Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Bracken. They and their team shared their story with us below:
PILLLAR started as a skateboard company in February 2020. In the summer of 2020, founder Corey Bracken had an idea of opening a coffee shop/retail space. After months of looking for spaces, they settled on the corner of 23rd St and Central Ave. in Northeast Minneapolis. PILLAR Forum officially opened its doors in March of 2022. After a few months of operations, one of the baristas asked if a friend’s band could play at the shop. Since Bracken has a background in music and audio production, he was open to it. After that band played, bands kept reaching out to play at PILLLAR. A year later, with more than 100+ shows, Bracken decided to sign the lease on the space next to PILLAR and build out an actual event space and additional seating for the cafe. PILLLAR and Bracken are excited about this next chapter of PILLLAR as a coffee shop, skateboard company, and music venue.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anything is smooth when running a small business. Opening at the tail-end of the pandemic brought on all the challenges, from supply shortages to employee and customer health and safety, in mind and just the bumps along the way of getting a business off the ground. Since then, it’s been figuring out as we go: managing growth, dealing with staffing, and trying to make the best decisions for the employees, the customer, and the business.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I (Corey) have a very diverse professional career background. I’ve worked as a project manager, which helps me stay organized when wearing all the hats of a small business owner; I’ve been co-owner of another skateboard company, and I’ve worked in audio production and music management as well. I feel that each job has given me the skills and confidence to go out on my own and start PILLAR. I know that not every idea or decision will work, but realizing that and figuring out how to move on is most important.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I started PILLLAR Skateboards in the first place because I noticed a void of skateboard companies that also talk about climate and the environment. We do everything we can to reduce our impact on the environment. As we grow, that becomes more and more difficult, but we want to be part of the conversation and try to reach new audiences to have them join in as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PILLLAR.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilllarforum/
Image Credits
Corey Bracken
