Company Spotlight: Pipsqueak Wheels
Pipsqueak Wheels, founded by lifelong skateboard and fingerboard enthusiast
Pipsqueak Wheels, founded by lifelong skateboard and fingerboard enthusiast Matt Ripple, brings a fresh approach to the fingerboarding scene from its home base in Ionia, MI. With roots in Long Island, NY, Matt embodies the DIY spirit and authenticity that make fingerboarding culture so compelling. A husband, father, and self-described “ADHD man-child,” Matt lives out his skateboarding passion daily through fingerboarding.
Matt’s journey into fingerboarding began in 1997 with his first skateboard. By the time Tech Decks hit the scene, he was hooked on the miniatures until his early teens. Rediscovering a Tech Deck at a thrift store in 2020, Matt instantly found himself back in the flow, reigniting his love for the hobby and marking the start of what would eventually become Pipsqueak Wheels.
Pipsqueak began in Matt’s basement, where he crafted a cement fingerboard park. Frustrated by the hardness and high cost of commercial wheels, he decided to make his own soft wheels. After sending a few sets to friends in the community, he knew he’d struck gold. Partnering with Dustin from FBCanada, who helped shape his first conicals, and his wife Tess, who coined the brand name, Pipsqueak was born.
Since then, Pipsqueak has transformed from a garage project into a recognized name in fingerboarding. Known for his affordable, authentic, and character-infused wheels, Matt has grown Pipsqueak into more than a brand; it’s a community. With support from friends and peers who also started brands, Matt is a staple in the scene, co-hosting events and connecting fingerboarders everywhere.
Pipsqueak’s team is a diverse group of skilled riders from both the U.S. and the U.K., each bringing unique style and talent:
USA Team: @sonic_fb33, @ssenderling777, @Friesyfb, @223fingerboards, @cbhoffman_fb, @davincicaso, @fatal_fingers, @stovetop_fb, @bajaextrablast5, @life_in_prison_
UK Team: @beardywool_fb, @therealchrislughlin, @Devil_fingerz, @Beard.fb, @thatwavyfb
With pro models for @ssenderling777, @bajaextrablast5, and @friesyfb, Pipsqueak is committed to highlighting talent and showcasing unique designs.
Matt attributes Pipsqueak’s success to his incredible support network. Special thanks go to his wife Tess for her support and creative input; longtime friends like Zegheads and Sqrlnutt; and industry peers such as Jonathan @heyitskodiak, @abcparks.fb, @bloob_fb, @dudeguy.fb, @doublejoint.fb, @mongo_fb_official, and @too_fat_to_crust who have all been integral in Pipsqueak’s journey.
A standout memory was Pipsqueak’s first hosted event, which drew an enthusiastic crowd and has grown ever since. Now, as they gear up for Finger Frenzy 5 in Battle Creek, MI on December 7th, the community continues to rally around Pipsqueak’s vision.
Pipsqueak’s future is bright, with collaborations in the works with new and established brands alike. With fresh ideas constantly brewing, Matt and his team are just getting started.
For more on Pipsqueak, visit www.Pipsqueakfb.com and follow @Pipsqueak_fb_wheels.