Connect
To Top

Meet Ruben Gonzales of 11th Monk3y Industries in Grand Avenue District

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruben Gonzales.

Ruben, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
11th Monk3y started as a little bboy/breakdance clothing line and quickly evolved in to a full on retail, gallery and workshop business. It got started when I moved back from Santa Cruz, CA, had nothing to do no motivation until one day, I was browsing the interwebs and looked up printing equipment. I’ve always done designs and such for friends and for a local shop to help me get by at times. So, I got some help from my mom, a friend (Tommy) and Adam to help me get my PS skills in better order. From there, I came up with the name 11th Monk3y. It was 11:11 on the dot and I love monk3ys so it just came together like that… from building a little 200 sq. ft. room in my back yard, to doing every bboy event I could think of in AZ, to moving to 1st Fridays on the Row Row for about 3 years.

Then one day, I was offered a series of events I can’t explain and well my first shop was open, right on the ROW! 5th St. and Roosevelt to be precise! 11th Monk3y went from printing shirts to a full retail shop, carrying all our friends unique items as well as our own line. We then started to make small custom fixtures and furnishings and it caught on with the brand as well. Over the next 3.5 years, we did the Roosevelt Row thing and then decided to move west a few blocks. GRAND AVE. (1022 Grand Ave.) was where it was at for us. Bigger space better location and def a more relaxed vibe. Almost 9 years (July 4th), it will be we have been in business and still growing and building, creating, curating, selling and print and well just doing work, making stuff and building things!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has and has not, running your own shop has its ups and downs, good days and bad. The first couple of years being open in the Arts district, I was robbed a hand full of times! Funny thing was they never stole the money, just the equipment that I had worked hard to buy. It was as if they were trying to sabotage the shop. But when those days happened, the community came together and helped me to help get back on my feet. Not only wouldn’t they not let me close up shop but they offered to help me rebuild and stay focused and open. After we got back on our feet, we got our work back in order and continued to serve our community if full force!

11th Monk3y Industries LLC. – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We here at the shop specialize in quite a few things, from art shows and printing to small production fabrication and bicycles. The shop I think is known for creating cool bike racks and also for being super affordable for those printing marketing needs. The thing I’m most proud of is, how the brand has become and still becoming a staple named in Downtown Phx and AZ for that matter, heck people are even starting to recognize the symbol in the west coast! What sets us apart is that you are truly dealing with me and or one of my workers face to face as a local shop should be doing. For 9 years almost, I’ve been walking thru those doors opening the windows and turning on the machines. We are a true local hand made retail/workshop that offers services at a one stop shop. You can shop and/or put in custom orders or we can help you design and build out your next dream shop and or marketing needs all in one spot! The other thing that sets us apart is that we are an open source work space. Meaning if you need to print, weld or wood work or make something, you can rent a space or a day or the equipment and make your own product for yourself! It’s all about community, we exist because you exist! Simple really.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I guess it can come in many forms, from just being able to still have open doors to doing what I want as a small business owner. Success for me has never been about rich quick stuff, but more about leaving a legacy behind and hopefully a shop that can still kick it thru the years when I may be off to something else (who am I kidding, I’m a worker and will always work for my business). Success is knowing that what I’m doing, helping others to accomplish their dreams and passions. That’s probably my biggest appreciation for success, helping others!
No real criteria, just make sure whatever you’re doing, makes you happy and motivated to do it daily.

Pricing:

  • 1 dozen 1 color 1 sided soft cotton – $8.50, 2 dozen – $8.00, 3 dozen – $7.50, 4 dozen $6.50
  • standard bc starting at $20 bucks for 100 and up…
  • Clothing starting at $15.00
  • Bicycles starting at $350.00

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Ruben Gonzales and 11th Monk3y

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in