Today we’d like to introduce you to Gavin Joy.
Hi Gavin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always wanted to own a business. My wife and I love St George and our families have been here for years and years so we have always wanted to be here. I had just been given an opportunity to do some work out of the state and make a few extra bucks. I quit my job and went after it. My wife was pregnant at the time and we were not sure what I was going to do when I got home from this little one-month work trip. Once I got home I applied to multiple entry-level jobs and had multiple interviews. None of those felt like it was the right path for me. After about 2 weeks we got in touch with the owner of Dandy Tandems. He had an opportunity to pursue an idea he wanted to go after for about 6 years now. It gave us a perfect opportunity to purchase this business and try to create something people will love to do! We now have owned this business for a few weeks and have a newborn baby right here with us as well! Such a fun time in our lives. We want to help make the community of St George a better place whether you’re visiting or a local!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely been tough. We noticed that the tandem bikes that we originally wanted to be our target market were not doing as well as we had hoped. We later purchased multiple electric bikes and people love those! Also getting our name out there was a struggle. Working with other local businesses here in St George and using social media to reach out we have been able to get our name out there more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our specialty is helping people have fun again! Riding a bike isn’t something people do every day. When people were kids they would go out to enjoy the great weather and ride their bikes. Now we want people to be just as happy as they explore beautiful St George. We are the only business in St George to rent tandem bikes. No one else has these in St George. When you’re riding bikes with a spouse, friend, or family member it is hard to have a conversation with them because you can’t get too close on two separate bikes. A tandem fixes that. You are able to be right there close on a bike and hold a conversation. Also, you now have 2 people helping to peddle up those big hills! We carry electric bikes and own some of the nicest most durable bikes on the market right now. Many people want to explore on a bike but don’t want to work too hard in this St George heat. An e-bike makes that possible!! Adjusting the power to help a lot or not to help at all. Not only do we carry bikes but we rent paddle boards, longboards, and scooters!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Stepping out of your comfort zone to talk with everyone is the biggest advice I can give. I remember we had owned the bike shop for about 2 days. I had been looking into which e-bikes to purchase and saw a man locking up his bike at a grocery store. I noticed it was an e-bike and wanted to know what he liked or disliked. I asked him if he enjoyed his bike and he said “No!” in an angry voice and thought I was trying to buy his bike from him. He was mad at me and told me not to ask him questions. After I got over being scolded I realized that I need to continue to always ask people their opinions. Just communicating and creating a relationship with someone can go a long way.
Pricing:
- Tandem- $20 first hour
- E-Bike- $25 first hour
- Cruiser Bike- $15 first hour
- Paddleboard-$60 full day
- Each hour after is cheaper!
Contact Info:
- Website: joyridesbikerental.com
- Instagram: joyridesbikerental
Image Credits
Gracie Joy
