When starting a business, there are many factors to consider. One is the importance of understanding the market and offering a unique product. Dean Acevedo seems to have created a niche in the Cornwall community by opening a skateboard shop – Premium Roots New York.
“It’s a little hidden gem,” Acevedo said. “We’re just off Main Street. It’s a cool place with a lot of nice premium products.”
Located at 246 Main St., Suite 14, Premium Roots New York is the only shop in the area that offers skateboards, supplies, apparel, and more. Acevedo said there’s Skate45 in Poughkeepsie, as well as Zumiez at the Galleria Malls in Middletown and Poughkeepsie, but nothing in between to service the skateboard community. Since opening July 4, Acevedo said he’s had a number of customers tell him they’ve saved hours by not having to travel elsewhere.
“I always loved skateboarding,” Acevedo said. “It’s something I’m passionate about. I see all the kids around town. I feel like we really needed a shop in this area.”
Acevedo attended school in Newburgh until he was about 15 before he moved to Cornwall. He graduated from Cornwall Central High School in 2008.
After picking up skateboarding as a young teen, Acevedo took a break from it until two years ago when he started using his board for transportation.
Monday through Friday, Acevedo works in New York City helping with construction, lighting, and camera support on movie sets. The skateboard allows him to get around the city quickly. Premium Roots New York, which is open Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., gets its name because Acevedo is returning to his roots to offer a variety of high end products.
Besides skateboards and parts, Acevedo sells helmets, gloves, elbow and knee pads, as well as wrist guards. He offers locally made clothes, plus store brand merchandise such as hats, T-shirts, coffee mugs, and key chains. Premium Roots New York carries products from popular skating companies such as Girl, Spitfire, Bones, Creature, Santa Cruz, Supreme, and Independent. The shop also has a selection of candles, as well as succulents like cactus and air plants.
Skateboarding continues to be a popular sport, said Acevedo.
“Skating is cool because it’s not a team sport. You’re by yourself. You can progress at your own rate. It doesn’t matter how good or bad you are, but if you’re passionate about it, just keep getting up after you hit the ground.”
Acevedo said there’s a skate park in Newburgh near the Armory, but kids in Cornwall mainly stick to the streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. He said he’d love to see a skate park in Cornwall one day.
