Shop Interview: Goods
May 20, 2020
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2808 NE MLK Blvd. Suite O
Portland, OR 97212 503-473-5339 GoodsBMX.com Sales: BMX-Only Established: 2005 |
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Why are "BMX-focused” shops necessary compared to standard bike shops (or mail-order)?
BMX-focused shops are necessary because they help lay a blueprint for a person who is interested in BMX. It could be a first bike, questions on maintenance, jams and contests, or maybe a rider’s first sponsor. They are the heartbeat that moves everything.
What do you think is unique about "BMX-focused” shops (and your shop), versus the “average” bike shop?
You hope the unique part is that they are knowledgeable and help maintain or build a scene. A lot—not all—but a good amount of chain bike shops or ma and pop shops that dabble in BMX can be ill-informed on what really goes on with a BMX bike when you ride it; as well as all the different sub-cultures/different styles in BMX. I do love seeing all the ways different shops go about creating their own style. Its fun and that’s why a lot of us start them in the first place.
BMX-focused shops are necessary because they help lay a blueprint for a person who is interested in BMX. It could be a first bike, questions on maintenance, jams and contests, or maybe a rider’s first sponsor. They are the heartbeat that moves everything.
What do you think is unique about "BMX-focused” shops (and your shop), versus the “average” bike shop?
You hope the unique part is that they are knowledgeable and help maintain or build a scene. A lot—not all—but a good amount of chain bike shops or ma and pop shops that dabble in BMX can be ill-informed on what really goes on with a BMX bike when you ride it; as well as all the different sub-cultures/different styles in BMX. I do love seeing all the ways different shops go about creating their own style. Its fun and that’s why a lot of us start them in the first place.
How do you support BMX/the scene/riders in your community?
I still ride and I’m still involved in the scene so I want to do what I can to help people enjoy their bikes. We do the normal things like throw jams, do some videos, try and hook up riders we are friends with, etc. That’s all the standard, but I like to make the shop feel welcoming to any rider—new or old—to come in and talk BMX. We also have worked incredibly hard even before the shop opened up here to get bikes into skateparks. I know its not a topic that comes up as much as it used to, but we still work hard to keep us riding all the new parks.
What challenges do you face in doing those things?
Your normal things: scene drama, injuries, not being able to make everyone happy, shitty city council members, cops, and people who don’t want to share parks.
I still ride and I’m still involved in the scene so I want to do what I can to help people enjoy their bikes. We do the normal things like throw jams, do some videos, try and hook up riders we are friends with, etc. That’s all the standard, but I like to make the shop feel welcoming to any rider—new or old—to come in and talk BMX. We also have worked incredibly hard even before the shop opened up here to get bikes into skateparks. I know its not a topic that comes up as much as it used to, but we still work hard to keep us riding all the new parks.
What challenges do you face in doing those things?
Your normal things: scene drama, injuries, not being able to make everyone happy, shitty city council members, cops, and people who don’t want to share parks.
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?
I think most of the riders that we work with are in need…kids and adults. Not all, but a good amount. BMX is attractive to people that don’t have much because it gives them so much freedom. I do what any older rider does in the community and I make sure people can ride a lot of times regardless of the bottom line. I’m not a person who needs a lot of money, so we make enough to where I can stay happy and the shop can stay open.
I think most of the riders that we work with are in need…kids and adults. Not all, but a good amount. BMX is attractive to people that don’t have much because it gives them so much freedom. I do what any older rider does in the community and I make sure people can ride a lot of times regardless of the bottom line. I’m not a person who needs a lot of money, so we make enough to where I can stay happy and the shop can stay open.
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?
I’m not sure what you mean by crossover. In my eyes, if you have a bike and the act you do on it is BMX, then you ride BMX. BMX has always had different subcultures that sometimes are received well and sometimes not—ranging from collecting and vintage to DJ's to FGFS to clunkers to being a cruiser kook to who knows what. Its freestyle BMX, so the tool you decide to do that on is not my business. BMX as an industry would be a lot stronger if we embraced all of these—which I do think we are doing more lately—rather than restrict things to a strict ideal of what BMX is. All in all though, we just are an exclusive BMX shop.
How does the internet affect you?
I make money from it, so for right now its good.
I’m not sure what you mean by crossover. In my eyes, if you have a bike and the act you do on it is BMX, then you ride BMX. BMX has always had different subcultures that sometimes are received well and sometimes not—ranging from collecting and vintage to DJ's to FGFS to clunkers to being a cruiser kook to who knows what. Its freestyle BMX, so the tool you decide to do that on is not my business. BMX as an industry would be a lot stronger if we embraced all of these—which I do think we are doing more lately—rather than restrict things to a strict ideal of what BMX is. All in all though, we just are an exclusive BMX shop.
How does the internet affect you?
I make money from it, so for right now its good.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of owning a bike shop?
Watching people make friends, grow up, and see what an amazing tool a BMX bike is.
Long term goals and/or plans for your shop?
I used to have one, but it put a lot of unwanted stress on me. So I just do what feels good. Not in a reckless way, but in a way that keeps me excited to keep coming in!
Watching people make friends, grow up, and see what an amazing tool a BMX bike is.
Long term goals and/or plans for your shop?
I used to have one, but it put a lot of unwanted stress on me. So I just do what feels good. Not in a reckless way, but in a way that keeps me excited to keep coming in!