Hi Ryan, how are you today? Can you tell me a little about yourself and Workin’ Hard Hardware?
I am doing well! And I am a sixth grade teacher and skateboarder from Tempe, Arizona. Workin' Hard is a skate company that I started centralized around making high quality skateboards inspired by shapes from the past. I work full time aside from building boards and so do all my friends I skate with so the brand image plays off the average person just trying to squeeze a session in when they can.
What got you into building skateboards? How long have you been building?
I got into building boards mainly because I could not find what I wanted at shops so I decided to start making my own. I have been building for about two years now.
We love the unique shape of your boards! What inspires you to create your boards?
I appreciate it!! I mainly draw inspiration from old 80's boards. I am really fascinated by that time period of skating so I like to add my own take to some of the shapes I see in old videos and magazines.
Do you skate? How long have you been skating?
Yep I do! I have been skating for about 17 years now and still going strong.
How do you use Roarockit products in the making of your boards? How did you find out about us?
I use quite a few of them in my process! I began with using the TAP bags and foam molds for about the first year and a half for pressing my boards. I have since changed my pressing process but still use the Rockitruler, profile scraper, and veneer all from you guys. I found out about Roarockit through exploring Instagram and talking to other builders on there as well as through Youtube and just general internet browsing.
Any advice for aspiring board builders and woodworkers out there?
I would just say the willingness to try and experiment is everything (I think Professor Schmitt said something like that on a Nine Club episode which rings so true) Don't be afraid to fail and definitely don't be intimidated to reach out to other builders for advice. I wouldn't have had half the success I have had without some of the people I have reached out to. So I have to shout out Beau from Open Source Skateboards, Chris from Good Roads, Pete from Pete's Pigs, Rory from Rekindle Boards, and definitely you guys at Roarockit have been a huge help with answering questions. And everyone who has ever bought a board.
If people wanted to find out more about your boards. Where can they see your creations and contact you?
Definitely the best way is through Instagram @workinhardhardware. I pretty much do all my operating through there.
Thanks again for your time Ryan, any last words for the readers back home?
I would just say if you have any interest in making boards to go for it! If I can figure it out whoever is reading this can too haha. But thanks so much for the opportunity and all you guys do for the DIY community! I really appreciate it!
Taryn O'Grady,
Roarockit Skateboard Company