Radio Skateshop: Keeping Skate Culture Alive and Kicking in Pittsburgh

Written By Em Beall

Tuning in to Radio Skateshop

If you haven’t heard of Radio, it’s high time you did. Tucked into Bloomfield, this vibrant little hub is more than a store, it’s a cornerstone of the skate community. I recently sat down with Eric Calfo, one of the shop’s owners, to dive into the state of the culture in Pittsburgh and see how Invest PGH played a crucial role in making skate dreams a reality.

From Humble Beginnings

Eric’s journey into skateboarding began back in the early 2000s, as it did for many of us.

“I was a Tony Hawk kid,” I told him, myself inspired by the revitalized, and by then booming, skate culture highlighted in iconic video games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Eric had played the games too, and while my own skate injuries took me out of the game early on, Eric stayed with it. He reminisced about the early days when a local skate park became his second home.

Fast forward to adulthood, and Eric found himself at a crossroads, as many did during the pandemic. With a background in substitute teaching, the switch to online learning pushed him to reevaluate the path his career had taken. That’s when the idea of the skate shop resurfaced.

Creating a Skate Haven

Opening an admittedly niche business during the pandemic might seem daunting – and it was. But Eric, and his friends and co-owners Dan Peindl and Nick Teodori, were up for the challenge. October 2020 marked Radio’s soft opening, and despite the uncertain climate, the shop quickly became a local favorite.

“We believed in skateboarding, and we believed in what we could do with it,” Eric says.

The shop itself reflects their many labors of love. From hand-built racks to a beautiful curated vintage aesthetic, every detail reflects the passion and creativity of its owners. It’s not just a place to buy skateboards, it’s a community hub where skaters of all ages and backgrounds can come together.

Radio x Invest PGH

Starting a small business is not a small feat, especially during a pandemic. This is where Invest PGH lent a hand.

Eric spoke highly of the support he received: “We didn’t have the capital to get this going, so we definitely needed help.” Through Invest PGH, Eric and his partners were able to secure the resources they needed to turn ideas into actuality. Radio received a Micro Enterprise Loan – now called SMAL – that was used to purchase inventory. You know, the important stuff, like decks, wheels, and, of course, t-shirts. It also helped them to begin to craft the shop into the aesthetic masterpiece it is today. But the support was more than financial – it was a network of resources, and a group of people who believed in the Radio vision.

Skate Culture in Pittsburgh

Skateboarding is alive and well in Pittsburgh. Eric notes a surge of interest, especially during the pandemic, as people sought out new outdoor activities. The shop has seen a mix of seasoned skaters and enthusiastic newcomers, including kids picking out their first board.

“Seeing young kids come in with their parents to get their first boards is the coolest thing,” Eric shared. It’s about more than just skating; it’s about giving people a sense of freedom and an outlet for self-expression.

Building Community Through Events

One of the most unique aspects of Radio Skateshop is the hands-on way it fosters community. The shop regularly hosts events, from video screening to collaborations with other local businesses. Eric, who has a background in creating skate videos, continues to document and promote the local scene.

“To me, the most important part of a skate shop is not just selling things, but giving back to the community,” he emphasized.

All Skaters Welcome

Skateboarding has come a long way from its intimidating roots. Eric notes proudly that today’s skate culture is much more inclusive than it once was.

“It’s really, really important, especially in a city like this where we have so many disparate cultures and groups of people,” he said. At Radio, everyone is welcome, and the sense of community is palpable.

Landing Bolts

Radio Skate Shop isn’t just a business: it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of skateboarding and the skate community in Pittsburgh. Eric and his partners have been able to create a space where skaters can come together, share their passion, and keep the culture alive. Whether you’ve been skating longer than your knees would like or you’re picking up your first deck, Radio Skateshop is the place to be. There’s always something good on the dial at Radio.

Find Radio Online & IRL

 

Very Special Thanks

We at Invest PGH extend our sincerest thanks to Anna Brewer of Anna Brewer Productions who provided the absolutely pitch-perfect photography for this piece. See her collabs with us - and more from Radio - here.

Oh and hey, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Anna is also an Invest PGH borrower! Spreadin’ the love, that’s how we roll.

Em Beall
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