Chris Bacon: Driving Passion, Culture, and a Skateboarding Legacy

Posted by TrackFly Oct 10th 2025

Chris Bacon - Owner of Board of Missoula

Few stories in the skateboarding world capture both the passion and dedication of a local shop owner quite like Chris Bacon’s journey with Board of Missoula. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Montana’s skate and snowboard community, Chris’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and an enduring love for the culture. His path demonstrates how blending personal passion with community engagement can create something far larger than a business—it can become a hub for connection, creativity, and culture.

A Childhood Rooted in Retail and Movement

Chris’s early life set the stage for his entrepreneurial path. Growing up in western Washington, he moved frequently, giving him exposure to diverse environments and communities. By the time he settled in Missoula for high school, he had developed adaptability and an ability to connect with people from all walks of life. These qualities would later prove invaluable as a skateshop owner and community leader.

“Missoula’s really special… you could skate down the street and no one would bother you, the cops didn’t care,” Chris recalls. He remembers skating in quiet neighborhoods, weaving through alleys, jumping curbs, and discovering little pockets of freedom that felt like his own private playground. The thrill of the ride and the camaraderie of fellow skaters planted the seeds for what would later become a community-focused business.

Before skateboarding became central to his life, Chris was immersed in a family retail environment. His mother owned the European Flower Market. “I loved helping in the shop… making arrangements, interacting with customers, playing music… it just felt like part of the community.”

He recalls the scent of fresh flowers mingling with the hum of the register, the rhythmic snip of shears, and the feeling of creating something beautiful that made people happy. These experiences taught him about service, presentation, and the value of creating a welcoming space—lessons he would carry into his future business.‍

Finding Skateboarding and the Heart of a Community

Chris’s love for skateboarding developed naturally, fueled by both the thrill of the sport and the connections it fostered. Board of Missoula became a second home, a place where people shared tricks, tips, and stories over stacks of decks and racks of shoes.“

It was the coolest shop I’d ever been in… the people inside were really genuine and down to earth,” Chris says. He recalls leaning against the counter, watching local skaters trade boards and swap stories about the latest tricks. The shop smelled faintly of wax and new sneakers, music from a local band sometimes filling the room, and laughter bouncing off the walls.

These experiences cemented his understanding that skateboarding was about community as much as skill. The friendships he formed in those early years would later become the foundation of his approach to business.

From Employee to Owner

Chris began working at Board of Missoula while still in high school, juggling four jobs to make ends meet. “I was juggling four jobs while living on my own, and working here was the one I actually cared about… I learned so much just by being around the shop every day.”

From cleaning skateboards to learning inventory, he absorbed every detail of the business.Over the years, Chris took on increasing responsibility, eventually becoming full owner in 2017. “Owning Board of Missoula felt like preserving a piece of what makes Missoula… it’s bigger than just the shop.”

He wanted to honor the culture and community that had nurtured him.He remembers the first day he officially took ownership, the smell of new wax and fresh decks greeting him, and the familiar sound of skateboard wheels rolling across the shop floor. “

I wanted to bring the name Board of Missoula back… it’s become a hub for people, not just a place to buy boards.” Ownership was as much about stewardship as entrepreneurship—maintaining a space where skaters of all ages could belong.

Lessons Learned: Hiring, Collaboration, and Self-Knowledge

Leadership, Chris emphasizes, is about self-awareness as much as guiding others. “You have to really understand yourself first… know how you operate, then hire a team that complements that.” He surrounds himself with people who share the shop’s vision and values, understanding that a strong team is the backbone of a thriving business.

Chris believes communication is crucial. “Being personable and approachable is key… but you also need to be grounded so real communication happens.” He recalls moments when a misunderstanding with a team member could have disrupted workflow, but a conversation grounded in respect and honesty resolved it quickly. “It’s about finding people who see the job as more than just a paycheck… they’re invested in the culture.”

Building Lasting Relationships with Brands

Chris has applied the same principles of authenticity and respect to his relationships with brands. “The reps who stick around longest are usually the ones who are genuine from the start… you can feel it, and it works both ways.”

He recalls evenings spent on the phone with brand reps, sharing ideas for local events, collaborating on limited runs of decks, and brainstorming ways to connect with the skateboarding community.He advises other retailers to foster these partnerships proactively.

“Treat the whole brand as a partner… keep communication real, and give respect to everyone, even the accounting folks. It matters.” His focus on relationships over transactions has resulted in enduring collaborations that benefit both the shop and the broader skateboarding ecosystem.

Giving Back to the Skate Community

Board of Missoula’s longevity is tied closely to its commitment to Montana’s skateboarding community. Chris has helped build and maintain dozens of skate parks, watching generations of skaters develop their skills.

“Anything you can do to help skateboarding locally… go for it. It’s about more than just the shop.”He recalls helping organize small competitions at local skate parks with kids cheering and families gathering, feeling the same thrill he did when he first skated the streets of Missoula.

“When you open your doors and actively support the community, you inspire people and keep them excited about skateboarding.” These efforts are both a responsibility and a joy—he’s shaping the next generation of skaters while keeping the culture alive.

Final Words of Wisdom

Chris Bacon’s story is about building community, nurturing talent, and fostering long-term relationships. From arranging flowers as a kid to leading one of Montana’s premier skate and snowboard shops, he embodies the values of passion, perseverance, and connection.

“I feel so fortunate to help foster this environment year after year… it should always be growing and evolving.”Board of Missoula is more than a store—it’s a living, breathing community.

It’s the echo of wheels on pavement, the laughter in the shop, and the sound of music blending with conversation. Chris Bacon’s story is a blueprint for aspiring retailers and skate enthusiasts alike: build with heart, invest in people, and let the culture guide your journey.