Interview by Tedd Cookerly
When you think about the definition of risk there should be a bright and shinning picture of Melissa Herzog. The Kickstand Pub in Westerville, Ohio has become a testimony of that risk. If you were to walk into The Kickstand Pub you would see many of the normal things; amazing customers, a great staff of people that care about what they do, a stage that houses some of Columbus’ finest rock bands and, of course, their mini ramp. You’ve read that right: The Kickstand Pub is proud to be the first bar in America with a full mini ramp in it. Melissa has already proven that she is committed to the biker community for many years, now she ventures into the world of skateboarding and, on behalf of skaters everywhere, Thank You. Here is more about what goes on in the mind of a risk taker and all around good gal.
What were you initial fist thoughts about skateboarding becoming an event for the Arnold Sports festival in 2010?
Rock on! How freaking ironic that the same year we decide to put a ramp in our bar (which is a first in our city) that Arnold signs on skateboarding to an amazingly popular sports festival right here in Cbus! That’s amazing.
What are some of your goals in sponsoring this event and whom would you like to meet while you are at Veterans memorial for the Cow Town Showdown?
A goal for Kickstand is to reach all the people that skate or appreciate skating and let them know we are here, supporting them with our own mini ramp right inside Kick. Grab a beer and enjoy some great entertainment. Some of these boys can really skate! We are so pumped to meet everyone interested in supporting what we are doing at Kick. Many people have said we are crazy to put a ramp in a bar but we’d like to disagree. We’d like to think that is just another thing that will help bring people together to have a good time.
Two days of skateboarding mayhem is about to go down…are you going to jump in there yourself and mix it up, watch as a spectator or just get crazy and throw down your 20 bucks and get the big prizes?
Definitely watch as a spectator. Maybe we’ll get crazy next year after many, many lessons at Kick first on the Mini.
Skateboarding now more then ever seems to speak to many people on many levels, how is skateboarding speaking to you and your support of the event?
We are a bar that supports many interests. The two pre dominate being motorcycles and live music. Many who appreciate and enjoy these interests also are interested in skateboarding; being they skate or have skated in the past. Let’s face it, motorcycles, musicians and skater all are chick magnets. Wherever the chicks are, that’s where you will find the dudes. We have a nice stage, stripper pole, great staff, half pipe and a great bike night. What more could you want?
What should everyone know about The Kickstand Pub and what should we expect to see from you at the Cow Town Showdown?
Kickstand Pub is a bar that welcomes all walks of life and supports the interests of our patrons. We want to give people the most appealing and satisfying atmosphere to socialize in and enjoy an alcoholic beverage with friends. We are very excited to be launching our Kickstand Apparel Line this weekend featuring t-shirts with our popular chopper logo as well as some new and exciting designs all on quality garments.
Sponsoring an event like The Cow Town Showdown is a big undertaking; we are all excited to find out about what kind of approach you will take towards being part of the event and what we can look forward to seeing at your display?
We are very excited to be a part of this event as well. Not only are we going to host a bumpin’ pre-party Friday at Kickstand but we will be launching our much anticipated clothing line at our booth. We have four killer designs that will be showcased on popular fabrics like the burn-out tee and the sheer women’s hoodie. We are stoked about launching this not only at Cowtown but starting that weekend our apparel will be available on our new website as well.
Tell us about the last time that you were on a skateboard and how did it go. Be honest, skateboarders fall all the time and was there cussing?
I have to be honest….It’s been probably 20 years. Last time was on a hot pink skateboard messing around in my Mom’s garage. It’s been a long time but our 2-year=old loves running up and down the ramp and we are looking forward to getting her her first skateboard very soon.
As always the Arnold Sports Festival places a heavy emphasis on fitness, what do you do in your daily routine that makes you a fit person?
I’m a big cardio person. About 4-5 hours a week either on the treadmill, elliptical or stair master as well as circuit training, kettle bells and pilates and of course running after our 2-year old keep me feeling pretty good and in shape.
With so many events going on throughout the weekend, was there another event that you would like to attend and what about it attracts you?
Art at the Arnold, Strongman, Judo, Cheerleading and Dance. Love art, all outlets. Strongmaan is just fascinating to watch. Judo requires so much conditioning and focus, you have to appreciate that and the Cheerleading and Dance are great to watch because of the team uniformity and energy. All are great spectator sports.
So Arnold himself comes up and asks you one question, what questions do you hope he ask and what will be your answer?
Arnold: “So a bar hosting an event at my Sports Festival? What do you think is your place here?” Melissa: “(sweaty palms and blushing cheeks) Well sir, a good game just like a good place to have a good drink can bring people together. Kickstand is that good place to drink and we just happen to have a great half pipe in our bar that a lot of athletes find just killer to skate when it’s 20 degrees or for that matter 95 degrees out (inhale and release).Thank you sir for the opportunity.”
Last modified: 2009-08-01 @ 12:00 am
