Catching up with EastCounty BMX owner Henry Davis

Nov 16, 2006

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 19812 times

Name: Henry Davis
Age: 36
Hometown: San Diego, California

How long did you work at a bike shop before you decided to start your own?
Henry: I worked at a skate shop called Hamel's in Mission Beach for 11 years. We rented beach cruisers and did some bicycle repairs, but it wasn't a real bike shop. I worked at a normal bike shop for 3 months before I opened my own shop.

Is it harder being your own boss or does it come with advantages over being an employee?
Henry: It is the best thing ever. I recommend it to everyone. There isn't anyone busting your balls, it's all on you.

Do you ever have a moment when you're not thinking of your business?
Henry: Not really. You have to constantly think about your business and how to improve it.

How many hours a day are you involved with the East County shop?
Henry: Depending on the time of year, 8 to 10 hours a day 5 days a week plus half a day on Sundays.

Who are the people helping out when you need a day off?
Henry: There are a few people like Manuel Dela Cruz and Chris Meyers that help me out. But I'll close up shop if there is a flatland jam up in L.A. or a comp at the local skate park that I want to go to.

Do you listen to advise on what parts to get from your customers or where do you get the info from?
Henry: Yes, I always listen to what the kids want. There is so much information out there these days, it's hard to keep up with everything yourself.

What companies are good to work with?
Henry: S&M is the best. McKinney takes care of me big time. Fano at Tip+ is great, so is Shane at Animal Bikes as well as Zack and Chris at Kink.

Do you have a local park where people can ride?
Henry: There is a little concrete park about a mile from the shop. It isn't great, but it's free and bikes are allowed everyday.

Do you have a shop team or something along those lines?
Henry: I need to work on that. There is so much talent here in San Diego to tap into.

Do you have time to ride yourself?
Henry: That's the bad part about having a shop. I get to ride 1-2 days a week at best.

Where ya at?
Henry: Come by and check out the shop if you live in or come through San Diego. The Shop address is 9730 Cuyamaca St. Suite G, Santee, CA 92017. The phone number is 619-562-3602. Shop hours Tuesday-Friday: 11-6pm, Saturday: 11-5pm, Sunday: 12-4pm, Monday: Closed, Gotta ride sometime.

Peace, Henry