Located in Fairfield, Connecticut Day One Skate Shop is a great example of a hometown skate shop. Straight to the point - skateboarding. Day One owner Jeffrey Walsh and his shop have been supporting the skate scene in CT for close to 6 years. Their positive efffects and the local skate and art community continues to grow with every day. If you’re ever in the area be sure to stop by Day One (you’re guaranteed a good laugh with a story from Jeff). THIS DECEMBER - ALL MONTH LONG - DAY ONE IS OFFERING A 10% DSICOUNT ON ALL THUNDER TRUCKS.

DAY ONE SKATESHOP
1138 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
203-331-9525

How long has your shop been in business?
We opened up June 21st 2005. We relocated in May of 2010 from Bridgeport, CT to Fairfield, CT. We moved less than two miles away but are in a much different location.

Where are you Located?
1138 Post Road
Fairfield, CT 06824

Something your shop has that no other shop does?
We had an artist named Joe Iurato do a 7+ layer stencil spray paint portrait of Gonz and Cardiel on the ceiling. The plan is to keep adding more, we are currently deciding who and getting Joe back in here for some more soon. Although I believe Joe has since shared his artwork with some other shops so we can’t claim solo anymore….So I’ll go with a dog who plays fetch with a tennis ball, and if you avoid throwing the ball while standing, will wedge the ball directly between your legs so it stays there. If you are a short person this is an odd experience.

Team rider we’re going to hear about soon?
Jack Roof! Since he is riding the Thunders in our clip.

Day One Team Rider Jack Roof Knows.

If your shop was a car describe what it would it be?
KITT, of course. Only because our intern, Luke Clerkin, recently confessed he wants David Hasselhoff to sit on his face while he hums the Knight Rider theme.

If your shop was a deluxe brand which one would it be?
Thunder replacement bushings.

What’s coming up in the future for the shop, any videos in the works, contests coming up?
We just re did the website and opened up an online store. On the video front, a couple of talented skaters and filmers named Aaron Randi and Sean Dahlberg are working on a video called Mama’s Boys which will feature a few of our shop riders among other rippers. Day One will play a part in the premier and distribution.

Gnarliest thing you have seen happen within the walls of your shop?
At the old location there are so many….both inside and outside the shop. Visits from the guy who lived in the “apartment” directly next door to the skateshop were frequent. He had a shot glass with a wolf head he coined “wolfie” and called himself Big Bustin Jack. He had no problem stopping by with warm cheap vodka to do shots and howl. I would loan him ten dollars, and he would pay me back in two weeks, only to have me loan him ten dollars a week later. This went on for three years. His friend and sometimes roomate died in the apartment. R.I.P. Sad Brad. Another time in front of the shop this lady was completely laid out on the sidewalk at the front door. Totally wasted and nodding out. She was rolling around on the ground and it looked like she was trying to pull one side of her pants down. I started to ask her a question and she just starts peeing herself, it goes everywhere, all over the sidewalk. She can’t even move or talk at this point. It took a while for the ambulance to come scoop her, that wasn’t too good for business. Taking of cup of water to splash out pee in front of your store not so much fun either. At the new spot nothing yet thankfully. I did start growing these ridiculously hot habanero peppers. I challenged customers to come in and eat them in return for a t-shirt. That is very entertaining.

What is your favorite thing going on in skateboarding right now?
Hardtimes! And all terrain destroyers.

Most common phrase you hear in your shop?
“You’re still watching ________ ???(insert any DVD title here). It’s been on since last time I was here!” I’m notoriously lazy for changing out DVDs that are playing in the shop. The Real DVD Since Day One played everyday for 22 days, I think that’s the record.

#1 thing your shop internet is used for other than orders/emails?
Hacking employees & friends facebook profiles and ruining them.

Most awkward moment you have experienced with a customer?
I’ve had a couple real 80’s after school tv special moments with parents and their kids behavior that were awkward beyond belief. But the hands down winner: I bring my dog to the shop with me almost everyday. One time she started whining out of nowhere while I was looking at a customer and talking to him and his parents. Then, out of the corner of my eye she goes into a power shit squat and starts oozing diarrhea and walking at the same time! She literally walks right over the customers shoe and shits all over it. I maintain eye contact the whole time and they don’t even notice at first! I’m in total shock and then the smell wakes us both up. I just had to go and start cleaning all the crap up and apologize. It was horrible. Luckily they were cool about it and they got hooked up of course. Just a few weeks ago though this family was walking up to the shop, the look on the kids face was pure stoke. I was looking forward to maybe selling someone that first complete, that’s always fun. He runs to the front door, opens it, and in the most upset, shocked, and angry tone yells “AWW MAN!!!!! SKATEBOARDS????” The parents peeked in the front door, “You don’t have ice skates???” No. We do not. They were so bummed out on the shop. It was great.

Things that keep you going in winter months?
The CFO, 2nd Nature Skatepark, and your beer never gets warm.

Best/worst next million dollar idea you’ve heard from parents for the skate industry?
You should rent one of those mall kiosks or razor scooting.

#1 biggest advantage to owning a skateshop. #1 disadvantage?
Get all your goods wholesale… can be hard to maintain control on taking new stuff for yourself when you don’t need it.

If you could combine your shop with one other type of business what would it be?
I’ll go with microbrewery

When shop employees aren’t at work they are……
Kevin Maillet slaves for UPS but recently had shoulder surgery so I’m guessing he goes home and slams his weiner in the door for fun. Bobby Dorin digs holes in the ground. Jack Roof never stops moving or talking, probably because he has to stay in the display case for so long so I don’t have to bend down to show customers thunder trucks. They are all skating of course.

Shop or team meetings usually end with………
meetings?? hahaha. meetings. that’s a good one.