Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in bicycles but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paul Dragan, owner of Reckless Bike Stores, located in Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Retail bicycle sales, service, rentals, and repairs. 4 locations in Vancouver & North Van. We specialize in E-Bikes & Cargo bikes, providing "urban transportation solutions." Customers are "8 to 80 yrs."
Tell us about yourself
Started with a newspaper route at 12 yrs old. ALWAYS wanted to be in business. Spent a couple years bicycle racing in Europe. Opened my first store at 23 yrs old. LOVE being my own boss and running my business!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Managing thru a life-threatening injury in 2014. I was shot thru the chest by a very mentally sick ex-employee. Almost died on the table. Stores we able to run, without my day-to-day involvement, for 3 months. Very proud of my teams and myself for managing this potentially business ending situation
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being the one where "the buck stops." It is lonely at the top.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Business plan, market research, and for the retail business: location, location, location!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Believe in yourself! Work hard! Fell proud of your accomplishments! Do not believe ALL Google reviews (both good and bad!)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://reckless.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reckless_bike_stores/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RecklessBikeStores
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
