Canadian Roll Spotlight

I recently got a chance to get in contact with Leon Basin, the owner of Shop-Task, which is one of Canada few rolling shops, and ask him a couple of questions about his life, business, and rolling in general. I was really excited to do this interview, because Shop-Task was one of the main supporters of Canadian Roll right from the beginning, and Leon always had insightful ideas or responses about rolling that opened my eyes on a lot of issues. Also, Leon is just a generally nice person that won’t hesitate to help a fellow roller or promote Canadian skating to its fullest. I highly suggest that people check out the Shop-Task’s website at http://www.shop-task.com/ or go by the messageboard, which can be found HERE.

1. C-Roll: You recently opened up the online shop, have you noticed any major changes from how you were running Shop-Task before ?

Leon Basin: Now with an online shop, inventory has to be accurate for customers to browse. The website took Shop-task to the next level. It is a lot more organized and professional than before.

2. C-Roll: With the opening of the online store, how have sales been ?

Leon Basin: Sales have been great and getting better every month. Being online helped out a lot in reaching new kids that are just starting out and skaters all across Canada.

3. C-Roll: How much work goes into running the shop and having a life outside of rollerblading ?

Leon Basin: My life is rollerblading. All my time goes to running the shop. I’m always making orders, updating the site, shipping packages and talking to customers. Even on my free time when I’m skating/filming and touring, I’m promoting my shop.

4. C-Roll: Are there any promotions or tours planned in the near future ?

Leon Basin: This summer I went on two tours. I drove across western Canada to Calgary and flew to Toronto. I also held the first Vancouver Amateurs competition, Van Am, which was a great success. My next project is the Shop-Task Flow Team dvd which will be edited by Joey McGarry.

5. C-Roll: What do you believe sets Shop-Task apart from other stores in Canada, and why do you believe people should buy from you ?

Leon Basin: Shop-Task has the biggest selection of the hottest shit in Canada. I’m very experienced and knowledgeable about the products I carry. Plus, I am honest and always keep my customers happy.

6. C-Roll: Running Shop-Task keeps you in tune with what is happening in Canadian Rolling, what do you believe is the state of our industry ? Is there anything that needs to be improved or do you think it is fine the way it is ?

Leon Basin: The industry used to be really strong but it collapsed because of a weak foundation. In the past few years I’ve seen a lot of rollerbladers taking matters into their own hands by starting companies, websites and organizing events. The industry is now in the process of rebuilding a strong foundation and we all need to support each other.

7. C-Roll: What are some of the downfalls of being a shop owner of a receding industry ? What are the benefits ?

Leon Basin: Some distributions/manufacturers are extremely unprofessional which makes it difficult to bring in the products on time. This makes me look unprofessional to my customers. The benefits are seeing the industry grow and knowing that I am a big part of it. Plus, everyone wants to be my friend.

8. C-Roll: Everyone knows running a rolling shop is risky business, so with that risk in mind, what made you start Shop-Task and believe that it could succeed ?

Leon Basin: I knew Shop-Task would be successful because I could see what other shops were doing wrong.

9. C-Roll: Shop-Task sponsors lots of events such as the Popularity Contest, Pimp Cup, Hamilton (Ontario) Skate Weekend, Ghetto Street Battle and the Ottawa Flossathon. Is that important to you and if so, why ?

Leon Basin: This is important to me because it is my way of giving back to the industry which why it’s important for everyone to support all Canadian shops.

10. C-Roll: Why do you keep prices so competitively low ?

Leon Basin: In the end it all comes down to price and service. I provide Canadian skaters with the fastest and cheapest way to get the products they want.

11. C-Roll: Shop-Task seems to be striving for more than just an online shop, you have Task-TV and the constant pictures updates. Is this an important part of your business by getting recognized though other forms of media and not just through word of mouth ?

Leon Basin: Media is the best way of marketing. Pictures and online edits are not only good advertising for Shop-Task but also for Canadian skaters that should be recognized for their talents.

12. C-Roll: Will there be a Shop-Task Team in the near future and if so, is a video in the works ?

Leon Basin: I’m a very picky person, especially when it comes down to a team. I do have a few carefully selected skaters on my flow team and a flow team video is in the planning process.

13. C-Roll: Anything you want to say to your customers or potential customers ?

Leon Basin: I want to thank all my customers for supporting Shop-Task and to the potential customers, thank you for taking the time to read this article.

14. C-Roll: Shout outs !?

Leon Basin: I want to thank: My girlfriend, Eli, for all her help; Joey McGarry, for his superior editing skills; AJ DeLong, for all his contributions to Canadian Rolling; Steve Eising and Jordan Coles from IDFA Clothing, for having money in the bank; Nick Damico, for keeping the Canadian rollers up to date; Todd McInerney, for Popularity Contest; D-Structure, for the Montreal Classics. Tom Dixon from Rolligious, for keeping Calgary on the map; Chris Wedman and Will Pursell, for making us all look good; the Shop-Task Flow Team for ripping it everyday; everyone who believes in freestyle rolling; and to all my customers.

Shout outs to: Anyone I forgot to thank; Brendan Shaughnessy and all the Ottawa boys; Mobb crew and all my hommies from the GTA; RPT and the Calgary crew; SOL crew; Kamloops boys; and everyone in Vancity.

-Nick. D