NASHUA, N.H. (BRAIN) — Brad Hill is throwing a party Saturday night that will include a roster of industry leaders and top dealers plus current and former employees of his three-store network — Goodale’s Bike Shop.
Up to 500 guests are descending on Nashua Friday and Saturday to celebrate the founding of Goodale’s 100 years ago this month by Roscoe Goodale. Hill said his budget for the celebration will top $100,000 with a catered dinner and open bar at a nearby conference center.
Hill bought Goodale’s at the age of 16. Roscoe Goodale carried a $5,000 note and Hill’s dad kicked in another $5,000 to buy the store. Later Hill went to work for Nashua Corporation, working a third shift to help finance the store’s growth. Today, the stores sell Trek, Specialized, Cannondale and Surly.
Among the attendees are contingents from all his major brands plus executives from companies like Thule, Finish Line, Jamis, Todson and many others. Also on the list are top dealers like Richardson Bike Mart’s Jimmy Hoyt and others.
Forty-eight years ago, Hill took over a shop that measured 16 feet by 32 feet. At the time, Goodale’s key brand was Columbia plus a lesser array of brands like Robin Hood, Triumph and others, Hill said. “Over the years I’ve seen more than 35 bicycle stores come and go in Nashua,” he said.
When Hill took over Goodale’s the city of Nashua had a population of about 45,000. Today the city, less than an hour's drive from Boston, has more than 90,000 residents. Goodale's attracts buyers from around the region.
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