Today we’d like to introduce you to J.T. Hargrove.
Thanks for sharing your story with us J.T. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Four or so years ago after working out of my garage, Tom my business partner, our friend Pete who is also our first employee and I were sitting on my porch having a couple of beers and we decided it was time that we open a brick and mortar location. I quit my job at a local bike shop and about two months later I found a spot and started the build out of Somervelo. It took me about a month to build out the first phase of the shop with some help for some really talented friends. About a year later we had an opportunity to expand to the store front next door. After that we saw the need for a bike shop in the Allston area. I met with Emma from Allston main streets and she put me in touch with a broker and now I am in the process of the build out at Allstonvelo.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We knew what we were getting into when we opened. All of us have at over 10 years’ experience in the bike industry so we knew what to expect as far as repairs on bikes and what product to carry. I have been a bike messenger, mechanic, salesman, manager and co-owner of various shops around the Boston area. I took all of my experience and tried to hone all of those skills that I had learned into these shops. Of course there was defiantly a learning curve but I say I didn’t let any of it hold me back.
Somervelo and Allstonvelo – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Somervelo and Allstonvelo are full service bicycle repair shops. We specialize in repairs, custom bike builds, custom wheels builds and provisions for cycling. We do fix everything, from department store bikes to high end custom frame manufactures. We want our customers to know that what parts we put on their bike is the same parts we would put on our own. One of the things I am most proud of is that we try to have a very inviting atmosphere. We try our best to inform our customers on what exactly is going on with their bike. Whether it be a major repair or just why they got their flat tire. We have also been able to get our repairs out the door within 24 to 48 hours, which not a lot of shops can do.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I would define success as what makes you happy. I was sick and tired of answering to someone else, so I made the steps to open my own business. It’s important to do what you love and what you are good at.
Contact Info:
- Address: Somervelo 361b Somerville ave Somerville MA 02143
Allstonvelo (opening this fall) 442 Cambridge Street, Allston MA 02134 - Website: Somervelo.com
- Phone: 6176280328
- Email: info@somervelo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somervelo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/somervelo/
- Other: Allstonvelo.com
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