Shop Interview:
Mr. B's Bikes 'N' Boards
May 4, 2020
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250 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd. #118 Longwood, Fl 32750
407-790-4964 MrBikesNBoards.com Sales: A brick and mortar BMX-focused general bike shop and mail-order. Established: 2009 |
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Why are "BMX-focused” shops necessary compared to standard bike shops (or mail-order)?
Regular shops focus on gears, road bikes, and older people; but BMX-focused shops usually focus on kids and BMX.
What do you think is unique about "BMX-focused” shops (and your shop), versus the “average” bike shop?
We are creative in the way we act as a “shop” and focused on riding daily, supporting each other to do jams and events, and getting bikes allowed in every skatepark.
Regular shops focus on gears, road bikes, and older people; but BMX-focused shops usually focus on kids and BMX.
What do you think is unique about "BMX-focused” shops (and your shop), versus the “average” bike shop?
We are creative in the way we act as a “shop” and focused on riding daily, supporting each other to do jams and events, and getting bikes allowed in every skatepark.
How do you support BMX/the scene/riders in your community?
We provide tools, a pool table, video premiers, and mainly a safe and cool place to meet up.
We provide tools, a pool table, video premiers, and mainly a safe and cool place to meet up.
What challenges do you face in doing those things?
Some people suck and just have no respect. They use us and what we do, but never even give a thank you.
How do you balance offering services to the community (and particularly kids in need), and your need to stay in business and make a reasonable living?
We have a ton of secret Santas each year for kids who need bikes and part. Throughout the year, people donate bikes, parts, and money for the locals to get pizza and food. Its unreal rad.
How do you balance selling BMX stuff with other kinds of bikes/stuff? Is the crossover helpful or would you prefer to just focus on BMX?
We sell all BMX stuff, balance bikes, and 12"/14"/16"/18" bikes. BUT, we repair all makes and model--even Mongoose or Next bikes, which are challenging--because we know bikers need transportation.
Some people suck and just have no respect. They use us and what we do, but never even give a thank you.
How do you balance offering services to the community (and particularly kids in need), and your need to stay in business and make a reasonable living?
We have a ton of secret Santas each year for kids who need bikes and part. Throughout the year, people donate bikes, parts, and money for the locals to get pizza and food. Its unreal rad.
How do you balance selling BMX stuff with other kinds of bikes/stuff? Is the crossover helpful or would you prefer to just focus on BMX?
We sell all BMX stuff, balance bikes, and 12"/14"/16"/18" bikes. BUT, we repair all makes and model--even Mongoose or Next bikes, which are challenging--because we know bikers need transportation.
How does the internet affect you?
Web sales can hurt because some companies bring down the prices by selling direct online and then people want web-matched pricing. It can definitely turn into an argument that we are bummed to have to have.
How does running a BMX shop differ from a standard business like a restaurant or clothing store?
More fun, less structure, no food-prep involved. We do a little clothing though--mainly only shop or Deco BMX stuff.
Web sales can hurt because some companies bring down the prices by selling direct online and then people want web-matched pricing. It can definitely turn into an argument that we are bummed to have to have.
How does running a BMX shop differ from a standard business like a restaurant or clothing store?
More fun, less structure, no food-prep involved. We do a little clothing though--mainly only shop or Deco BMX stuff.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of owning a bike shop?
The satisfaction of working on what I created and the community following is a huge bonus/honor.
If you could, how would you change the way BMX parts are made, distributed, and marketed?
Taiwan is a pain in the ass and I would do more in the USA if prices could work out. Seems that everyone is distributing their own stuff now which cuts us out for the most part. I feel like its evolving to how it should be though and hope pricing will eventually reflect this.
The satisfaction of working on what I created and the community following is a huge bonus/honor.
If you could, how would you change the way BMX parts are made, distributed, and marketed?
Taiwan is a pain in the ass and I would do more in the USA if prices could work out. Seems that everyone is distributing their own stuff now which cuts us out for the most part. I feel like its evolving to how it should be though and hope pricing will eventually reflect this.