Small Business: The Bike Van is fixing Charlotte’s flats -- and it comes right to your door
Scott Bricher, 36, opened his mobile bike shop, The Bike Van, almost one year ago. When Bricher worked in a bike shop in Arizona, he had many customers that wanted to get their bike fixed, but they didn’t have an easy way to get the bike to the shop. Bricher saw this as a business opportunity.
“There’s a big portion of the population that doesn’t know what to do with bikes,” Bricher said. “They’re hanging in sheds, a lot of times for relatively small reasons, but people aren’t riding them. If I’ve got a mobile shop, I’m able to do it quickly.”
Bricher keeps the van stocked with all types of bicycle supplies. He comes to your home or place of work to complete the work on-site. Tune-ups range from the base tune at $59 to the A-Team tune at $129. A tube replacement is $15 and includes installation. A replaced chain is $20-$35.
For more involved repairs, Bricher can take your bike to his small service shop located in NoDa, and return it ready to ride. He also repairs vintage bikes, like older Schwinn bicycles and sells them.
Bricher spoke with CharlotteFive for the Small Business Series:
What are the advantages to having a mobile business?
“I am able to go where customers need me. It eliminates a lot of the hassles of loading up bicycles, figuring out where to take bicycles. It keeps me really flexible.
“I can fix bikes that have been forgotten or just not knowing what to do with them, makes it super easy for me. I will drive the bike shop to the customer.”
How does being involved in community events like Open Streets 704 help a small business?
“Visibility is key. I set up the van across the street from my tent. Since there’s a big focus on bicycling at Open Streets, my business, in particular, was important. Many people were using my services – pumping tires mostly.
“For some people, bikes are very important and you have to build trust before they are willing to let you work on them, letting people know I am the bike man behind The Bike Van. Being a part of events like Open Streets helps build that relationship.”
Where have been the toughest lessons for you?
“Scheduling, efficiency, paperwork and all the different accounting.”
What business skill is needed most as an entrepreneur?
“Customer service is the biggest. To me, it means giving A+ service and making the experience enjoyable. Bikes are fun; I want people to enjoy them. I want to get their bikes fixed up.
“I want to give them the best bicycle shop experience and the least cumbersome experience, make it easy and get them back on their bike.”
When you do get time off, what do you do?
“I have a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old. They are actually at fun ages. I like to be outside. I like cycling. My son is riding a bike, so we go ride together.
“I just bought a canoe so I am excited to get my son, Max, out there to paddle around.”
The Bike Van, (704) 765-0275
Photo credit: Quint Noble, Corrine Bricher, Scott Bricher
Family history and my own fascination with people and their motivations prompted me to begin this series about Charlotte’s small business owners. Industry, situation and questions will vary. Have a suggestion for a small business owner or entrepreneur to interview? Email it to vanessainfanzon@gmail.com with the subject line “Small Business Series.”
This story was originally published May 15, 2017 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Small Business: The Bike Van is fixing Charlotte’s flats -- and it comes right to your door."