How do I enter the corporate bike world?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 120
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
How do I enter the corporate bike world?
I know, this question should probably be under the career sub-forum, but I feel a special bond with C & V. I don't post much, but I lurk everyday, so I feel like I know all the C & V regulars. You guys are the most helpful, kind people people I've ever encountered on the internet.
Well, here's a little background. I got my JD a couple years ago, and have been working as an analyst and compliance manager for a large corporation that has holdings in real estate and medical products. Duties included income projections, product development, and analysis of data.
Getting to the point-- with this type of experience, what kind of jobs can I seek in the bicycle world? Much like everyone else on these forums, I'm obsessed with bikes, and my dream would be to work in the industry.
I live in Southern California, and would like to stay local. What companies should I target in my job search?
Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.
Well, here's a little background. I got my JD a couple years ago, and have been working as an analyst and compliance manager for a large corporation that has holdings in real estate and medical products. Duties included income projections, product development, and analysis of data.
Getting to the point-- with this type of experience, what kind of jobs can I seek in the bicycle world? Much like everyone else on these forums, I'm obsessed with bikes, and my dream would be to work in the industry.
I live in Southern California, and would like to stay local. What companies should I target in my job search?
Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: california
Posts: 416
Bikes: a heavy old steel Frankenbike Gitane, a cruiser (not something I'd buy for myself, but it was a gift, what can you do?), a Greg Lemond, a Specialized Stumpjumper(old, steel, fully rigid), and a Specialized Safire
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You've got me. I've been trying to break into it myself for a few months now, and no luck yet.
#3
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,858
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2930 Post(s)
Liked 2,923 Times
in
1,491 Posts
if your looking for a corperate level position I suggest you just surf the companies websites and see what jobs are open in your field or one you can handle and submit your resume.
if you want to turn wrenches get rid of half of what you own and move into a studio apartment and apply to all the local shops around you
if you want to turn wrenches get rid of half of what you own and move into a studio apartment and apply to all the local shops around you
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
#4
car guy, recovering
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Mount Vernon, NY
Posts: 1,247
Bikes: Olympia Competizione & Special Piuma, Frejus track circa 1958, Dahon Helios, many others
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
If I were you, I'd start by going to my friendly LBS and mooching some trade magazines from them, then go through the advertisers index to see if any companies are in your area.
__________________
Michael Shiffer
EuroMeccanicany.com
Michael Shiffer
EuroMeccanicany.com
#5
multimodal commuter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NJ, NYC, LI
Posts: 19,808
Bikes: 1940s Fothergill, 1959 Allegro Special, 1963? Claud Butler Olympic Sprint, Lambert 'Clubman', 1974 Fuji "the Ace", 1976 Holdsworth 650b conversion rando bike, 1983 Trek 720 tourer, 1984 Counterpoint Opus II, 1993 Basso Gap, 2010 Downtube 8h, and...
Mentioned: 584 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1908 Post(s)
Liked 574 Times
in
339 Posts
I guess I'd seek out the forum members who are actually part of the industry, one way or another. Forum member downtube, for example, who started his own bike company (www.downtube.com) (I ride one of his bikes).
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Lancaster,CA the desert north of Los Angeles
Posts: 701
Bikes: 84' Ciocc, 79' Shogun 1000, 76' KHS Gran Sport, 96' Schwinn Super Sport,
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What kind of job and desired salary? The bike "industry" goes from minimum to crazy money for building wheels. Sales jobs are tuff to get in SoCal. Competitive Cyclist is looking for good people and pays well if you want to go to AR.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Metro Detroit
Posts: 1,226
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
+1 to what Bianchigirl says -- it's the same as looking for a job in any other field. You might try hiring a first-class headhunter to do the searching for you. How many cycle-related corporations remain headquartered in the U.S.? You may need to relocate and learn to speak Mandarin.
#8
Cat 6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Mountain Brook, AL
Posts: 7,482
Mentioned: 27 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 183 Times
in
118 Posts
Sounds like you don't really want the local marketing/sales/relationship manager type position that the guys I know in the industry have. The industry local guys here all have a road/tri racing background for those positions. Not saying that it shuts you out, but that's whose been hired in my area. And that's more than likely where their regional managers come from as well
Your training sounds better suited for the corporate HQ, and off the top of my head I don't know of any manufacturers in SoCal. Maybe a major importer is in the area? Possibly a start. Where is Dorel's Cycling Sports Group/ Pacific Cycles located?
If you're really interested in not making any money, USA Cycling has occasional opportunities. Their HQ is in Colorado, but they have different types of regional positions.
Your training sounds better suited for the corporate HQ, and off the top of my head I don't know of any manufacturers in SoCal. Maybe a major importer is in the area? Possibly a start. Where is Dorel's Cycling Sports Group/ Pacific Cycles located?
If you're really interested in not making any money, USA Cycling has occasional opportunities. Their HQ is in Colorado, but they have different types of regional positions.
__________________
72 Frejus (for sale), Holdsworth Record (for sale), special CNC & Gitane Interclub / 74 Italvega NR (for sale) / c80 French / 82 Raleigh Intl MkII f&f (for sale)/ 83 Trek 620 (for sale)/ 84 Bruce Gordon Chinook (for sale)/ 85 Ron Cooper / 87 Centurion IM MV (for sale) / 03 Casati Dardo / 08 BF IRO / 09 Dogma FPX / 09 Giant TCX0 / 10 Vassago Fisticuff
72 Frejus (for sale), Holdsworth Record (for sale), special CNC & Gitane Interclub / 74 Italvega NR (for sale) / c80 French / 82 Raleigh Intl MkII f&f (for sale)/ 83 Trek 620 (for sale)/ 84 Bruce Gordon Chinook (for sale)/ 85 Ron Cooper / 87 Centurion IM MV (for sale) / 03 Casati Dardo / 08 BF IRO / 09 Dogma FPX / 09 Giant TCX0 / 10 Vassago Fisticuff
#9
aka: Mike J.
First off, where is the career sub-forum? I know the mechanic's section has a sub-level, but beyond that I don't know of one.
Down to the matter at hand:
Do you like what you are currently doing?
Do you feel like it could lead to a lucrative and long term career growth?
If yes to both then stay there, you'll be better off and will be able to buy bikes and gear most of us can only dream about.
Apart from that, only you can say what you'd enjoy doing. Corp is Corp, specific industry is almost secondary apart from specializations. Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Distribution, Acquisitions, each has it's own access portal, and each have many examples of roagues who came in via different atypical pathways.
Spend time on corporate web sites and rummage around in their career sections. You might find you'd enjoy working for a race series sponsor or for the Olympics than for a corporate manufacturer. Or not.
Probably no real help, but maybe so, don't know, I'm in my shoes - not yours - so what I'd do (if the opportunity was available) will be different. I've applied to Trek before, didn't even get a no thanks reply. Hopefully you'll have better results.
Down to the matter at hand:
Do you like what you are currently doing?
Do you feel like it could lead to a lucrative and long term career growth?
If yes to both then stay there, you'll be better off and will be able to buy bikes and gear most of us can only dream about.
Apart from that, only you can say what you'd enjoy doing. Corp is Corp, specific industry is almost secondary apart from specializations. Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Distribution, Acquisitions, each has it's own access portal, and each have many examples of roagues who came in via different atypical pathways.
Spend time on corporate web sites and rummage around in their career sections. You might find you'd enjoy working for a race series sponsor or for the Olympics than for a corporate manufacturer. Or not.
Probably no real help, but maybe so, don't know, I'm in my shoes - not yours - so what I'd do (if the opportunity was available) will be different. I've applied to Trek before, didn't even get a no thanks reply. Hopefully you'll have better results.
#10
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
The only attorney I know making money in the cycling industry represents bike messengers over accidents, employment issues and the like. He's not getting rich, but he enjoys his work and is doing OK.
#11
N+1
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 1,310
Bikes: A few
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Maybe watch here: https://www.bicycleretailer.com/classifieds.html
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere North of Detroit and moving fast!
Posts: 689
Bikes: 1976 Fuji America 1980 Fuji America 1984 Fuji America TS V 1982 Fuji Royale II 1993 Trek 970 1997 Trek 5000 2004 Trek Calypso 2007 Trek Portland 2008 Surly LTH
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
6 Posts
I know, this question should probably be under the career sub-forum, but I feel a special bond with C & V. I don't post much, but I lurk everyday, so I feel like I know all the C & V regulars. You guys are the most helpful, kind people people I've ever encountered on the internet.
Well, here's a little background. I got my JD a couple years ago, and have been working as an analyst and compliance manager for a large corporation that has holdings in real estate and medical products. Duties included income projections, product development, and analysis of data.
Getting to the point-- with this type of experience, what kind of jobs can I seek in the bicycle world? Much like everyone else on these forums, I'm obsessed with bikes, and my dream would be to work in the industry.
I live in Southern California, and would like to stay local. What companies should I target in my job search?
Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.
Well, here's a little background. I got my JD a couple years ago, and have been working as an analyst and compliance manager for a large corporation that has holdings in real estate and medical products. Duties included income projections, product development, and analysis of data.
Getting to the point-- with this type of experience, what kind of jobs can I seek in the bicycle world? Much like everyone else on these forums, I'm obsessed with bikes, and my dream would be to work in the industry.
I live in Southern California, and would like to stay local. What companies should I target in my job search?
Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...8879#tabs-jobs
https://tbe.taleo.net/NA1/ats/careers...&cws=1&rid=167
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Corvallis, OR
Posts: 1,234
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 174 Post(s)
Liked 243 Times
in
114 Posts
Accidents happen and people get angry. That is an industry that will never be phased out.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 150 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 34 Times
in
27 Posts
Heck, the biggest money lately in the bike world might be writing tell-all books that tattle on former champs and their "training" habits........
But I do agree that any kind of advanced former racing career can always help to break into the industry as it adds icing to your resume when it is reviewed by a propective employers in the industry........in the least they might like it that you can participate in rides and races they might be involved in.
Chombi
But I do agree that any kind of advanced former racing career can always help to break into the industry as it adds icing to your resume when it is reviewed by a propective employers in the industry........in the least they might like it that you can participate in rides and races they might be involved in.
Chombi
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 120
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Wow, thanks for all the responses everybody. I have been scouring the corporate websites for the last couple of weeks, and have found a few opportunities that I may be qualified for.
Thanks for the specific website recommendations, vettefcr2000 and redxj.
I will be contacting downtube shortly as well, thanks rhm.
Scrolling through the advertisers is a great idea, thanks aixaix.
As far as working personal injury cases, it does get the bills paid, but I'm more interested in being involved with the creation and distribution of bicycles.
treebound, I believe there is a sub-forum called "employment wanted" in the Market Place. I do enjoy what I do, but the analyst work that I did for my employer was under a 3 yr contract that is expiring soon. They were just starting out when they hired me to help establish the business, and no longer have the budget to keep me on. I figured that since I would be looking for a new job anyways, it would be great if I can make the transition into the bike industry sooner rather than later.
Thanks again for all the tips, I really appreciate the help!
Thanks for the specific website recommendations, vettefcr2000 and redxj.
I will be contacting downtube shortly as well, thanks rhm.
Scrolling through the advertisers is a great idea, thanks aixaix.
As far as working personal injury cases, it does get the bills paid, but I'm more interested in being involved with the creation and distribution of bicycles.
treebound, I believe there is a sub-forum called "employment wanted" in the Market Place. I do enjoy what I do, but the analyst work that I did for my employer was under a 3 yr contract that is expiring soon. They were just starting out when they hired me to help establish the business, and no longer have the budget to keep me on. I figured that since I would be looking for a new job anyways, it would be great if I can make the transition into the bike industry sooner rather than later.
Thanks again for all the tips, I really appreciate the help!
#16
Senior Member
What undergraduate degree(s) do you hold? I'm not in the industry, but I do hold an advanced degree and work in niche manufacturing.
How many hours per week do you think a good [Lawyer] works? Do you like getting calls in the middle of the night, after working a 17 hour day?
How many hours per week do you think a good [Lawyer] works? Do you like getting calls in the middle of the night, after working a 17 hour day?
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Burbs, Chicago
Posts: 12,054
Mentioned: 201 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3015 Post(s)
Liked 3,802 Times
in
1,408 Posts
In addition to corporate websites, tradeshows are an excellent place to meet contacts. Besides the sales force, you will also have the chance to meet product/marketing managers. They are the best way to network through a corporation. Go to Interbike.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 2,470
Bikes: -1973 Motobecane Mirage -197? Velosolex L'Etoile -'71 Raleigh Super Course
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
If you can find a LBS willing to take you on as an apprentice mechanic, I can't believe that would hurt you in the long run.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Posts: 4,599
Bikes: Vassago Moosknuckle Ti 29+ XTR, 90's Merckx Corsa-01 9sp Record, PROJECT: 1954 Frejus SuperCorsa
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 174 Post(s)
Liked 157 Times
in
75 Posts
There's always the chance you could be a stateside rep handling product liability cases for Chinese manufacturers.
Just kidding.
Like you, I've often contemplated the many possibilities (most of which won't support my family, sadly) of working in the bicycle industry. I wrenched at a shop in my university years and have many times considered opening a shop of my own, but have never taken the leap (and don't have the money to do it, anyway). I've toyed with the idea of starting with a side hobby - taking up the torch and learning to build frames - but that would be a long, expensive road towards any form of trade-based income.
I've looked at the many corporate positions - I am a project manager. I know how to bring a project from inception through completion. I know little to nothing about manufacturing, though managing the manufacturing cycle (from the corporate side of things) is not unlike managing a large construction project.
Anyway, best of luck to you - you are not alone in your desire to work in the bike world.
Just kidding.
Like you, I've often contemplated the many possibilities (most of which won't support my family, sadly) of working in the bicycle industry. I wrenched at a shop in my university years and have many times considered opening a shop of my own, but have never taken the leap (and don't have the money to do it, anyway). I've toyed with the idea of starting with a side hobby - taking up the torch and learning to build frames - but that would be a long, expensive road towards any form of trade-based income.
I've looked at the many corporate positions - I am a project manager. I know how to bring a project from inception through completion. I know little to nothing about manufacturing, though managing the manufacturing cycle (from the corporate side of things) is not unlike managing a large construction project.
Anyway, best of luck to you - you are not alone in your desire to work in the bike world.
#20
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 15,944
Bikes: Two wheeled ones
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1254 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times
in
174 Posts
There's always the chance you could be a stateside rep handling product liability cases for Chinese manufacturers.
Just kidding.
Like you, I've often contemplated the many possibilities (most of which won't support my family, sadly) of working in the bicycle industry. I wrenched at a shop in my university years and have many times considered opening a shop of my own, but have never taken the leap (and don't have the money to do it, anyway). I've toyed with the idea of starting with a side hobby - taking up the torch and learning to build frames - but that would be a long, expensive road towards any form of trade-based income.
I've looked at the many corporate positions - I am a project manager. I know how to bring a project from inception through completion. I know little to nothing about manufacturing, though managing the manufacturing cycle (from the corporate side of things) is not unlike managing a large construction project.
Anyway, best of luck to you - you are not alone in your desire to work in the bike world.
Just kidding.
Like you, I've often contemplated the many possibilities (most of which won't support my family, sadly) of working in the bicycle industry. I wrenched at a shop in my university years and have many times considered opening a shop of my own, but have never taken the leap (and don't have the money to do it, anyway). I've toyed with the idea of starting with a side hobby - taking up the torch and learning to build frames - but that would be a long, expensive road towards any form of trade-based income.
I've looked at the many corporate positions - I am a project manager. I know how to bring a project from inception through completion. I know little to nothing about manufacturing, though managing the manufacturing cycle (from the corporate side of things) is not unlike managing a large construction project.
Anyway, best of luck to you - you are not alone in your desire to work in the bike world.
#21
Thrifty Bill
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Mountains of Western NC
Posts: 23,524
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Mentioned: 96 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1236 Post(s)
Liked 964 Times
in
628 Posts
+1 to what Bianchigirl says -- it's the same as looking for a job in any other field. You might try hiring a first-class headhunter to do the searching for you. How many cycle-related corporations remain headquartered in the U.S.? You may need to relocate and learn to speak Mandarin.
The only thing I disagree with is the headhunter approach. In my experience, headhunters are typically looking for people to fill slots they were hired to fill. They are not interested in finding you a job, its all about the jobs they have been hired to fill. If you fit one of those slots, great. If not, go away. Networking always works better.
Lots of consolidation out there, a lot fewer companies in the US. Look at Dorel Industries for example. They now own Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Iron Horse, Pacific, and Roadmaster. Can you say streamlined corporate organization? Oh, and Dorel makes/sells everything from child seats, to furniture, to bicycles....
No joke, a little Mandarin would be useful.
Last edited by wrk101; 05-26-11 at 08:42 AM.
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 120
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I wish I knew Mandarin! Thanks for all the advice. I think I will be checking out all the local tradeshows that will be coming up.