Ben Liska first opened Benjamin Surfboards in Corpus Christi, Tx in late 1975. It began as a small surfboard factory where Liska hired friends Danny Jauer and Glenn Francis to help produce Benjamin Surfboards. Shortly thereafter, the shaping room was moved to the 'Flour Bluff' area of Corpus Christi on the way to the beach and over the next year Liska added an inventory of t-shirts, boardshorts, wetsuits, sunglasses, sandals, Birdwells, Op, Bolt, Quiksilver, Sundek, etc. in addition to, of course, Benjamin Surfboards. The first Surf Expo trade show was held in Coco Beach, Florida during January 1977 and Liska attended, deciding to get out of manufacturing and focus on retail. Benjamin Surfboards production was  turned over to Ed Wright's Sunset Surfboards in Encinitas, California and later to Terry Martin & Danny Brawner at Hobie. Liska aimed at the immerging  "surf and beach culture" at his location on the way to the beach.

By the early 80's Benjamin Surfboards was becoming known as Benjamin's as stores were open in Malls in both Corpus Christi and Austin.  The year round nature of those locations prompted a need beyond just the beachwear concept. Ben and surfboard shaper, Shawn Stussy, developed a relationship based on a mutual interest in expanding Southern California 'surf style' and image with cool global fashion influences.  Through this period Benjamin's grew its concept carrying leading fashion, denim and footwear alongside the happening surf lines. As fashion flourished throughout the 80s, along side the Gotcha's, Catchit's, Quiksilvers and Billabongs, Benjamin's was carrying Girbaud, Ghost, French Connection, Verte Valle, Willy Smith, Stussy, CP Shades, Kikit, Cafe, Wilke-Rodriguez, Serge Azar, Weavers, Betsey Johnson, Norma Kamali, BCBG, Diesel, Doc Martens and many more. During this period, Caroline Thompson came to work at Benjamin's and greatly transformed Benjamin's visual merchandizing, staff development, and buying for the growing women's department. She became a stabilizing influence and her many talents became a foundation. 

        
Benjamin's keeps authenticity a priority and 'Classics' revered, but in the ever changing environment of the real world, Benjamin's has been an 'innovator', never staying "in the box" of stereotypical surf and skate shops. A pioneer and leader in every sense, the offering at Benjamin's almost always includes lines and looks that are fresh off the 'drawing board', some developed and created by members of the staff. The line 'Johnny Cotten' was launched in 1991 based on the success of mens shirts developed by Liska, Bob Cournoyer, and the late Steven Murray. At 13 yrs old, Nell Thompson thought out a belt and jewelry concept for Benjamin's that Benjamins developed into one of its greatest instore Holiday successes.

Benjamin's continues to lead with great merchandizing and strong global fashion, as well as skateboard and surfing supplies. You'll find the latest from Volcom, Hurley, RVCA, Reef, Billabong, Stussy, Levi Strauss, Converse, Nixon, Rayban, Spy Optic, Lacoste, Juicy Couture Jewelry, Nike6.0,  DC, Vans, Sanuk, Betsy Johnson, Tarrina Tarantino and tons more at the Flagship store on the corner of Airline and McArdle in Corpus Christi. Channel Islands Surfboards, Benjamin and Surftech Surfboards are served up daily and Benjamin's has put it all under one roof, positioning the fully stocked sk8board department inside the main store ---stocked up to your liking and drawing unsolicited comments from customers like, "the best selection in town!"