Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Kennedy.
Brandon, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My love for surfing started when I made the move to FL from NY. I bought my very first surfboard at a pawn shop. It was the only way I could afford to get myself out into the saltwater. From there, I took a distinct interest in all surfboards, soon I found myself repairing them which led to buying, fixing and selling them as a hobby and a way to make money as I was full time in the Fire Academy. Surfboard Trading Co. was then born out of my garage. I knew my love for surfing and the knowledge I was gaining about surfboards was growing which led to the idea of creating my own surfboard line. The company is flourishing with many locals returning for a second purchase and the Surfboard Trading Co. surfboards being sported out in the ocean all over Florida.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to Surfboard Trading Co. has been slow, yet extremely rewarding. Since surfboards became my passion, I have enjoyed the entire process of learning how to do repairs and surfboard design. I would never consider my passion a struggle, rather a rewarding experience. The biggest struggle was finding a way to afford my first surfboard which ultimately leads me here. Finding a way to purchase something affordable just to get out on the waves is what this company was built off of.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Surfboard Trading Co. is your family’s surf shop. It’s a place where education and affordability meet. It is not rare for someone to spend an hour in the shop learning about the shapes, designs and waves of local breaks. We specialize in the perfect Florida surfboard designed for our sub par surf. Anyone who has surfed Florida will know you need the perfect board for our waves. We also pride ourselves in finding the perfect board for your child, the local student or the experienced surfer. I am proud to offer an affordable means for every person interested in surfing to give it a shot. It always bothered me to see so many large surf companies selling boards for such an outrageous price. Boards that are not hand shaped, for outlandish prices. I am proud of the fact that everyone can afford a surfboard in my shop. I want everyone to find a board that’s perfect for them, even if it’s not with me. Choosing the right surfboard is a very personal thing. Because I know how it feels to not be able to afford a board. What sets us apart is the fact that we offer new surfboards for used prices.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I spent all of my time outside almost everyday until the sun went down. I loved archery, sports and wrestling with my brothers. Every summer my family and I would take trips to Tobay Beach and Long Beach on Long Island spending hours in the freezing NY water. My brothers and I would play in the waves until our bodies went numb. I found myself stealing my brother’s surfboard every chance I got. Saltwater has always been a place of peace for me. I was always looking for ways to build little businesses from lemonade stands to renting out magazines at summer camp my ten years old self was very entrepreneurial.
Pricing:
- New surfboards start at $389.
- Used surfboards start at $250
- Stand up paddle boards start at $889
Contact Info:
- Address: 6498 Woodbury Road Boca Raton, FL 33433
- Website: SurfboardTradingCo.com
- Phone: (516) 359-8379
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @surfboardtradingco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/B4Kennedy/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/surfboard-trading-co-boca-raton-9
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