

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