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Living in Duluth means that we have to find some sort of entertainment during the six months out of the year when we’re buried in snow. We’ve got some good hills in the area, and we’ve also got some good businesses that sell the items necessary to make the best of our time on the slopes. One of them is Damage Board shop in West Duluth. I recently caught up with Ben Olson, skate/snowboard proprietor, to get his thoughts on life in Duluth, music, and the slope life that dominates Duluth winters.

MJ: What’s getting attention on your ipod lately?

BO: It’s always a changing playlist. I guess Boston has had a pile of plays as of late.  Looks like Iron Maiden is right up there on top too.

MJ: What drew you to Duluth? ( Ben is originally from Fergus Falls MN)

BO: Great times that come with riding a skateboard and snowboard with good friends.

MJ: What else are you up to aside from running the shop?

BO: Skateboard and snowboard as much as possible. Traveling and hanging out with friends has been a blast lately. Oh and exploring underground tunnels I guess.

MJ: Where’s the last place you travelled to?


BO: In January I went to Long Beach CA, Salt Lake City, Brighton, Denver, Winter Park. Damn that was a bender!

MJ: What’s your favorite thing about Duluth?

BO: The lake, the history, scenery, convenience, people, skate and shred. The rest is a secret.

MJ: What are the ups and downs of owning your own business?

BO: There’s plenty of both! Working your ass off in exchange for living the dream!

MJ: What are you most passionate about?

BO: WORK-SKATE-SHRED. In no particular order.