Today, we invite you to pad-up and enjoy the ride as we introduce a seriously cool local parent.
Kevin Robinson aka K-Rob is much more than a BMX riding, ice cream loving, father of three! Born and raised in East Providence, Kevin is a 10 times X-games Medallist and current high air World Record holder (55 feet!) Â Now officially retired, after a hugely successful 23 year career as a Competitive BMX Pro rider, he focuses his time on his multiple businesses. They include the Non Profit Foundation, The K-Rob Foundation, his Event Planning Business/School Assembly Programs, K-Rob Events, as well as his Children’s Protective Clothing line, Grindz! Kevin is one of the most inspirational and nicest guys you’ll ever meet as well as, arguably the coolest Dad around. Kevin lives in Barrington with his wife, Robin and their 3 young children.
What inspired you to start your business?
Kevin: I knew that when I planned on retiring from X Games, I would have to replace my passion with another passion; it wasn’t just about retiring financially. So, I decided to follow my heart and move into areas of business that I love as much as I have all these years riding my bike.
How did you start your business?
Kevin: My wife, Robin, and I thankfully share the same passion and work ethic, so we started preparing for life after riding a few years ago. We started from scratch, took a lot of great advice, stumbled a bit a few times, but always stayed on the path that we set, reaching goals is some thing I do well.
How do you balance work and family?
Kevin: Thankfully, my work includes my family most of the time. We work from home, we travel together, and most of the opportunities I have, I can bring my family along with me. Mat Hoffman once said to me “Dream your life, then live your dream”. I have followed these words since he said them to me years ago. I have chosen a path that my children can be a big part of. I sometimes take Kevin Jr. to NYC to do media, TV appearances and radio interviews. I use him to help us promote our children’s clothing line, Grindz. Or, if we have an event for the K-Rob Foundation, my kids are always involved in every aspect of it. I want them to learn to dream big and learn that they too can follow their hearts.
Please describe a typical day.
Kevin: A typical day is anything but! Every single day is completely different than the day before in the Robinson home! A typical day starts like most families, complete chaos and the mad school rush! After that, I usually have to head to a Physical Therapist for some rehab, I just recently had a hip replacement, so I’ve been mending. After that, I usually have meetings lined up for a few hours in regards to any of our different projects. Then, like most people, it’s answer email time and get some work done before the kids get out of school. Most afternoons are spent shuttling the kids to and from activities until bedtime! If I wasn’t at home healing right now, a typical day may include travel anywhere from California, NYC, China, Brazil, etc. I travel all over the world riding my bike, doing PR for my businesses, or getting to attend fun events such as the Winter X Games.
Do you have any time-saving tricks that you could share?
Kevin: I wish I had time saving tricks! If anyone has some, please share them! Ha ha ha. I guess my only time saving trick is to work while I’m waiting for my kids to get done with activities. The great thing about the world being so mobile now is that I can work anywhere, anytime.
If you could give your past self (pre-kids or pre-business) any advice, what would it be?
Kevin: I would tell myself that it’s ok to make mistakes, everyone does. It’s how well we learn from our mistakes that changes our lives.
Where do you find inspiration?
Kevin: I find inspiration in my kids and my wife. They come first, no matter what. My inspiration is to follow my passion; this has always worked for me. I have also always found inspiration in people telling me something can’t be done. When I was growing up, people made fun of me for riding my bike, they loved to tell me that it would only be a hobby. My inspiration to persevere was to prove them all wrong, and I did just that. My newest inspirations are the same, when people tell me that I can’t succeed, my objective becomes to prove them all wrong.
What is the one kid or parent product that you could not live without?
Kevin: The best product we have is a new one and I wish we had had this YEARS ago! It’s the “OK TO WAKE OWL”- because toddlers can’t tell time, this product uses a ‘green light’ when it’s ok for them to get out of bed. It’s terrific! We have 3 energetic kids and the party usually starts in our house at 6am on the dot. This new owl light has made it so our kids don’t get out of bed until 6:30 and it’s amazing what that extra 30 minutes of sleep will do for you!
What is your favorite children’s book or music CD?
Kevin: I love the book Go Dog Go. I remember my Mom reading it to me when I was a kid and I love reading it to my kids.
What do you do with your kids on a rainy day?
Kevin: We’re really energetic at our house, so we may go to Rock Spot Indoor Climbing, or swimming at the YMCA together. We love spending time together and having fun, so as long as we’re doing that, it’s a great day.
What is the last great non-kid book or film that you loved? What made it so great?
Kevin: It’s been a while since I’ve seen a non-kid film! But, if I can remember back that far, it would have to be Superman. The great things about my kids getting a little older now is that we are starting to enjoy some movies together. My son loves Superheroes, so we saw that one together.
Do you have a guilty pleasure?
Kevin: SUSHI! Any opportunity that my wife and I get to have a date night, it is always to Haruki on the East Side for Sushi. Another huge guilty pleasure is ice cream. A little known fact about me is that I eat a pint of ice cream every single night before I go to bed! Mint Chocolate Chip is my weakness.
If you had an extra hour each day, what would you do with it?
Kevin: SLEEP!
Can you share a story or anecdote that is symbolic of your dual life as a business owner and a mother/father?
Kevin: I guess life as a dad and life as a business owner are pretty similar in a lot of ways, it’s a lot like a carousel, it has its ups and downs, but it continues to go around and around at the same time. Life keeps moving forward regardless of its ups and downs.
How has the experience and on the job training of being a mom/dad prepared or changed you in business?
Kevin: I have learned to move quickly and multitask like a superhero. Parenthood has taught me that for sure! Every morning I feel like we have a military-like strategy meeting at our kitchen table. Making prepared choices and decisions have to come quickly, so communication within your family life and your business life is key!
What is next for you and your business?
Kevin: We are preparing for a lot of changes in our businesses. Grindz has some amazing opportunities around the corner that we are prepping for. K-Rob Foundation is continuing to grow and help out deserving children stay involved in sports. We have had such amazing support from our community, it’s truly incredible to see how people and communities come together to help one another. K-Rob Events has expanded over the past year going from a one man show to now representing 12 different athletes and motivational speakers on a National level. We also have another project up our sleeve that will benefit the action sports community in the regional area. I’m letting the cat out of the bag a little here, but we are building an Indoor Skatepark starting Jan. 1 in Rhode Island! We will be offering programs, open skate time, and lessons for skateboarders, BMX riders, and mountain bikers of all ages and skill levels. Keep your eye out in early Spring! I couldn’t be happier and couldn’t feel more blessed in my life. Dream your life, then live your dream sure does work.
For more information about Kevin Robinson and his exciting ventures, check out the links below. I couldn’t resist also including the link to his world record breaking jump – totally bonkers!
K-Rob Foundation
K-Rob Events
Grindz: Children’s Protective Clothing
World Record Jump
