Meet Brendan Roby

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brendan Roby. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brendan below.

Brendan, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

I remember when my teenage daughter was little. Whenever I tried to explain something or correct her, she would look up at me with those precious eyes, and all I wanted to do was help her understand what I was trying to convey. I used to tower over her and that bothered me, so I found that kneeling to her level and looking her in the eye made a world of difference. It showed her that I wasn’t just hearing her words, I was listening to her heart and communicating mine. I believe communication isn’t just about talking, it’s about connecting with the individual or audience. Listening is a part of effective communication, and it’s no coincidence we have two ears and one mouth.
Finding ground with others helps me open up with communication. I’ve realized as humans we have far more in common than we might think. A kind smile, a thoughtful gesture, a sincere compliment, or even a casual conversation about the weather, are all simple yet powerful ways to connect. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I grew up as a feral child during the ’70s, raised by a pack of stray dogs and other feral kids in my Bristol, CT neighborhood. I spent some time in Hartford and Cape Cod too. I say that kinda cheeky but its the truth – Gen X’ers know what I’m talking about…right?

When I was seven, everything changed. Mark Ewen propped some sketchy plywood against a tree in his backyard to skateboard on and from that moment on something clicked. Skateboarding became my sanctuary, escape, and creative lens through which I’ve navigated this interesting world.

I’ve also spent many winter seasons on snow enjoying snowboarding. I coached and taught out west at different ski school resorts, and all these experiences have contributed to the overall vision and direction of who I am.
My current projects include Conspiracy Board Shop and R3L8 Advisors. I more or less opened a retail skate space in a vendor mall. It’s a small footprint for now and have plans to scale for future. Shoutout and many thanks to Jason & Jay – https://www.instagram.com/doughraff/
My other business is R3L8 Advisors, where I have the privilege of working with athletes, guiding individual brand development, and supporting small businesses with concepts, ideas, and creativity. I am currently working with female fencer Michaela Joyce (Notre Dame) and Khadee Hession (Georgetown U).

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The biggest game-changer for me was when I decided to get sober. Drinking all the time had countless negative consequences, and destructive fallout that impacted every area of my life. I’ve realized that so much of what happens in my life depends on myself being fully present. My faith in Christ is the foundation I strive to build my personal and professional life on, guiding every decision I make. My advice to anyone reading this is to always remain teachable, stay humble, and find a way to give back. Don’t Quit…Keep Going!!

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Seeking passionate investors and strategic partners for Conspiracy Board Shop to help disrupt and scale the board sport retail market and culture (skate, snow, surf) through a transformative movement of ingenuity, healing, hope, and future-focused concepts. By uniting core brands, art, music, and signature events, we aim to inspire the next generation with authenticity, purpose, and faith-driven values. Let’s spark a revolution rooted in creativity, connection, and a higher calling.

R3L8 Advisors is involved in the brand development, support, and athletic journeys of three remarkable female talents. Khadee Hession (https://www.instagram.com/khadeehession/) is a standout Freshman basketball player for Georgetown University and is celebrated for her fearless and calculated playstyle.
Michaela Joyce, a top female fencing prospect for Notre Dame and a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, is making waves in the Épée category with her sights set on the 2028 Olympics, using her platform to inspire young girls worldwide (https://www.instagram.com/michaelanicolejoyce/)
Isabella Robusto, an emerging force in motorsports, balances her competitive racing career with pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering, embodying resilience and innovation on and off the track. https://www.instagram.com/isabellarobusto55/
For questions, opportunities, and inquiries…
[email protected]

Contact Info:

• Instagram: conspiracyboard.shop
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-roby-563a34256/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Joey Potter
https://www.instagram.com/joeytpotter/