Episode 17 John Moore: Creating a Place People Belong | Business Beyond the Bottom Line

What happens when a business becomes more than a place to buy something? In Episode 17 of Standing on Business, Ben sits down with John Moore, co-owner of Flower Skate Shop in downtown Syracuse, to talk about building a business rooted in community, authenticity, and a genuine love for skateboarding. John shares the story of launching Flower Skate Shop in 2020, growing from a small basement location into a downtown storefront, and creating a space where people can skate, hang out, connect, and be themselves. What started as a skate shop has grown into a hub for events, collaborations, local creatives, and the next generation of Syracuse skaters. The conversation also gets into the realities of running an independent retail business, rising costs in the skate industry, changing trends, social media’s impact on individuality, and the challenge of balancing profitability with staying true to why you started in the first place. John also shares the work Flower is doing beyond the storefront, from skate events and giving equipment to kids who need it to helping raise funds toward creating a skate space at Kirk Park. At the center of it all is a simple philosophy: be honest, treat people well, stay authentic, and create something people actually want to be part of. Episode 17 John Moore: Creating a Place People Belong | Business Beyond the Bottom Line Standing on Business is produced by Black Stag Industries in Syracuse, New York, featuring conversations with the entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators shaping Central New York. #StandingOnBusiness #FlowerSkateShop #SyracuseNY #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Skateboarding #CNY #Community