The Bike Shop

 

After working in a suburban bike store for several years, Chris Leyba noticed a trend; many of his customers traveled from the St Charles area, approximately 30 minutes west of the shop.  So in 2007, with over 10 years of experience in the industry, Chris opened The Bike Shop in St. Charles.  The business is located downtown, in a perfect location overlooking the Fox River and theFox River trail.  With inventory ranging from Schwinn children's bikes to specialiized road bikes, Chris can find the perfect bike fit for a variety of cusstomers, from families to high-endurance athletes.  He not only sells but repairs and rents bicycles.  Chris, a triathlete himself, says that he has "always been into bikes."  He enjoys working with his customers: "In a bike shop, you are dealing with people who are making a conscious choice to do something healthy."

When Chris came to ACCION Chicago, he needed help financing his next season's inventory.  To ensure enough inventory for the summer peaks eason, orders must be placed well in advance.  As a start-up wtih less than two years in business, The Bike Shop did not qualify for a bank loan.  However, ACCION Chicago was able to provide Chris with a $20,000 loan by taking into account the shop's strong sales record, as well as Chri's personal commitment.  "He is very focused and knows his traade very well," commented his loan officer.

Chris was awarded the 2008 Readers Choice Award for "The Best Bicycle Shop" in the Kane County Chronicle.  He says that his sales are up for the year, which means Chris and his two employees will be busy this summer and for summers to come.

 

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