Keep truckin: Compound Boardshop celebrates 11 years

They say hindsight is 20/20. But for Compound Boardshop owner, Jacob Shields, not having the advantage of hindsight has actually worked in his favor. Eleven years ago, when he started the surf and skate shop, at the age of 24, he had no idea what the endeavor would involve, but he says he went for it anyway.

"It actually kind of worked to my advantage," he says, with a laugh. "If I had known how much work this would be, I don't know if I would've done it."

To help fund the shop, he and his business partner at the time worked three jobs. Shields worked a pest-control job during the day, waited tables during the evenings and power washed retail buildings at night, often not getting home until 3 a.m. The two worked like this for about a year before investing everything into the shop.

"It had to work,"  he says. "When we did our renovations and expansion, it was the same way. Once you start, and you're in it, there's no other option but to finish the work."

Since then, Compound has grown to become a fixture in the local skate and surf community, offering more than just boards and other gear — Shields' vision for the shop has always been larger than that. He's strived to create a welcoming environment, and the shop is devoted to several charity organizations, including a Mexican orphanage called  Mission Mexico.

"For me, it's a faith-based thing," says Shields. "My goal isn't to preach; I've just been blessed, and I want to bless others. I just love it."

In celebration of the shop's 11th anniversary, Compound will host a party at 6 p.m. this Saturday, April 12, which will feature several acclaimed surfboard shapers shaping five custom boards, surf-related photography from international photographers, music by the Mattson Two and Josh Harmony, skate demos, raffle prizes and more, and all proceeds will directly benefit Mission Mexico.

"I'm constantly humbled," says Shields. "The support we've had over the years from our customers is incredible, and it's great to see our personal passions motivating others to try to do good things, too."