Foo - Living the Dream

Yes, I'm utterly insane...and well on my way to becoming a bike shop owner. :D

To be fair, I'm only a third partner, but it's actually more desirable than my previous plan to buy a shop then run it all by my lonesome. My partners are the owner of the shopping center the space is in and the center manager who is also a local race promoter.

For those of you that don't know the backstory, a year ago I walked away from buying a shop (and consequently, my manager job) due to the owner wanting too much for it. I knew this due to having just completed a business planning class through a local college and had to walk away from not inconsiderable sweat equity invested over six years there.

More recently, a few weeks ago I was contacted by the landlord and manager of the shopping center. They asked me details of my previous purchase attempt, but it appeared they already knew the answers. The shop was in the process of being sold to a man from out of state. When they met him they immediately realized that he had zero qualifications to run a bike shop (i.e.: Doesn't ride, never worked in or ran a retail shop, no bike repair or other business skills, etc.) and would not likely be a successful tenant, especially if overpaying for the purchase. When they approached the owner as to why he'd sell to someone that unqualified, he balked at their "interference" and went ahead with the sale anyway, then informed them that the shop was moving elsewhere.

The landlord and manager both want a bike shop as part of the center's dynamic, so they asked me if I would be interested in starting a new shop as a partner and owner. They're supplying the space, the financing and management expertise and are depending on my experience as a shop manager to run the daily operations. Believe me, I was looking for the flaw in the silver lining and have yet to find one.

The new shop will be in the same space as the old, so business should carry some momentum right from the start. I designed and performed all the previous buildout, so all in all I'll be working in a space I created, doing business according to how I feel it should be done right, and with a long term vision agreed upon by all partners to be at the center of all cycling-related activity of our town, hence the name: "The Hub of Pagosa". May 1 is the tentative opening date. :)

:beer::beer::beer: and good luck.

:beer::beer::beer: and good luck.

Thanks gnome...I'll need it! :D

I want a Hub of Pagosa logo jersey or t shirt. Where do I order? And you already know my feelings about this. Congrats.

I want a Hub of Pagosa logo jersey or t shirt. Where do I order? And you already know my feelings about this. Congrats.
You just did. ;)

We are planning to go with mainly branded merchandise. This town is a tourist destination...and for good reason. We intend to make it even more so and would like to follow the model of shops like Poison Spider in Moab carrying all sorts of cool shop-branded merchandise. My partners are already in contact with a professional graphic artist and web developer. Hopefully within a day or two we'll be able to see some sample logos and make a decision. :D

I'm jealous.

I want a THOP coffee mug. Congrats! This'll be my excuse to road trip to CO...never been. Can't wait to hear more details...like what bike lines will you carry?

You just did. ;)

We are planning to go with mainly branded merchandise. This town is a tourist destination...and for good reason. We intend to make it even more so and would like to follow the model of shops like Poison Spider in Moab carrying all sorts of cool shop-branded merchandise. My partners are already in contact with a professional graphic artist and web developer. Hopefully within a day or two we'll be able to see some sample logos and make a decision. :D

Once you get the design, and set up a website, post your link so we can all support your shop. I'll wear a Pagosa Springs jersey!

I'm jealous.Don't be just yet!

I still have to survive a couple months with no pay!


I want a THOP coffee mug. Congrats! This'll be my excuse to road trip to CO...never been. Can't wait to hear more details...like what bike lines will you carry?Bike lines are still being negotiated, but rest assured, we'll be carrying at least one of the top brands. The coffee mugs are a great suggestion. :)


Once you get the design, and set up a website, post your link so we can all support your shop. I'll wear a Pagosa Springs jersey!I most certainly will!


Oh, wait...will Internet Brands then charge me for posting? :eek:

I like the THOP thing. Sort of like IHOP. The coffee mugs really tie into that that theme well. Now we just have to figure out a way to work in some bacon. So now I want one jersey or shirt, xl or xxl depending on cut, a mug of THOP coffee and some bacon.

Congrats!

Now where are the Foosters Specials?

*cough*I-Need-Some-Tape*cough*
*cough*I-Need-Two-700x23c*cough*
*cough*I-Need-handlebar-bag*cough*

Darn... I think I'm catching a cold... *cough*

Hell yes!

I will be needing most of a Campy groupo and some wheel builds.

Sounds awesome!

good luck!

Once you get the design, and set up a website, post your link so we can all support your shop. I'll wear a Pagosa Springs jersey!

me too!

You're doing what most of us would love to do. Congrats and enjoy!

Excellent! Best of luck to you.

You're doing what most of us would love to do. Congrats and enjoy!Thanks! I will!


Excellent! Best of luck to you.
I thank you sir. :)

Hell yes!

I will be needing most of a Campy groupo and some wheel builds.
That may be arranged, although our focus will be on local service. From me to you, we can probably work something out. ;)

Congrats!

Now where are the Foosters Specials?

*cough*I-Need-Some-Tape*cough*
*cough*I-Need-Two-700x23c*cough*
*cough*I-Need-handlebar-bag*cough*

Darn... I think I'm catching a cold... *cough*
While our focus will be on serving the local community, I do look to this as an opportunity and springboard to move ahead with some other ideas. It'd be nearly impossible to compete with online vendors for price (nor do I want to), so any website activity will be focused on branded merchandise. If we come up with some cool stuff I'll be sure to post about it. :)

I like the THOP thing. Sort of like IHOP. The coffee mugs really tie into that that theme well. Now we just have to figure out a way to work in some bacon. So now I want one jersey or shirt, xl or xxl depending on cut, a mug of THOP coffee and some bacon.
You sir are one of the most brilliant dorks I've ever met. A bacon jersey is a stroke of genius. You know we'd sell those like pancakes...or with pancakes.

OK want to stay in business? Practice the best customer service possible. Customer service, customer service, customer service... it will make or break a shop. And find a good mechanic and pay him some money so he stays put. Concentrate on clientele - either go cheap and family, or single speed weirdness, or bike club chic, something... and then market to that clientele... market and customer service.

I stopped even going to bike shops - they don't have product, lousy mechanics and poor service - I do better online so do most other people - remember that!

T
While our focus will be on serving the local community, I do look to this as an opportunity and springboard to move ahead with some other ideas. It'd be nearly impossible to compete with online vendors for price (nor do I want to), so any website activity will be focused on branded merchandise. If we come up with some cool stuff I'll be sure to post about it. :)

.

What you will have in spades... have I said this enough... is CUSTOMER SERVICE! That's the only thing local shops can offer over websites.

OK want to stay in business? Practice the best customer service possible. Customer service, customer service, customer service... it will make or break a shop. And find a good mechanic and pay him some money so he stays put. Concentrate on clientele - either go cheap and family, or single speed weirdness, or bike club chic, something... and then market to that clientele... market and customer service.

I stopped even going to bike shops - they don't have product, lousy mechanics and poor service - I do better online so do most other people - remember that!

Wordbiker is a Shimano trained race tech. He can wrench with the best of them. Shimano pays him to go to races. Just so you know. And he has a huge heart. Customer service will not be an issue.
He even gives away old bikes to kids. Want some proof? He mailed this to my boys.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r162/jsharr/redline/100_1036.jpg

There is much more I could share...............

OK want to stay in business? Practice the best customer service possible. Customer service, customer service, customer service... it will make or break a shop. And find a good mechanic and pay him some money so he stays put. Concentrate on clientele - either go cheap and family, or single speed weirdness, or bike club chic, something... and then market to that clientele... market and customer service.

I stopped even going to bike shops - they don't have product, lousy mechanics and poor service - I do better online so do most other people - remember that!


What you will have in spades... have I said this enough... is CUSTOMER SERVICE! That's the only thing local shops can offer over websites.


Wordbiker is a Shimano trained race tech. He can wrench with the best of them. Shimano pays him to go to races. Just so you know. And he has a huge heart. Customer service will not be an issue.
He even gives away old bikes to kids. Want some proof? He mailed this to my boys.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r162/jsharr/redline/100_1036.jpg

There is much more I could share...............

Thanks Jeff, but I'm actually a licensed USA Cycling race mechanic. I did work for Shimano last year at Blast the Mass in Snowmass, but most of my experience is in the shop and at the 24 Hours of Moab where my team has provided neutral support since 1996.

Thing is, Pam is exactly right and our focus is completely on what services we can provide beyond just price. Our plans include offering spinning classes in the off-season, training camps with certified coaches for all levels, mountain and road bike shuttle adventures, demo days for customers to try out product before buying, high-quality rentals, fitting services, local trail and route information, event promotions, local and regional advocacy, youth programs, skills clinics, movie and cycling event showings, and I will personally be teaching the Park Tool School curriculum as well as regular free clinics, some for women only.

The trade term is creating a "sticky", a reason for people to come by, see what's happening and want to get involved. If we do have a web store it will be used to market unique branded items and perhaps some of my kookier (but cool) ideas for products made right here, many in my own shop.

Hopefully all that will be enough to gain and keep a loyal clientele, but more importantly, to benefit the community we live in.

I'm glad you've got a business plan that includes service type revenue. I tried unsuccessfully to convince Platypus when he started his store to offer to set up workshops / conferences at the larger corporations & public offices. Topics should focus on living a healthy lifestyle, including commuting to work. Make sure to charge for your services, and hand out tons of advertising for your shop. My guess is that your service revenue will top your retail sales.

OK, time to jump off my soapbox.

Oh, wait...will Internet Brands then charge me for posting? :eek:

They have to catch you first. :D Congrats!!

I'm glad you've got a business plan that includes service type revenue. I tried unsuccessfully to convince Platypus when he started his store to offer to set up workshops / conferences at the larger corporations & public offices. Topics should focus on living a healthy lifestyle, including commuting to work. Make sure to charge for your services, and hand out tons of advertising for your shop. My guess is that your service revenue will top your retail sales.

OK, time to jump off my soapbox.Nope, those are again great thoughts.

Our strength is decidedly in the resources and service we can provide. Many shops focus almost solely on the retail aspects of their business, the service often seen as a begrudging necessity. If as Pam says there's no reason to go to a shop when it's easier and cheaper to shop online, then instead of pissing and moaning about how the internet is stealing sales, the answer is to get busy and create new ways the shop can serve the needs of their customers. Having a good sense of the marketplace, service is nearly my sole focus.


Please, feel free to chime in on how a shop can better serve you. Most folks just vote with their feet and never give valuable input so that positive changes can be made.

Rent bikes, carry Ski bikes or rent a few. Colorado got snow right? ;)

Rent bikes, carry Ski bikes or rent a few. Colorado got snow right? ;)
We'll be renting bikes, but as far as I can tell our resort doesn't allow ski bikes. I'll have to check. We could always rent Pugsleys.

Wow, congratulations, WB! I'm excited for you.

I, too, will "sport merch" when the time comes.

:beer:
Yeah, it really is a cool feeling. Check back with me in a couple months though and I may have torn all my hair out by then. :p

Any intentions to cater to the custom crowd? I frequent two shops in Green Bay. One of them is where I bought most of my xc ski gear. The other was awesome throughout my Waterford purchase. So much so that I've ended up helping friends and friends of friends with custom bike advice. This shop also carries Sevens, also sweet custom rides besides their regular line, Specialized. Pam is right on. Both of those shops see me regularly because of their service...not necessarily because I bought a spendy bike and a few sets of skis. The key to good customer service?...good listening skills.

Incidentally, did you take the acronym into account for other possibilities?...THOP, with the emphasis on HOP...the best ingredient in beer? I see there's a brewery in your neck of the woods.
http://www.pagosabrewing.com/
http://www.pagosabrewing.com/1images/brews-hop-n-fresh.jpg
How bout pairing up for a hoppy jersey for us hopheads? I loves me some clever beer biking jerseys. Food for thought :)

In June the Bicycle Tour of Colorado (BTC) will be coming through Pagosa Springs, and taking a day off there. I'll be there!

Is your shop right in town? I want to stop in and check it out.

Any intentions to cater to the custom crowd? I frequent two shops in Green Bay. One of them is where I bought most of my xc ski gear. The other was awesome throughout my Waterford purchase. So much so that I've ended up helping friends and friends of friends with custom bike advice. This shop also carries Sevens, also sweet custom rides besides their regular line, Specialized. Pam is right on. Both of those shops see me regularly because of their service...not necessarily because I bought a spendy bike and a few sets of skis. The key to good customer service?...good listening skills.

Incidentally, did you take the acronym into account for other possibilities?...THOP, with the emphasis on HOP...the best ingredient in beer? I see there's a brewery in your neck of the woods.
http://www.pagosabrewing.com/
http://www.pagosabrewing.com/1images/brews-hop-n-fresh.jpg
How bout pairing up for a hoppy jersey for us hopheads? I loves me some clever beer biking jerseys. Food for thought :)
Customs are always an option.

I've dealt with Waterford on one customer's Gunnar singlespeed. Great product and he was certainly happy since I fought the owner to give him a reasonable deal. I shopped what he could buy the parts for online, added our build labor and that's all he paid for. I can see that as a good general policy for my shop, otherwise...why would anyone bother?


As for the brewery: best on Earth. I'll argue that with anyone that takes me there and picks up the tab. :p Tony the brewmaster is a good friend and I'm sure he'd be interested in some cross-promotion. I'll have to run it by him the next time I'm enjoying a http://www.pagosabrewing.com/1images/brews_powpow.jpg. :thumb:

In June the Bicycle Tour of Colorado (BTC) will be coming through Pagosa Springs, and taking a day off there. I'll be there!

Is your shop right in town? I want to stop in and check it out.

Yep, if I recall you'll be in town on the 17th. Ride the Rockies has a full rest day here too a week later. Should be a great Spring to be running a bike shop.

I guess I didn't share one of the best parts about this entire shop deal: the space is right in the heart of the busiest shopping center in Pagosa, literally at The Hub. I'm at the City Market Center. Drive into the larger uptown City Market with the McDonald's and KFC/Taco Bell. Can't miss us. Be sure to stop in and I'll give you the scoop on the town. I've been here 18 years and know all the secret spots. ;)

Congratulations and good luck. Keep us posted on the graphics.

Congratulations and good luck. Keep us posted on the graphics.
As requested:

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l156/Wordbiker/TheHubFirstproofs.jpg

Love the first one.

So this is why you are learning about Excel....I do lessons for bike parts :innocent:

congrats! :) happy thopping?

Nope, those are again great thoughts.

Our strength is decidedly in the resources and service we can provide. Many shops focus almost solely on the retail aspects of their business, the service often seen as a begrudging necessity. If as Pam says there's no reason to go to a shop when it's easier and cheaper to shop online, then instead of pissing and moaning about how the internet is stealing sales, the answer is to get busy and create new ways the shop can serve the needs of their customers. Having a good sense of the marketplace, service is nearly my sole focus.


Please, feel free to chime in on how a shop can better serve you. Most folks just vote with their feet and never give valuable input so that positive changes can be made.

Congrats and good luck. The suggestions on providing good service are right, keep the newbies happy and don't give them a reason to go elsewhere/do it themselves like some of the local shops around here did to me.

Congratulations.

My meager effort at a slogan:

The Hub is at the center of it all.

I'll keep an eye out for jerseys. Someday I'll be back to town to ride Wolf Creek pass from the west side. Best wishes on this new dream. Get the right nucleus of people around you, and this will really take off.

Congratulations.

My meager effort at a slogan:

The Hub is at the center of it all.

I'll keep an eye out for jerseys. Someday I'll be back to town to ride Wolf Creek pass from the west side. Best wishes on this new dream. Get the right nucleus of people around you, and this will really take off.

I'll be here waiting for you. ;)

Here's the latest logo proof.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l156/Wordbiker/Hub.jpg

I kinda liked the iconic graphical direction things were going before.

When can we start threads in the mechanics forum about the service there? I want to register a complaint about the way you have yet to service my bike....................

When can we start threads in the mechanics forum about the service there? I want to register a complaint about the way you have yet to service my bike....................

I see we're going to have a problem with you...



Where'd I put those sardines?

For jsharr:

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l156/Wordbiker/lens5030202_1244955718ihop_LgDetail.jpg

Home of the Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity TuneUp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Home of the Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity TuneUp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The fruit part is relatively painless...but the rooty part... :twitchy:

Funny stuff Jeff. I'm getting an idea for a pictorial laminated menu of services. Poking some fun at the logos and concepts really helps. We don't want to end up with a disaster like this:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gKQKwLZ8XUs/SlRup3jxjQI/AAAAAAAABIM/kxTY09BXxVc/s800/Dont-Take-Your-Kids-to-Arlington-Pediatric-Center-Logo.jpg

I agree. Sometimes you have to step back and look at the whole picture.

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I agree. Sometimes you have to step back and look at the whole picture.

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Yes, or cock your head to the side.

http://imagechan.com/images/4c8bac3c5b3d2f71c46c2e8123d30ff9.jpg

Yes sir, I will be right with you to sell you that Cervelo, as soon as I am done making dick jokes on the net with a shallow texan.

That should go over well in Colorado.

Yes sir, I will be right with you to sell you that Cervelo, as soon as I am done making dick jokes on the net with a shallow texan.

That should go over well in Colorado.

I hadn't really considered that owning a shop could cut into my dick joke making time.

I'll have to run a tight schedule to fit it in.

http://www.epicfail.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/dental-clinic-sign-fail.jpg

Speaking of fitting it in, how is your new logo coming along?

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