NJ Skateshop has grown and spread its positive impact on skateboarding for close to 10 years now. Founded and overseen daily by Steve Lenardo and everyone’s 2nd (or 3rd) favorite skateboard journalist Chris Nieratko, NJ skateshop continually does it right. Truly dedicated to skateboarding, the crew at all 4 of NJ’s stores bust ass daily for skateboarding and skateboarders, continuing to make videos, host events and support skaters not only in their local communities but worldwide. If you’re ever in the NJ area do yourself a favor and stop by one of their shops. They are true skateboarding shops at their finest. Thank you NJ staff, team and founders, you guys are a huge part of why skateboarding is so great.

PS - If you’re out of the area check out the NJ website - some of the best shop shirts in existence. (come on NJ by Nature… sorry if it dates us but that one was great)

njskateshop.com - Chris Nieratko on Twitter -  Nico Magalhaes on Instagram - Dillon Constantine on Instagram

How long has your shop been in business?
July 15th will be 9 years. We opened in 2003. Another 9 years and we get our license.

Where are you Located?
New Jersey. Thus, the name. One store is in Sayreville, home of Bon Jovi. The 2nd shop is in New Brunswick, where Michael Douglas was born. The 3rd one is in Hoboken, home of Frank Sinatra. And the newest one is in Princeton, home of Albert Einstein.

Something your shop has that no other shop does?
A collaboration with every DLX brand:
NJ Anti Hero Deck by Julien
NJ Krooked Deck by The Gonz
NJ Real Deck
NJ Avenger Spitfires
NJ Ventures
NJ Thunders

Team rider we’re going to hear about soon?
There are too many to list but the two Thunder flow bros in this commercial (Dillon Constantine & James Pitonyak) and the one that was hurt and couldn’t make it, Nico Magalhaes, are all super gnarly and we’re proud to have them.

NJ team rider and Thunder, Spitfire flow rider Dillon Constantine takes it coast to coast. Photo: Scordo

If your shop was a car describe what it would it be?
A concept car. The automobile of tomorrow, today! Because as awesome as skateboarding is today it’s going to be way cooler tomorrow and every tomorrow from here on out.

If your shop was a Deluxe brand which one would it be?
That’s like asking us to pick which kid we loved more. All of them are great in their own way, so we’d just have to be Deluxe.

What’s coming up in the future for the shop, any videos in the works, contests coming up?
Chances are someone will show up late for work, someone will send us their weekly video, we’ll be changing diapers so we won’t watch it and instead tell them they, “Should’ve done that last trick switch. Oh, it was switch? Well, then maybe do it not so shitty.” One of our guys will go pro, another will get wasted, another will sleep with a fat chick and more of the same that we’ve been doing for nearly a decade: not selling bullshit, focusing only on skating, doing demos and making sure kids in New Jersey know we are here for them, for whatever they need and not to get rich.

REAL, Thunder and Spitfire Flow rider Nico Magalhaes Bs 50-50. Photo: Ruiz

Gnarliest thing you have seen happen within the walls of your shop?
St. Patrick’s Parade in Hoboken. A hot chick shows her boobs to be able to use our bathroom without us even asking. She takes a poop, doesn’t flush and leaves her bloody tampon on the ground next to the toilet. Classy lassy.

What is your favorite thing going on in skateboarding right now?
Skateboarding.

Most common phrase you hear in your shop?
“My bad,” from our employees after each F up. We hear it multiple times daily. They’re the best.

#1 thing your shop internet is used for other than orders/emails?
Facebook. “Dude, I’m at work and have nothing to do!” Try sweeping, dude!

Most awkward moment you have experienced with a customer?
Skate mom asking what hotel Sheckler was staying at after the demo.

Things that keep you going in winter months?
Closing our eyes, playing reggae music and pretending it’s summer.

James Pitonyak Switch Heel. Photo: Enos

#1 biggest advantage to owning a skateshop.
Eternal youth.

#1 disadvantage?
Team riders pissing on our parade and reminding us we’re not that young anymore.

Dillon Constantine nosegrind. Photo: Sussingham

If you could combine your shop with one other type of business what would it be?
Some sort of business that makes money.

Shop or team meetings usually end with………
We walk a couple laps and do some light stretches. Training for Street League/X-Games/Maloof is not easy.

Nico Magalhaes boardslide through the kink nollie out. Photo:  Scordo