Photo by Morgan Wujkowski
Ryker Schellings was your typical 19-year-old college student. He loved skateboarding, made good grades in school, and was active in his friend group. But in 2019, Ryker suffered a life-threatening traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of a major skateboarding accident. He wasn’t wearing a helmet.
Ryker hit the skatepark one day before class. He dropped into the bowl hundreds of times and was considered an expert skater. (He was sponsored by his local skate shop.) But this time, his board slipped out from under him. He crashed 9 feet onto the pavement, shattering parts of his skull, and some shards penetrated his brain. Immediately, his brain swelled. And in an instant, Ryker’s future changed forever.
Recovery
What followed was a long, difficult recovery marked by determination, patience, and unwavering family support. Ryker spent a month in critical care in a “vegetative state” where he was monitored closely 24/7. From there, he devoted three months to relearning activities of daily living (ADLs) as well as countless hours in speech, physical, and occupational therapies.
“Emotionally you are living in a foggy dream state where none of this seems real,” his mother, Rebecca said.
Ryker’s injury impacted the left side of his brain, the area that controls speech and language. This ultimately resulted in aphasia. Aphasia isn’t something that can be “cured,” but individuals can learn to manage it effectively. St. Petersburg boasts one of the top aphasia treatment centers in the nation, so the family relocated from Seattle.
“When Ryker needs to communicate, he has a difficult time finding the words to express himself,” said Rebecca.
But that doesn’t stop Ryker from living his life. With some family adjustments (like subtitles on television shows and lots of hand gestures while speaking to him), Ryker is learning to adjust to his new life.
As his physical abilities improved, a new challenge emerged: finding employment and purpose. Ryker encountered barriers to employment and meaningful work — obstacles that can persist long after the visible signs of recovery fade. But out of those challenges, something delicious was born.
Photo by Morgan Wujkowski
Ryker’s Granola
What started as a mother-son team mixing nuts, oats, and other natural ingredients for their homemade granola quickly became both a creative outlet and a practical opportunity for Ryker.
“It was a great way for Ryker to do something meaningful, as well as a way to continue his mission of helmet awareness in sports and cycling,” said Rebecca.
The unemployment rate for people with TBIs is around 60% and making granola gave Ryker a sense of purpose and meaning.
“By running our own business — that he could participate in — we no longer had to try and find someone to hire him,” she said.
Founded in November 2025 in Gulfport, Ryker’s Granola is built on three core principles: To craft delicious, healthy granola made with simple, natural ingredients; to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with brain injuries; and to raise awareness about the importance of helmet safety — a cause deeply rooted to Ryker.
Organic
Over time, those small batches turned into something bigger: a business rooted in resilience and intention. Ryker’s Granola is made with organic, all natural ingredients. They focus on using products that are good for the body and brain, like MCT oils, nuts, seeds, and as little sugar as possible because sugar is highly inflammatory. If there is inflammation in the body, especially the brain, it negatively impacts the neuroplasticity. There are no refined sugars and no pesticides in their granola, only wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
Photo by Morgan Wujkowski
Ryker’s brother, Hendrik, is also a budding entrepreneur and partner in the family business. The threesome collaborate on production and recipe development. They currently sell their granola at the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market and are hoping to soon join the list of vendors at the Corey Avenue Market as well as the Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete.
“I think working together has changed our relationship from being caregiver-focused to business-focused. We are excited about our new venture, and that excitement makes it fun,” Rebecca said.
The Future of Ryker’s Granola
When I asked Ryker what’s most rewarding about the business, he lit up.
“Seeing people’s faces when they try the granola. It makes your heart happy,” he said. And the granola is out-of-this-world delicious. Loaded with chia, hemp, sesame, flax, pumpkin, and sunflower, it’s packed with heathy nutrients. The flavor is unmatched and exponentially better than anything from a big label.
Signature granola flavors include the Kickstart, with Aleppo pepper, ginger and cashews. They also sell the Casbah Crunch — a Middle-Eastern-inspired granola with pistachios, dates, walnuts, and a hint of orange zest. My favorite, however, is the Well Aloha granola, made with coconut, macadamia, and mango. It’s like taking a crunchy bite out of paradise.
Rebecca’s long-term vision for the company is to not only acquire a commercial kitchen to expand production but to purchase property where she creates a “dorm-style” atmosphere for people with TBIs — a place where individuals can live, work, and play in a safe, inclusive environment.
Photo by Morgan Wujkowski
Helmet Safety and Advocacy
The core of Ryker’s Granola is helmet safety and awareness. Ryker’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change, and the importance of prevention. Wearing a helmet is like wearing a seatbelt: safe practice.
“Helmets are like preventative care,” Hendrink says, and the family strongly advocates for everyone to wear helmets when skating or cycling.
“You just don’t think it’s going to happen to you,” said Ryker. Until it does.
Today, every bag of Ryker’s Granola represents more than a nutritious snack. It’s a testament to perseverance, family, and the belief that recovery doesn’t end with healing — it continues through purpose. In transforming a life-altering setback into a mission-driven business, Ryker and his family have created something meaningful not just for themselves, but for the broader community.
For more information, visit rykersgranola.com.
