As Carson Kropfl looked around the streets of D.C. during his first visit to the Capitol, he was reminded about how much his business Locker Board had changed in such a short amount of time. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces with common goals, the 12-year-old felt excited to march alongside hundreds of other students and parents for the World Ocean’s Day.
The journey to the District began in 2016. It was then Kropfl first developed the San Clemente, Calif.,-based company, which builds the eponymous locker boards: skateboards that are able to fit in a backpack or locker. For each locker board sold, one dollar is donated to Ocean Unite, an ocean conservation organization.
“Sustainability has been a big part of my life,” Kropfl said. “In my town, San Clemente, California, we have a nuclear power plant. At any time there could be a leak and it could take out all of southern California.”
Locker boards are also made sustainably. The company got its start from Kropfl visiting skateboard shops using some of the old, recycled skateboard decks.
“I started going to skate shops and they had recycled skateboard decks that people weren’t using anymore,” said Kropfl. “I took those skateboard decks and chopped the ends off and made them into locker boards.”
Shortly after creating Locker board, Kropfl needed money for surf lessons and competitions, but didn’t want to go the traditional route of doing chores. Kropfl was finally able to turn his hobby into a stream of income.
Kropfl’s business has recently been featured on the hit show “Shark Tank,” where entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries pitch investors. Locker board won over Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, as his investor. Since being on the show, Kropfl’s business has seen a 300 percent increase in sales.
Kropfl has also had the chance to be a TedX speaker and has met pro skateboarders in his journey.
“I think my favorite part about creating a business is the creative side — creating the designs for the skateboards — and meeting new people,” said Kropfl.
Kropfl said that he wants to meet pro skater Nyjah Huston, who created the Let It Flow Foundation, an organization working to provide water solutions to those without access to clean water. Kropfl said that Huston is a huge inspiration and hopes to work with him one day.
Now, Kropfl is looking to expand his company with other sustainable, kid-friendly products.
