Interview with Levi Teal, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I started commuting to work by bicycle, and it quickly became the best part of my day. I quit that job to work in a bike shop, started riding a lot more and decided that selling and repairing bikes was how I wanted to invest my time and energy for years to come. Sure, riding a bike more and driving less diminishes our carbon footprint, alleviates traffic, is easier on the infrastructure, etc., but getting around town or recreating by bicycle is so good for us physically, mentally and emotionally that I wanted to facilitate more and better rides for a community.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We’re set apart by our mindset and our inventory. Good bicycles tend to be more expensive than customers expect. However, the number of bicycles out there that cost from $6,000 to $10,000 is pretty stunning. Bikes like that really are amazing to ride, but the fact remains that you don’t have to spend that much money to have an incredible experience on a bike. To want a $10,000 bike is fine. Many of us do. To be told that you “need” that bike is a crime. Our priority at Yawp is never to confuse wants with needs. In most cases, we can get you what you want, but we’ll never tell you that you need something you don’t. We’ve no use for snobbery and attitude.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Bicycles provide transportation, recreation and exercise — among other things — so when we sell a new bike to a customer or return to them a bike we’ve repaired, we’re in essence giving them freedom, a better state of mind and lower cholesterol. I’m not trying to self-aggrandize, but I’ve seen bicycles transform so many lives for the better in so many ways that I really believe this is the most beneficial service I can provide for a community.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our biggest successes have come from helping customers find the bike or the accessory that was right for them. If someone owns a bike that doesn’t suit their needs or riding style, the bike will sit unused in a garage. People end up owning bikes that aren’t right for them because there are a lot of persistent misconceptions about bikes. Fighting those misconceptions is our most difficult challenge. We don’t care if you buy a bike or an accessory from us or from somewhere else (but you should buy it from an independent, local bike shop), as long as you get something that suits your needs. We would love to see everyone riding a bike they absolutely love.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We play a lot of vinyl in the store. It’s a reminder to us that good things require a little more time and care, but are worth the effort.
Profile
Business: Yawp Cyclery
Address: 2509 Sheridan Blvd., Edgewater
Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2014
Contact: 303-232-3165,
Employees: 2
