Start Your Dream Community Today With The 4C’s Framework
Introduction: Why This Matters
You’ve felt it—that gnawing loneliness when everything you thought was stable unravels. Throughout high school, I watched helplessly as my brother’s life slowly fell apart under the weight of hard drugs. Watching him spiral made me retreat into myself—shy, ashamed, and desperate to hide that pain. I felt hollow, like I didn’t deserve joy.
Then I hopped on a longboard and discovered something unexpected. Sure, the rush of speed sparked a little confidence, but it was the people I met along the ride who really healed me. Every session brought me closer to a tribe that saw me, supported me, and reminded me I wasn’t alone.
That sense of belonging lit a new purpose in my heart: to build a world I actually wanted to live in—a world where people feel happy, fulfilled, and optimistic, no matter what they’re up against. The community I found longboarding became my lifeline, and today I’m grateful I get the opportunity to pay it forward.
Fast Facts About Me
Beyond the Board founder: We’ve hosted 300+ community activations across 50,000 miles since 2021.
Vibe Ride co-founder: Los Angeles skate community with 600 active members.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
A lean action plan to launch your first community
Four clear elements to focus on with my proven 4C’s Framework (clarity, calculation, calmness, courage)
The confidence to go from “idea” to “invite”
Group photo of the Venice Longboard Retreat group in front of the SHRED SLED after a tour of Loaded Boards.
Clarity: Get Clear on Your “Why”
Goal: Nail down your purpose so you stick with it—even if Day 0 turnout is tiny.
Define Your Purpose
What are you really after? Connection? Learning? Pure fun?
Write it in one sentence: “I’m building [community name] to…”
Lock In Your Necessities
Frequency (weekly, monthly)
Location (park, coffee shop, Zoom)
Budget (free, donation‑based, ticketed)
Vibe (casual, coaching, co-creation)
Identify Your Core Crowd
Who do you want to spend time with? Who will get the most out of this experience? (Age range, interests, values)
Where do they hang out online/offline?
Measure What Matters
Beyond head‑count:
Stories of connection
Returning members
People bringing friends
Clarity Checklist ✅
I know why I’m doing this.
I can state my mission in one sentence.
I defined clearly the type of person that I want to attract.
I know what success looks like for me aside from attendance.
Smiling during our Venice Longboard Retreat opening ceremony.
Calculation: Plan for Your Best‑ & Worst‑Case
Goal: Head into launch knowing both extremes—so nothing catches you off guard (and you stay optimistic).
Model the Masters
Pick 3 similar communities you admire.
Note their “secret sauce”: format, frequency, engagement tactics.
Worst‑Case Drill
What’s your Day 0 number of members?
Venue no‑shows, tech hiccups, budget surprises—list them.
Best‑Case Vision
Imagine 50+ people, press coverage, sponsors.
Jot down the headline you’d love to see: “Local Skate Crew Goes Viral!”
Resource Inventory
For all resources, start slow. You typically don’t need much to get started. Start small. Start lean.
Time: how many hours/week can you commit?
Money: what do you need to get started?
Tools: community management platform like Heylo, social channels, etc
Helpers: friends, volunteers, fellow enthusiasts
Calculation Checklist ✅
I’ve sketched both extremes—and I’m ready either way.
I know what resources I have and what I need to get started.
Longboarders skating down the Ocean View Park grass hill during Vibe Ride’s Bubble Cruise, May 2025.
Calmness: Keep Your Cool When It Counts
Goal: Nervous energy is contagious. Stay steady so people feel safe and excited.
Mindset Warm‑Up
Take 3 deep breaths. Repeat: “I choose to spend my time on this because I love it - regardless of the outcome.”
Script + Improv
Write a loose opening: “Hey, I’m [your name], welcome to [community / gathering name].”
Accept that mid‑roll changes are part of the fun.
Normalize “Oops” Moments
Latecomers? Tech glitches? Call it “part of our charm” and keep rolling.
Flip it: “Looks like we’re assembling our squad—love the vibe!”
Connection Over Perfection
Early members care more about your authenticity than slick slides.
Ask questions, share a quick personal story, and listen.
Calmness Checklist ✅
I do this because I love it and I'm unattached from the outcome.
I’ve practiced my opener and my go‑to “oops” recovery line.
Daniel Chiu leading a mindfulness and mobility session for skaters in Santa Monica, CA.
Courage: Lock in a Friend & a Date
Goal: Everything before this is prep—this is where you actually do it.
Pick Your Accountability Buddy
Choose someone who’ll check in and cheer you on.
Set a Firm Launch Date
Even if it’s two months out, put it on your calendar—and theirs.
Soft‑Launch vs. Full‑Launch
Soft: Invite 3–5+ trusted folks for beta testing format and flow.
Full: Open the doors—with an RSVP link or group chat.
Courage Checklist ✅
I’ve picked my accountability buddy and told them my vision.
I sent my accountability buddy a calendar invite to the first gathering.
Opening circle for Vibe Ride’s weekly sunset group ride in Venice Beach.
Let’s Go — You Got This!
It’s time to roll: you have everything you need to launch.
Drop any questions below – I’ll personally chime in and help you nail your first gathering.
Want me onstage? Email me at brandon@brandondesjarlais.com if you’d like to book me for talks on building community or going all‑in with the 4Cs Framework.
