The flourishing success of the Latvian skate park enterprise is no mere illusion
In the heart of Riga, Latvia, a company named Mind Work Ramps made a significant leap in 2010 with the creation of "Monsterpark," the largest indoor skatepark in the Baltics. This milestone marked a turning point in the company's development and set the stage for its expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Co-founded by Sleja, a former architect, Mind Work Ramps specialises in building skate parks, bike paths, and active recreation centers, with a goal to become the best in the Eastern European region. Sleja emphasises that these facilities are not just extremist sports grounds, but primarily architecture, designed to integrate seamlessly into the cityscape.
The company's success can be attributed to several key factors. A skilled and motivated team is crucial, with employees who are comfortable with dynamic project environments and motivated beyond just financial rewards. Clear internal career development, effective communication, and recognition, and the use of project and financial management tools also play significant roles.
Moreover, operating across diverse regions requires regional knowledge and flexibility. Mind Work Ramps understands this, adapting its project management and team structures to suit the cultural, regulatory, and logistical variations in each country.
Collaboration is another essential element of the company's success. Sleja values working with people from different backgrounds and experiences, even if it sometimes leads to awkward moments when collaborations must come to an end.
Mind Work Ramps' first skatepark was built in Ķekava, and since then, they have constructed facilities in various countries, including France, Germany, Georgia, Ukraine, Malta, and many more. One of their most recognised achievements is the skate park in the renovated Uzvaras Park in Riga.
Every year, Mind Work Ramps builds ten large-scale facilities in at least five different countries. Their tracks and park blanks are made at a factory in Riga, Latvia, a testament to their commitment to supporting local industries.
Sleja advises young entrepreneurs to try to realise their ideas, even if they don't succeed initially. He believes that while relationships within the company can sometimes be personal, growing separately might be better than growing together, especially in business.
In 2023, they built 20 alternative sports facilities in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to promoting active lifestyles and community engagement. Mind Work Ramps speaks the language of adult skateboarders and understands both their audience and product customers, which are often municipalities of various cities.
In a world where the importance of physical activity and community engagement is increasingly recognised, Mind Work Ramps continues to lead the way in building innovative and inclusive active recreation infrastructure. Their success serves as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs and a testament to the power of architecture in shaping our cities and communities.
- With its expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Mind Work Ramps is not only building skate parks and bike paths but also contributing to the development of home-and-garden spaces and overall lifestyle in the cities they work in, by creating active recreation centers.
- In line with their commitment to supporting local industries, Mind Work Ramps manufactures their tracks and park blanks at a factory in Riga, Latvia, demonstrating their investment in the EU infrastructure and local economy.
