Who are some of the people that helped out in the beginning, setting up the BMX shop?
Powers Bike Shop: Deff my parents, and my good friend Richard. He was my very first customer he bought an S&M euro bottom bracket. I mean there's way too many people to list, any and everyone who bought something from me out of the little black trailer, anyone who has liked a photo, shared anything, people that are still runing the old vinyl long Powers Bike Shop stickers. Gesh I could go on and on.
Are Oldschool BMX parts some of your business?
Powers Bike Shop: I wouldn't say so much a part of the business as they all just cost me money for my personal hoarding collection, but I have a museum in the works.
How big is your local scene?
Powers Bike Shop: Man Richmond rules! We are no Austin but we are very big. Everyone here rules.
Name some of the things you have to do to to keep the local scene interested in BMX and your shop?
Powers Bike Shop: I wouldnt say it's up to me to do that. The scene supports itself. But having the shop here gives everyone a place to meet up, ride, chill, and whatever. We host jams, movie nights, and have the ramps outside for anyone to ride.
Do you believe there are people out there killing the BMX market with agressive pricing?
Powers Bike Shop: YES
Why would a rider have to go to a specialized BMX shop in your opinion?
Powers Bike Shop: I would hope riders support BMX shops that are rider owned. Besides getting the best knowledge and service from other BMX-ers in your scene, you get hang out with other BMX-ers and meet new riders to ride with.
International shipping, what's your take on it?
Powers Bike Shop: It blows my mind that people from across the pond have even heard about us, let alone order from us. If they don't order from their local shop, I'm stoked they ordered from us.
What are some of the better months for your shop and why?
Powers Bike Shop: Every month in the BMX world rules! but January, Febuary and October are our down months. January and Febuary just due to winter.. October not sure why? but always has been.
What's the best advice someone has ever given you?
Powers Bike Shop: Just do one thing and do it well.
What would a good day at the BMX shop for you look like?
Powers Bike Shop: Just coming in. If we have one kid come in and get stoked on BMX, it makes the whole day worth it.
Who laces the wheels at your shop?
Powers Bike Shop: I build the majority of them, but Curtis has been doing really good lately building them. Donnie builds wheels too.
Do you have a specific bike mechanic working for you?
Powers Bike Shop: We all work on bikes. At the nationals we have Jake, he has quite a good reputation for himself.
What company has the easiest bike to build up out of the box?
Powers Bike Shop: Well in this day in age, most all companies have done a very good job of having bikes pretty solid out of the box... except mini rockers, those suck.
Name three of your favourite products in your shop that you're currently selling?
Powers Bike Shop: I'm a fan of any American made products; Profile, FBM, Standard, S&M. Cheap seats, racing plates.
Does a local riding spot and local events really help with your business?
Powers Bike Shop: Duh! The last jam we had probaly 500-ish people here. But anytime someone can come down and ride our ramp and hang out at the shop, it helps the shop. And besides the shop itself, we have our public pump track and bmx track only 3 miles from the shops front door.
What should/can be done to increase the BMX market?
Powers Bike Shop: Have 80% of the BMX companies disappear. The market is over saturated with the same products over and over. It makes it hard for a bike shop to keep up with 15 different black integrated headsets.
Where do you see your shop in 5 years from now?
Powers Bike Shop: Looking back reading this interview thinking wow I could have answered these questions a lot better.
Last words: BMX rules! Make sure you know who you are supporting, make sure they are giving back to your local scene. Support those who support you/your scene. And don't say "one last time".
Contact info:
Chad Powers
804-308-1847
www.powersbikeshop.com
www.instagram.com/powersbikeshop
www.facebook.com/powersbikeshopllc
BMX Shop Bizznizz talk with Chad Powers - Powers Bike Shop (USA)
Dec 16, 2018
Read 7140 times
Name shop: Powers Bike Shop
Location: Downtown Richmond VA
Years in business: 14 years.. since 2004
Employees: 2 full time, and bunch dudes that are down to help whenever
Did you ever go to school to learn how to run a BMX business or did you just 'send it'?
Powers Bike Shop: Is there a school for that? hahaha. I just sent it, like I do everything in my life!
Were your BMX industry contacts already made before you started your shop, or did you meet more people along the way?
Powers Bike Shop: I have definitely met way more on the way, but I worked at other bike shops prior and met a few.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.