Yet another new business has opened its doors in Everett, right around the corner from the newly opened Best Puzzles and Gifts. Pops Skateshop, “The best skateshop in Everett,” according to their Instagram bio. 

I’d have to agree.

And not just because they’re the only local skate shop in Everett. Ben Corey, owner of Pops, who started the shop with longtime friend and partner Ross Jenkins has been skateboarding for over 25 years. Ross for over 30 years. 

These guys know their stuff. 

I’ve actually known these two a long time myself. We all had skate parts in one of the first skate videos I ever made back in 2004, The Skatey Bunch. Ross used to own a skate shop in Marysville called Apoge. 

That was a long time ago, though. 

So I was excited to pop by their new shop and learn about what they’re up to these days. I caught up with Corey on a rainy Wednesday afternoon as he assembled a board for a customer.

I was curious to know, so why did you guys choose Everett? 

"Everett's a rad city, growing all the time, and right in the center of Snohomish County. The next closest skate shops are 25+ miles away down in Seattle or way up North."

“We’re excited to help grow the scene that we’ve grown up in,” Corey added.

It’s been challenging starting in a pandemic. There’s a skateboard shortage, so there were some brands they haven’t been able to open an account with yet.

But because they know so many people in the industry, they’ve been fortunate to get plenty of product in, especially from local companies. “We have bearings, wheels, boards, and clothes all from Northwest companies,” Corey was happy to share. They also have various board sizes to accommodate a young beginner, large funky old school shapes, and everything in between.

Eventually, they’re planning to have their own branded shirts and boards. Ross also wants to carry some music stuff; vinyl and turntables. 

After skating for 25+ years, I was curious what drove Corey. Why do you love skateboarding? I asked. 

“I have so many friends because of skating. I still go out and play with my friends. Not many adults can say that. It’s amazing because there are no boundaries. You can do it anywhere, any way you want. It’s absolute freedom. It’s taken me around the world. I’ve traveled to 5 continents because of skateboarding.”

Corey’s favorite part is seeing how excited the kids get. “People are stoked.”

Business has been good so far. Kids have been riding the bus from Snohomish and Lake Stevens to come check out the shop.

Lastly Corey shared, “Everett’s gonna continue to grow, and we want to grow with it. We’re excited to be a part of the culture here.” 

Pop on into Pops and welcome them to the neighborhood.

Pops Skateshop
2826 Rucker Ave
Everett, WA 98201

Garret is the co-founder + CEO of Live in Everett. Once upon a time he worked as a professional skateboard videographer. He’s been skating since ‘96 and still loves it. He’s passionate about journeying toward wholeness.