Travis Monroe- Advocate Skate Works

Launched in January 2023, Advocate Skate Works is a non-profit organization operating out of Lakewood, Ohio, where they passionately serve the Northeast Ohio skate community. Travis and his wife Maddie have helped put quality gear into the hands of thousands of skaters throughout Ohio and beyond. Working with companies such as Vans, Quasi, Baker, NHS, and Thrasher, Advocate Skate Works distributes complete skateboards and shoes at numerous skate-related community events. Their tireless work has aligned with the mission of introducing skateboarding to kids of all backgrounds, and not letting the high cost of entry be a barrier to enjoying a lifelong love of skating as all of us have experienced. Join us as we discuss Travis’ skateboard journey- growing up in Pickerington, working at Dodge as a teen, Sunsports memories,  getting arrested for skating in San Diego, working at the Skatepark of Tampa, and ultimately landing in Cleveland and launching a successful non-profit. Follow their account for updates on several events happening in 2025, and how to get involved or sponsor their mission.  I plan to shine a light on other organizations serving the next generation of skateboarders in Ohio on future episodes!

Time Stamps 

Intro

1:50- Patrick O Dell

8:10- Growing up/intro to skateboarding 

20:10- Local Columbus rippers/Tim Simmons

25:10- Chad Knight

28:21- Skatebording then vs. now

30:10- Road trips/visiting California

35:10- Skating as an adult/moving several times 

45:24-Working at Dodge Skatepark/Donny Humes 

52:06- Getting involved in Non-profit work

58:12- Launching Advocate Skate Works

1:01:18- Partnering with Vans/Giving away product 

1:05:22- Collecting equipment 

1:09:50- Challenges ASW faces

1:18:10- Social media/PR

1:21:57- 2025 Events

1:26:30- The kids they work with/other great organizations

1:39:20- Companies who have helped ASW

1:41:21- Future vision 

1:45:20- Most influential Ohio skater 

1:47:20- Future guests?

1:48:53- Chaz McGee

1:52:30- Closing banter