Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaune Huysamen.
Shaune, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always wanted to start something from scratch and doing things my way. I felt like there was a void in the Atlanta market for a “different” kind of bicycle shop. I wanted to blend great coffee and craft beer with some boutique bicycle brands to create a one of a kind brand.
I wanted to be in the Downtown Crabapple district of Milton, GA. The location I am currently in became available in 2016 and I reached out to the owner. 3 Months later I was the proud owner of a very unique bicycle shop. Everything happened really fast and just fell into place.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The learning curve in the bicycle industry is pretty steep. I had business experience, but not necessarily in the bicycle industry which was challenging. The business was mostly self-funded and we took a giant leap of faith not only on my part, but my lovely wife as well.
Some of the struggles were not knowing exactly which products were in demand in our specific market. It was a lot of trial and error which obviously cost money. For instance, I decided right at the beginning that I was not going to carry hybrid or kid’s bikes. HUGE mistake.
Within the first month, I had 20 plus people ask about kids and hybrid bikes. At that point, I was already heavily invested in my current inventory and remodeling costs. I had to pull some strings to get hybrid and kids bikes on the floor. Sold through my first order of 10+ kids and hybrid bikes within a couple of days.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Whitetail Bicycles – what should we know?
Whitetail Bicycles is a boutique bicycle and cyclery cafe. We carry two American made brands in Parlee and Seven Cycles as well as Cannondale and Felt. American made products are important to us and we like to carry products made in the USA regardless of cost. We also proud ourselves in being a shop where customers feel comfortable to shop and hang out with no sales pressure or judgment.
Our first month in business we built a custom titanium bicycle for a customer in excess of $19,000. It meant a lot to me that someone would trust a small startup shop to build such an expensive investment piece. The bike was a titanium Seven tandem.
What sets Whitetail Bicycles apart from other shops is that we have a full coffee shop within our shop and serve Stumptown coffee. Some of the best coffee on the market. (the best in our opinion) We were also approved by the great City of Milton to serve local craft beers which will be flowing in the next couple of weeks. Where else can you enjoy fine bicycles, local craft beer and top-quality coffee under one roof?
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I grew up in a small town outside of Cape Town, South Africa and started racing bicycles at a very young age. At the age of 13, I went to a private all boys boarding school and focused on rugby and track & field. I completely stopped riding bicycles and only picked up cycling 12 years later when I moved to the US.
I excelled in most sports but never felt passionate about a sport as I did with cycling. I was a pretty active kid who loved being outside and didn’t mind being alone. The boarding school taught me a lot about myself and helped me being an independent thinker not easily influenced.
Contact Info:
- Address: 770 Mid Broadwell Rd
Milton, GA
30004 - Website: www.whitetailcycles.com
- Phone: 470-282-6789
- Email: shaune@whitetailcycles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitetailbikes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitetailbicycles/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/whitetailbikes
Image Credit:
Sean Murphy
Shaune Huysamen
John Moore
Wayne Nix
Chris Constantin
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