Profile’s Team Legacy — Chad Degroot

To kick off Profile’s 55th anniversary (1968 – 2023), we wanted to begin the celebration by highlighting those riders who’ve been with our brand for over 15 years.

Over the course of January, we’ll feature each of those 11 riders in a comprehensive retrospective – looking back, ruminating on today, and looking forward.

This is our family.

Thanks to each of these riders for years of support.

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Our eleventh and final feature, Chad Degroot.

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Matt Coplon (TM): What year did you start riding for Profile?

Chad Degroot: Think it was 2007.

M: And do you remember how that came about? I know right out of the gate, you met us in Tulsa for that week long Profile Trip.

C: Only made sense. I was now in Florida for 10+ years, still running Mesh Skatepark, and wanted to be on the best and most respected parts in the business. Plus you use to drive up and ride my park quite often. Lot of Mesh sessions. Was telling my wife last night how good Tulsa has treated us all. Greatest memories and best spots. Aside from Mulligan getting berry bug bites, haha.

M: Over the years, what’s been your favorite Profile Component? 

C: Don’t make me pick. But if you twist my arms I’d have to say the push stem. This is what I see each and every time I look down in a trick. Clean design and 48mm is best for me. 

M: I think, personally, I would agree. And perfect perspective as to why. 

What’s the single Profile component you’ve ridden the longest? 

C: Not being a street assassin, I don’t go through parts often so my whole Kaleidoscope color way is still in the mix. Hubset, stem, sprocket all are in the line up and no scratches even with a ton of travel.

M: Is that limited colorway on a bike that you regularly ride? 

C: 100% yes. I do think a lot of taking it off and putting it on the shelf so it won’t get scratched and chipped but every time I look down the appreciation is still there and I do love how loud and colorful the parts look.

M: Speaking of, you have multiple bikes. What’s the difference between them?

C: Not a lot aside from my park bike has 2.35 Demolition tires at 45psi and a back brake. Oh and some Deco street pegs. Otherwise they both feel super similar as far as geometry.

M: What’s been your favorite Profile related Roadtrip? 

C: You might have to help with this one but ALL of them. Fresno pool trip was one serious one though. Damn that was a great one. We left for the day and came back to the locals draining a pool for us. What a gift. Any tulsa trip was great also and you reminded me of one in a previous question so that might be the one. Seemed like we all rode ALL day long then woke up and repeated with no end to spots and laughter.

M: I remember that one well. Of all the wild experiences on that one, what was THE wildest part?

C: How well Mulligan documented us all and the spread in the magazine was unreal. Also Keith getting berry bugs as we all didn’t know what those lil’ bugs were or how he got them. Looked miserable but he took it like a champion and to this day it’s still a running joke.

M: Lastly, what Profile Team rider who you enjoyed travelling with the most? 

C: Matt Coplon #1 and Mark Mulville almost tied haha. You guys can knife fight for the winner but I’m the ref. 

M: You know Mark will win that…not even sure I can properly hold a knife? Ha!

Lastly, with you having the shop open Tues through Sunday, what’s your riding schedule been? Certain days park/street, certain days flat?

C: It goes in spurts but lots of times it depends on the time of the year. Summer sessions get cancelled with the rain. Lot of times when I close my shop it’s off to Candyland for a quick one. Sunday; old man mornings are awesome at the pump track. Rediscovered a covered spot so rain or shine game on for flat. That will happen a few days a week till school goes back in then only on weekends. AND of course Monday is my day off so driving out to a skatepark is a must almost every Monday.

M: Thanks to Chad for all he’s done for Profile, as well as the Central Florida scene in general though his shop, Mr. Bikes and Boards.