AUSTIN, Texas (BRAIN) — Velofix has released what it said is its "first wave" of corporate-owned mobile bike shop, with vans operating in Austin and Houston, Texas; Tampa, Florida; San Jose, California.; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Vancouver, British Columbia.
Including the new company-owned vans and those owned by franchisses, Velofix now operates in 115 territories. They expect to announce another new fleet of corporate vans this year.
"The opportunity to put more mobile bike shops on the road in 2020 is reflective of the appetite we believe riders have for our services," said Chris Guillemet, the CEO and co-founder of Velofix.
Velofix began developing plans to launch corporate-owned vans after an investment from a Montreal-based clean energy group earlier this year. Guillemet told BRAIN, in an interview this summer, that the corporate vans will help supplement franchise operations and enable Velofix to offer a nationwide service to brands looking for bike assembly and delivery services. The company, based in Vancouver, established an office in Austin to manage the program.
Velofix said it is looking to hire 40 technicians for its corporate shops in 2020. "The role is much more comprehensive than a bike mechanic as Velofix technicians serve as the face of the brand, someone who is constantly encouraging people in their communities to get out and ride their bikes more," the company said. "Responsibilities include managing Velofix's state-of-the-art mobile bike shop, visiting riders at their home or work, servicing bikes, doing bike fits, making deliveries, and attending and supporting events."
