Creating Community Through Skateboarding and Self-Expression

In this episode of the Stoked Podcast, Jeff shares the hustle behind building Uncle Funky's from the ground up, navigating the challenges of visibility, community support, and creating a space where skateboarding meets authentic self-expression. Together with Steve, they explore the intersection of art, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, reflecting on two decades of Stoked's mission to make board sports accessible to all. This conversation digs deep into the evolution of skateboarding culture, from longboards to electric boards, and the ongoing fight for inclusivity in action sports. Jeff opens up about the emotional highs of facilitating first-time skateboarding experiences for young people, the power of personal connections in the art world, and how creativity fuels both business growth and community impact. Whether you're a woodworker, craftsperson, entrepreneur, or anyone who believes in the transformative power of hands-on creation, this episode celebrates the joy of building something meaningful: one board, one connection, one shared experience at a time. TAKEAWAYS Uncle Funky's has been a dream come true for Jeff since 2006 The importance of community engagement through art and mentorship Challenges in the surfing community regarding inclusivity and acceptance The evolution of skateboarding from longboards to electric boards The significance of personal connections in the art world Building a successful skate shop requires visibility and community support Skateboarding is an accessible sport that fosters joy and connection The emotional impact of facilitating first-time experiences for youth Reflections on personal growth through shared experiences in sports Celebrating 20 years of Stoked highlights the importance of creativity and self-expression CHAPTERS 00:00 The Origins of Uncle Funky's Skate Shop 02:50 Building Community Through Skateboarding 05:32 Navigating Challenges in Surfing Culture 08:25 The Hustle of the Art World 11:02 Connecting Through Art and Charity 16:41 The Story Behind the Signed Skateboard 19:14 Art and Emotional Expression 22:04 The Accessibility of Skateboarding 24:04 The Journey of Uncle Funky's 29:01 Memorable Moments in Skateboarding 30:41 The Importance of Visionary Connections Follow the Journey: @thelarosiliere Get Involved with Stoke: Transform lives through action sports and mentorship @stokedorg stoked.org https://worldrecord.stoked.org/ Level Up Your Business: buildergrowth.io Design with Purpose: purposedesignbuild.com You can connect with Jeff at: https://www.unclefunkysboards.com/ https://www.instagram.com/unclefunkysboards/?hl=en