Interview with Marty Wineland, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I was in the hair business for 20 years and I decided to change to a new business. My brother Curtis and I bought some property and started Thunderbird Motorcycle. I grew up around motorcycles racing them in my younger days, so I thought, “let’s go in to the business.”
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We are a repair shop — the manufacturer builds the motorcycles, and we repair and maintain them for the client. We are one of the largest tire venders in Colorado. We work with all tire manufactures to have as much knowledge on tires to keep the client on the road safely. We work on all brands of motorcycles, and we are a full repair shop offering everything from motor rebuilds to oil changes. We want to work with each client so they can learn about their motorcycle and keep them safe.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Working with people. We all have a love for motorcycles and getting out in the open air.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Motorcycle riders on the most part ride seasonal — when summer comes around, we run 24/7 then in winter we have to keep enough work in to keep everyone working.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Our business is actually two businesses: Thunderbird Motorcycle and T Bird RoadHouse, the restaurant and bar next to Thunderbird where you can get something to eat and drink while you wait for a service or just come sit on the outside deck and enjoy people and talk about motorcycles or just life in general.
Profile
Business: Thunderbird Motorcycle
Address: 9709 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 1999
Contact: 303-463-9399
Employees: 8
