Finding the right balance between offering personalized services and expanding into e-commerce can be challenging. For Kevin Talley, owner of Grizzly Cycles, this journey is proving to be a rewarding one. In this blog post, we explore how Kevin has successfully merged a service-oriented business with e-commerce, while building a vibrant community around his brand.
Kevin Talley’s Journey
Kevin Talley, the driving force behind Grizzly Cycles, started in the bike industry when he was 15 years old. After gaining valuable experience at various mom-and-pop bike shops, Kevin decided to take the leap and start his own business. The transition from being an employee to a business owner came with its share of challenges, particularly in managing backend operations like insurances, bills, and payroll.
Kevin’s wife played a crucial role in this transition, handling many of the backend tasks and allowing Kevin to focus on what he loves—working with bikes. Together, they built Grizzly Cycles into Bakersfield’s local service bicycle shop, known for its exceptional customer service and community involvement.

Service-Oriented Operations with E-Commerce
The integration of e-commerce into Grizzly Cycles was driven by necessity and opportunity. Initially operating as a mobile business, Kevin needed a way to showcase and sell products without carrying a massive inventory in a van. Building an online catalog allowed him to offer a wide range of products without the risk of stocking them all physically.
As the business grew, Kevin saw the benefits of e-commerce for a service-oriented business. By utilizing drop shipping, he could sell products directly to customers without holding the inventory himself. This approach minimized risk and allowed Grizzly Cycles to maintain a smaller physical footprint while still offering a vast selection of products online.
Choosing the right e-commerce platform was essential. Kevin sought a system that integrated seamlessly with his sales operations, making inventory management simpler and more efficient. Today, Grizzly Cycles turns social media followers into loyal customers through a well-maintained online presence, proving that even a service-oriented business can thrive in the digital age.
Balancing Customer Preferences and Promoting Preferred Products
One of the keys to Grizzly Cycles’ success is Kevin’s strategic selection of brands and products. He focuses on offering California-based and USA-based brands he personally trusts and uses. This approach ensures the products he sells are high quality and reliable.
When customers request products not in stock, Kevin is always willing to source them. However, he also takes the time to explain why he trusts the brands he carries, often persuading customers to try the products he believes in and trusts. This balance between accommodating customer preferences and promoting preferred products is why Grizzly Cycles has a reputation for honesty and quality.
Building a Community-Oriented Business
Creating a bicycle community in a non-traditional bicycle town like Bakersfield was no easy feat. Kevin moved to Bakersfield with just a bicycle and a duffel bag, quickly finding work at a local bike shop. He began organizing group rides and events, fostering a sense of community among local cyclists.
Early on, Kevin utilized blogging and social media to engage with the community and promote events. Over time, social media became an invaluable tool for reaching a broader audience and organizing rides and events. Grizzly Cycles’ unique features, like a hot dog roller (which started as a joke), add to its charm and draw people in, making the shop a true community hub.
Leveraging Community Events for Business Growth
Grizzly Cycles organizes free community events, such as group rides and camping trips, to build strong relationships with customers. These events are funded through grants from organizations like the Adventure Cycling Association, ensuring they remain free and accessible.
Although the events themselves are free, they indirectly generate revenue by increasing sales of bikes, gear, and accessories. By fostering long-term relationships, Kevin ensures customers return for future purchases and services, contributing to the business’s growth.
Personal and Family Involvement in the Business
Kevin’s family is deeply involved in the business. His wife not only handles backend tasks but also assists with bike repairs and sales. Their children, ages 10 and 15, help out during the summer and after school, learning valuable business skills and earning money.
This family involvement not only supports the business but also teaches their children important values about work, responsibility, and entrepreneurship. Kevin’s approach instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in his children, encouraging them to contribute to the family business.
Final Thoughts: Perseverance and Community
Running a business is a journey filled with ups and downs. Kevin’s advice to struggling business owners is to keep pushing forward. He believes perseverance and hard work will eventually pay off, and there’s always a solution to be found.
Grizzly Cycles’ success is a testament to the power of merging service-oriented operations with e-commerce, building a community, and maintaining a strong family involvement. Kevin’s story is an inspiring example of how dedication and innovation can lead to a thriving business.
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