Chief Fun Officer at Sky-Vue Skateland, Denise Watkins

Sky-vue Skateland has been given the Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award this month. A wonderful tribute, yet, there is more to be said about the Chief Fun Officer, Denise Watkins.

We met through the Main Street blog. I wrote about Sky-vue there after (2015) and made a new friend. https://mainstreetrockymount.com/2015/09/16/a-place-not-to-be-missed-sky-vue-skateland-happy-anniversary/

Denise is valued for many reasons but her relationship with young people who come to skate and teenagers in particular, is unusual today. Something parents appreciate. My life would be different if I hadn’t had authority figures that helped me grow up. Miss Denise is a significant figure helping those in her world to become rock solid.

Miss Denise sets a high bar, brooks no nonsense, and consequently it is a positive environment that teaches honesty and respect. Her ministry to these young people encourages success not only on skates, but day to day. She is a wise woman handling an incident like a $5.00 bill gone missing: creating a space for its return and by doing this, fosters doing the right thing. The money was returned! Though this is not a common incident, I mention it as an example of a teaching moment, which Miss Denise uses to help young people grow up learning how to make positive decisions.

This is an American story of a family owned business that is operated by a second generation brother (David Holder) and sister. Denise promotes skating as a wiz-bang on social media. She got so smart she is now teaching others to use these available tools to market and grow their businesses. I have Denise to thank for introducing me to the FREE community college small business departments that I zoom with regularly, learning to use social medial more effectively.

Sky-vue recently celebrated 65 years in business. Past skaters came long distances to be a part of the celebration. Mayor Roberson read a proclamation presenting a plaque of recognition. Imagine the joy in having past skaters who now bring their children and grandchildren to learn to skate. I have never been with Denise that someone hasn’t approached her to say they remember her. She remembers well, their parents, and their spouses and children today. Her skating family is vast.

Below Denise and the Mayor, Knox Porter, Stepheny Houghtlin, The Mayor and some young skaters.

My affection for Denise is built upon the values she shares everyday. A woman of deep faith and commitment who has built her life around her central core: Jesus Christ. She is a political activist on behalf of Rocky Mount and her country. She is blessed with a wonderful husband, daughter and family/grandchildren that support her 1000%. They are the wind beneath her sails as she navigates between the business, church, volunteering, and being a social media guru. Sky-vue may be considered a small business but on many fronts its impact is huge. Staying fit, staying positive, having safe fun is not only the backdrop that is helping raise the youth of the area, but for all the adults who still skate, are learning.

Congratulations on this newest recognition, and for 65 years in business. Rocky Mount, NC is blessed to have your leadership, care and concern. Sky-vue is an inspiration for entrepreneurs demonstrating that hard work and a willingness to embrace change by using social media, you can be successful. Click on short video: Enjoy