Located right in the heart of the country in Grand Island, Nebraska Silo has been supporting the Nebraska skate scene for almost 18 years now. Started by owner Brant Van Boening when he was 15 years old, Silo continues to stand out as a destination skateshop by bringing new designs and ideas to the skateboarding community through its unique store space , collaborations with local artists and special release custom products. Their newest release features a custom Thunder X Silo Light Truck based off their recent shop t-shirt by Make Believe Creative Group.  Available in low 145 and the new HI 147 II. If you’re near Nebraska make sure you stop by and check em out or visit their online store for more.

Silo
201 North Locust St.
grand island NE 68801
(308) 395-8987

How long has your shop been in business?
I’ve had the store since i was 15, in 1993…so what, almost 18 years now? We’ve been at the current location on locust street for just over 11 years. Changed the name to SILO in about 2005 i think.

Where are you Located?
Middle of nowhere, hahaha…we like to call it a “destination spot” . Dead center of the united states….Grand Island, NEBRASKA. Population 50k.

Something your shop has that no other shop does?
I’m the worst up-sell in the world. I’m probably one of the very few who talks kids OUT of buying things….(that i don’t feel they need)…But seriously, customer service. I have customers from all over the world because they believe in our vision, and trust my eye for quality. My customers are for life, no matter where on this planet that journey takes them.

If your shop was a car describe what it would it be?
BMW M3- Great upscale midsize, a little fancier than what else is on the road, but all about value + performance. Its about precision, but not elitism.

If your shop was a Deluxe brand which one would it be?
Thats tough…I’d have to say krooked because we march to the beat of our own drum. A little wacky but a very succinct vision.

What’s coming up in the future for the shop, any videos in the works, contests coming up?
We have a bunch of fun releases / Silo Edition products coming up soon…another board with the alien workshop crew will drop any day now, and a couple other surprises we haven’t officially announced yet. Its going to be a great summer/fall for us.

Gnarliest thing you have seen happen within the walls of your shop?
We had a break in a couple years back and I just happened to be skating around the corner as it happened…..at midnight. I chased em down on my board and caught one of the kids by the arm to wrestle him down….then his accomplice pops out of hiding and starts swinging a hammer at my head. I dodged and got that kid into a headlock somehow….I Flagged down a car while holding 2 thieves at the same time, and we had them in cuffs in 5 minutes. I’m 5′6″, 110 lbs btw…only from God’s strength did that turn out ok in the end. Police searched them and they BOTH had big knives, hammer, etc on em. That was pretty stupid of me, really.

Your store is  a Boutique, dirty and proud, or _________?
I’ve been there, done that with the hole in the wall closet sized skate shop. I have built this location to be a store that I would like to shop at, and something that would impress me if I just wandered in. I had to scale back a bit on the fixtures though….We had a George Nelson bench in here and two hefty parents sat down on it in unison….CRUNCH. So, i keep it as museum like as i can, within reason.

What is your favorite thing going on in skateboarding right now?
Brands like commonwealth stacks, they keep it skate, but have a fantastic design direction. I appreciate skateboarding and brands that are pure and from the heart, just doing what they do to the best of their abilities, and breaking new ground, intelligently.

If the schmoo granted your shops 3 wishes they would be?
Our own building w/out crazy property taxes, a few perfect skate spots close to store, and a custom la marzocco espresso machine. I’m not trying to ask for unlimited money or customers….haha. I’m ALL about earning my keep, but a few amenities along the way wouldn’t hurt!

If you could make a baby using two Deluxe brands as the mother and father, Which ones would they be and what would be the outcome?
ANTI HERO……….and FORTIES. Lets get some great quality basics going….except I’m a twig, so we have to slim up those chino’s just a hare.

Oddest thing someone has offered to trade you for a deck?
I traded a board and some shop credit for my dog.

Most common phrase you hear in your shop.
“Your store is amazing/awesome/etc, I can’t believe you are here”

Best selling size board, truck, wheel?
Deck- 8.25, trucks 147’s, wheels usually a 50-51mm. Keep it wide and low, stability is key.

#1 thing your shop internet is used for other than orders/emails?
I run a small consulting/design service out of the store in my off time, so usually scouring for reference material and inspiration for a client.

Most awkward moment you have experienced with a customer?
Catching someone trying to shoplift is as awkward as it gets….Or people trying to return used items, that they didn’t buy from me, from a brand i don’t even carry.

Things that keep you going in winter months?
Kids will scoop the snow out of the park no matter the temperature. I usually just lose my mind….a lot of cabin fever in the midwest.

Something unique about your skate scene/town?
We are a pretty standard midwest town, but the kids learn about skateboarding the right way, and i think our kids are more down to earth compared to others…. You know how other cities always have those kooks trying to stare you down or challenge you to a game of skate the second you show up at the park? Our skate scene is very welcoming….one big family.

#1 biggest advantage to owning a skateshop. #1 disadvantage?
ADVANTAGE: not having to pay for shoes/ gear ever again, and the relationships with good reps in the industry. DISADVANTAGE: seeing everything a year earlier in pre-books/tradeshows, and being sick of it before it even comes out. It’s nice to be surprised every once in a while.

If you could combine your shop with one other type of business what would it be?
Thats a great question! We have a lot of tricks up our sleeve and answering that would let the cat out of the bag. Stay tuned…..