Smith Creek Cycle

Six years. What the actual fuck. Started with a goal of being 2.5 people, at our peak this spring hit 9. We've grown every single year. We're currently almost DOUBLE the size we were when we moved.

I can't describe how hard this business is, how hard it is to balance inventory with marketing, sales and service. I can be ruthless when it comes to telling suppliers what we need and expect. I drive all of them crazy at times I am sure of it. I come from a good place, and I hope they all realize that. Our shop, and their brands will not be successful if we're not providing competitive service, or pricing to our customers. I'll always push them for better, the same way I push myself to do better, or my staff to do better. Ultimately we owe that to our community. We owe you a shop that's always working smarter, and trying to improve instead of settling for the status quo.

There was an article on Pinkbike that drove me absolutely mental. "How to work with your local shop" or some nonsense. How about, as shops we figure our shit out. Stock what you want, eat shipping when we fall short, and find ways to do things more effectively than we previously thought possible. How about, we go build trails, support our local riding clubs, local racing, our local highs school teams, and lobby our cities for more cycling infrastructure. How about we employ people who love cycling, and aren't pricks to do business with? Would this be such a crazy idea?

I think we as the local bike shop need to figure out how we serve our community in a way that makes them want to spend their money with us instead of them feeling obligated to. We need to take nothing for granted, and show up every damn day.

I'm so incredibly grateful for the current and past staff we've had. To every person that walks in the door to spend their hard earned cash, and to every supplier who supports us. This role I'm in is the single hardest thing I've ever done. I'm still figuring it out, learning how to be a better boss, better business person, and a better member of our community.

If you've read this far. Cheers and see you soon.