He employs plenty of skaters across the five Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington and says the skate community is a part of what makes the city interesting.
“I think the energy they bring to the city is real good. There's massive crossover between skating, music and culture, it’s all kinda mashed up in this DIY way where people just get together and do cool stuff.”
And as someone who runs a business with locations all over the city, he sees the economic benefit of having skaters around.
“Skaters increase the liveliness of an area, and that in turn helps retail and hospitality. People forget that skaters are also consumers – they buy coffee, they buy food. We sell ice cream to them at our shop down by Waitangi Skate Park.”
With lots of team members who skate, Jed’s pleased that they’re into something so healthy.
“I see skating as a very active sport. You're physically exerting yourself, you’re sweating when you finish, you're tired, that's really positive. Plus all the falling over, and the bails, it toughens you up a bit too, and that's good.”
He’s aware that some business owners might be nervous about skaters being loud or disruptive around their shop and he can empathise, but he suggests the solution is usually as simple as having a chat.
“My advice would be instead of reporting it as a problem, just go and have a yarn with them – be normal. Most skaters are very reasonable people.”