Erik was only 13 when he started ERIK'S. His interest was sparked by his first bike - a hand-me-down from an older family member. With entrepreneurial spirit, and the money he saved from his job as a paperboy, Erik began his business. He bought 50 used bikes, fixed them up, and sold them. Erik's original workshop was in the barn in his parent's backyard. A homemade sign brought business to his doorstep. By his senior year, ERIK'S Bike Shop - now stocking NEW bikes and accessories - began to take over storage space from his parents' basement... to the dining room... to the family room. So at 18, Erik moved his business out of his parents' barn and opened his first store. Today ERIK'S employs over 450 people and has locations throughout the Midwest. His selection of products and services has expanded beyond Cycling to Snowboards, Downhill Skis, Skateboards, Pro Scooters and all the gear that goes with them. But through it all his business philosophy remains... professional, knowledgeable service in a friendly store environment. And Erik still enjoys working at the shops and helping customers find that perfect bike. In fact, he often meets a 'Third Generation Shopper' of a customer from his original backyard barn store.