Shop Profiles
The Board Room Profile
Tell us a little bit about your shop and its history in the shred scene.
The Board Room opened in the Fall of 2008 and as of recently we were named Regional Shop of the Year 2011 by Transworld Business. We work closely with our local mountains, Ober Gatlinburg and Cataloochee Ski Resort. We host park competitions, demos, movie premieres and other events throughout the season. We try to keep the shop as core as possible while maintaining a high level of customer service and product selection.
What makes your shop different then all the others?
Customer Service! The satisfaction a customer has walking out the door that they have purchased the best gear possible for their specific application. We strive to be the most knowledgeable about our products and to educate the customer as much as possible.
Do you have the “couch vibe” or is it more about the product? What is the vibe in general?
We have a little of both and want people to walk in and feel comfortable checking everything out. Tunes are cranked up, the videos are playing. You will be greeted with “How goes it?” or something, but we don’t hit you with the “Car Salesman Cheesy” approach. Most people are looking for something in particular, it is our job to educate them and steer them in the right direction and give them the appropriate options.
Does your shop carry skate and surf or is it all snow? Briefly describe what we can find on the shelves.
We sell skate and sprinkle in a dab of wake. We are 65% snow, 25% Skate and 10% wake. Our plan is to increase spring/summer business to make The Board Room a true, year round action sports shop.
What are three things it takes to work in the store?
- Outgoing- You’ve got to be able to approach customers and be able to adapt to different situations.
- Knowledge- Know the product, ride the product and be stoked on the lifestyle and industry.
- Work Ethic- Know what is expected of you and exceed that.
If it’s a hammering snow day and some of the best pow ever, what do you do to keep employees in the store?
Threaten to fire them!
Describe your crew that works there.
Without being negative? This is going to be hard. Dedicated, hard working, respectful and they love what they do!
What is the most played shred flick in the history of the shop and why?
In the history of the shop??? Probably That’s It That’s All. We keep a dozen or so DVD’s rotating on the tube, but it has had the most play time. Defenders Of Awesome is a close number two though.
Who are some riders on the come-up that visit your shop... a rider people should look out for?
Sean Panella, a local guy and student at UT. He shreds with great style and he’s super chill. He’s a shop sponsored rider and gets the hookup from Airblaster as well.
Where is the shop local hang out? The best place to grab a drink after hours, or chill with some friends?
Calhoun’s, a local BBQ/Micro Brewery located about 75 yards across our parking lot. Good brews and good food… and its close. We have a few other spots we frequent, but the ‘houn gets the most.
If the Rome crew came through would you be cautious to let them in or does the reputation surpass them?
Bring it!