As a former manager of NWTB, I can tell you it takes owners who invest long hours, serious strategy, leading industry knowledge, and daring risk to make a business like this stay in the black. During the best of times, all of these things are vital. During the worst of times - when your business is repeatedly vandalized and stolen from, and when you can no longer make insurance claims for fear of being dropped - it’s a very serious situation and it’s not sustainable.
Many of you likely remember multiple brick & mortar triathlon shops we had well before and even up to 2020. Now there's one. Started by Brad Williams in 2011, it was sold to Andrew Nuez and Ian Fishel before Covid and was doing great.....until Covid. Since then, sales have been challenging but not defeating. They are crafty, smart owners! The problem is the crime. They've had 5 break-ins with damage to the building and merchandise stolen, and 3 attempted break-ins with damage. The costs are in the 10's of thousands. Making insurance claims at this point (and for the last few incidents) means they risk losing their insurance overall so they've been covering damages out of pocket - and not very deep pockets these days. This is a tenuous time for NWTB and for all of us who are part of the PNW Multisport and Cycling communities. Those teams that enjoy NWTB as a sponsor receive discounts year round and special offerings. NWTB sponsors our season kickoff every year. They sponsor local events by providing prizes and technical support. They are knowledgeable - with many years of experience in the endurance industry including Mountain Biking, Gravel riding, Cycling, and of course, triathlon. There is a GoFundMe happening now to help Ian and Andrew get over the financial hurdle in front of them. Please consider a donation so we keep them with us. 100% of the donations (minus admin fees to GoFundMe will go directly to them.) Just as important, please continue to make any purchases you can at NWTB. If you stop by to chat, do it with a credit card in your hand and purchase something!! Let's keep these guys around for a long time. Raise the Bar will donate 20% of all new memberships, returning memberships, and renewals to NWTB now through 9/30. If you've been considering one of those options, now is the time! Patty Swedberg & Brad Williams Raise the Bar [email protected] Comments are closed.
|
Raise the BarRace reports, upcoming events, news, and more, from RTB. Archives
September 2023
|