Kenny is a guy with a lot of riding history, he’s also the man behind Long Island Bikes new online mail order. So he knows his BMX. He is an interesting dude and this is the interview! There was a lot of help with this interview from Keith Romanowski, he has some photos in this one also.
Name:
Kenny Hirsch
Sponsors at all?
Long Island Bikes, Fit, and Carleton
Your one of the guys behind Long Island Bikes, What’s the story about the shop, hasn’t it been around like 10 years now?
Well Long Island Bikes has been around for 11 years. Dean and Julie are the owners. I’ve worked here for 7 years, they put me in charge of the mail-order. We are like family, I love them!!
You have been working with LIB since basically day one. Have you seen an increased size of the bmx scene on Long Island since the shop has opened?
Yea def.!! Everywhere I go see more & more shredders.
The shop recently added a online mail-order, when did you decide on that and how has it been going?
We always wanted to do it but when I broke my neck things went on pause for few years. I stayed positive and determined and I’m here doing it today(Im blessed). This is a golden opportunity for me. I never wanna leave the game.
What are some of the main brands you work with for the shop?
Fit #1 dealer on the east coast, S&M, Animal, Primo, FBM, Fox, Odyssey, Demolition, Kink, Duo, Shadow, Eastern, Profile and many many others!!
Do you have any plans to expand the shop now that your able to do business all over?
No, we already have a big shop its 3500 sq.ft. We just recently built a little warehouse for the extra mail-order stuff.
What do you think makes your shop different from any other?
To start, Dean dials your bike to perfection. Theres always a positive vibe here, all the locals come to just chill and to check out new products. L.I.B always has everything NEW!!!!
Who all is on the Long Island Bikes team?
Myself™, Russ Barone, Shawn Garrett, Justin Crofton, Rich Guidice, and we have a bunch of locals we hook up.
Photos: Keith Romanowski
A few years back you used to have a mini ramp in the back of the shop. Do you think you will ever re-build another ramp?
Probably not in the inside of the shop again because we have a lot of stock but outside we have ramps and dean’s building some new stuff this summer.
Besides making tee shirts, do you think LIB will ever start making parts?
No, we like to just have good relationships with our vendors and support them full throttle.
You guys also carry skate and mountain bike stuff, do you do much business on that side?
Yea! We would love more than anything to have a strictly BMX shop but on long island mountain biking, road biking, and skating are very popular as well , so we cover everyone!
What is the most important thing to you when it comes to business?
Making the customers happy and developing a relationship.
How long have you been riding for?
About 10 years
What was your first bmx bike?
Redline 340(purple) then L.I.B hooked me up with a kasten because Russ and I were in the racing scene hardcore.
What kind of riding do you typically do?
Park, street, and trails . Holla
Who are some of the people you typically ride with?
Russ, Shawn, Justin, Lil’Ricky
When did you know you wanted to have bikes be your life?
When I met Russ and all we ever wanted to do was RIDE.
Are there any riders you know that are unknown that you think people should know about?
Lil’ Ricky, Denny P., Matty long
What are some BMX/Skate videos that have come out recently your really into?
Fitlife, Summer of fit, Insight, and Thecomeup dvd
Who were your biggest riding influences growing up, and what about now?
Joe Rich, Taj, Robo, Darryl Nau,B.I., Keith T, Mike Aitken and now still those guys and Russ b, Chase hawk/dehart, and JJ.
Outside of work and bikes, what are you into?
Having a good time going out with my dudes, cars, and girls.haha
Do you find much time to travel, and where are some places you have been?
I try too. I’ve been all over the U.S. Canada and Vegas were awesome!!
Where are some places you would really like to visit some point in your life?
Australia, Barcelona and Italy
What is something interesting about yourself that nobody would really expect of you?
I’m always smiling!!!!! haha
If you never got involved in bikes and stuff, what do you think you would be doing for a career?
Hmm. I honestly don’t know.
Did you ever go to college for business or anything?
Yes, I still currently go
What are 5 things you cannot live without?
Celly, my bicycle, food, NewEra‘s, friends n family
Have you ever had an epiphany in your life that changed the way you acted?
My accident I guess. I take some many things for granted
If you had to sum yourself up in a few words, what would you say those words would be?
Cheesin’, positive, outgoing, goal orientated
What are some of your favorite non riding movies?
Dumb n Dumber, Wedding Crashers, Super bad. I’m a Comedy dude
What are some of the bands or music you are into, any unknown stuff you think people should check out?
Circa Survive, Brand New, Chiodos, Lil’ Weezy, Marley’s
If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Peanut Butter because its amazing!
What are some of your favorite websites?
LIBbmx.com
Fitbikeco.com
The Come Up
Rascats.blogspot.com
Carl-eton.com
and myspace. haha
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Keep getting stronger, take this mailorder on another level, and live life.
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Kurt for giving me this interview, Dean and Julie @ L.I.B, Robo@fit, Momma dukes, My sister and Nephew (lil mart), Russ, Poppy, Barone Family, Bivs, Reid, Dugan, Skinny, Anellos, Adam22, Jay Emer, Keith Romanowski, Shawn, Jeff S., Darryl N., Lil Ricky, Hooligans crew, Andrew@SAS and I’m sure im forgetting a bunch but you all know. thanks
Anything else I forgot you would like to add?
Be sure to peep libbmx.com THANKS!!
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