Shop Profiles

Casualties Profile

Give us a quick run-down of your shop and its history.

My brother Andy and I wanted to improve the product offering of snowboards in the Marquette, MI area, so in 2000 we pooled some funds together, wrote up a business plan, and the rest is history!

What is it about your shop that keeps the local shreds coming back to get all their gear?

Selection, knowledge, and honesty. We take a lot of pride in taking care of our customers and getting involved in the local riding community. Each year we put on events like snowboard camps, video premieres, and college nights. It keeps us connected with the riders, and that keeps them coming back.

What’s your current set up?

Mod 156 and 390’s

Crazy customers make for good stories, got any really good ones from the past season?

None too crazy, Forester did have this one cougar on the prowl last fall, modeled a few of the latest swimwear fashions for him. Haha, ask him about that one! (Note: Forester interned with us here at the SDS this summer, it is a good story. If you want to hear it, we’ll gladly give you Foresters personal email, and if you’re said cougar, his cell number.)

What’s your local spot for lunch/dinner, how about your evening hangout zone.

In Marquette, there are a number of good spots. Gotta give my girl Shelly at Sweet Basil Deli some love, epic sandwiches and deli salads. Also, Union Grill and The Vierling are legit, fresh food, fresh beer, and at night it’s Upfront or Landmark.

Do you remember buying your first kit? How do your early snowboard purchasing experiences affect how you sell snowboards?

My first real kit was purchased at a Play It Again Sports. I was like 12 years old and the guy sold me a 164, sooo I learned at an early age what NOT to do when selling a kit!

What’s the hardest part of working in the shop?

Definitely the hours. Having to be in the shop when it’s dumping, or on a day when the waves are up is hard, but it’s also a catch 22, because every time it’s going off, someone comes in and needs our help. Whether it’s a binding part or a surf leash, it’s a great feeling knowing that you saved somebody’s day.

What was your all time favorite snowboard graphic?

The first year Rome did Artifacts! Some how my face ended up plastered on the topsheet of the 150!

What’s the worst thing or strangest thing you’ve ever seen brought in for a repair or tune up as far as snowboard equipment goes?

A kid once brought in a plastic Black Snow snowboard (so dope!) and asked if I could put metal edges on it!

What’s the best story of a customer trying to return something or ask for their money back?

One time a girl tried returning a, ummm, “slightly used” bikini bottom.

Is there a particular event or occasion that really kicks the season off in your area?

Casualties’ annual video premier. We host it on the campus of NMU so all the kiddies come out get stoked, and we always give something saucy away!

(Question added by interviewee) What no shout-outs? No thank yous? Here’s some anyway!

Casualties would like to thank Josh, Paul, and Sully for keeping the dream alive! (We believed in all of you since day 1!) Pete Harvieux for being the hardest working dude on the road, our girls, our moms, Terrance, and last but certainly not least, all of our customers! Thank you for supporting a shop that truly supports snowboarding! Oh one more shameless plug www.ridewithcasualties.com

CCCC-unit!!!!!!!!!!!

Visit them online at: www.ridewithcasualties.com