The Story Behind Thrive

What’s up people! I’m Cory, 24 years old, from the Otago region of New Zealand. I’m an action sports athlete, and at the moment, I’m lucky enough to say that I represent New Zealand on the world stage as a professional scooter rider. Currently, I’m ranked 8th in the world for street scootering, which I’m pretty proud of, it’s the highest ranking a male rider from NZ has achieved.

But scootering is just one of the many things I’m passionate about. Ever since I was a youngin, I’ve been drawn to anything with wheels. I started off riding my bike, hitting dirt jumps, and skating around the streets, always chasing that adrenaline rush. One day, my skateboard broke, and my dad brought home a replacement, in the shape of a bright green foldable scooter with yellow wheels. From that point on, my journey into action sports took off.

The thing is, I’ve never been someone to stick to just one sport. I love it all. Scootering, skateboarding, BMX, you name it. But growing up, I felt like I didn’t really fit in with any specific community. Skateboarding shops and scooter shops were often focused on their own groups, and if you rode a bit of everything, it felt like you didn’t really have a place. It was frustrating. I didn’t know whether to call myself a skater, a biker, or a scooter rider. I thought, why should I have to choose?

That’s when the idea for Thrive started forming. I wanted to create a place that didn’t make people choose between sports. A shop where everyone, no matter what they ride, feels welcome and supported.

As I got older, I realised that I have the chance to make the idea a reality. I want to build something that brings people together. At the end of the day, we’re all part of the same action sports community. We share the same passion, and we all use the same skateparks, so why not support each other?

With Thrive, I want to create a store that’s all about inclusivity. I want it to be the kind of place where anyone, whether you’re riding a scooter, skateboard, bike, or rollerblades, feels like they belong. A place where you can find the gear, the parts, and the advice you need to get where you want to go, whether that’s going for a local skate with your mates or aiming for a world championship.

I also want Thrive to be a place that offers honest, knowledgeable service. We’re about helping people find exactly what they need and providing products that really matter for their sport. We’re not just selling stuff. We’re here to support the community. 

This business means a lot to me, not just because of the joy action sports has brought into my life, but because I’ve seen so many talented riders in New Zealand who go unsupported. They have the skills, but they don’t get the recognition or the help they need to keep going. There’s so much untapped talent out there, and I want to do what I can to support those riders and give them a chance to thrive.

I’d love for you to follow our journey @thrivesupplynz and be a part of what we’re building. We can only make a real difference if we all support each other, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.

Thanks so much for reading and being part of this community. Whether it’s at the skatepark or in the streets, let’s keep pushing forward together.