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I love the great outdoors! The fresh air, the sites, the sounds, and the bicycles! Yep, the bicycles. I see them all over when finding the time to hike with the malamutes in the great state of Wisconsin. I frequently enjoy and take advantage of the numerous hiking, biking, and multi-use recreational trails in our area. And when I do, I think of John at 2Rivers Bicycle & Outdoor. 

John is a smart guy - a smart business and financial guy. He provides over the top customer service and cares only about providing you with the best experience -- whether you're biking, running, kayaking, or snowshoeing. And he's smart enough to know that when you want to start your own business, you need to ask for help - because even a professional from a successful career in financial planning, software development, and solutions analysis may not have all of the answers when it comes to starting his own bicycle retail business. Writing requirements for a point of sale system and working for financial firm is a bit different from driving your own business, putting your OWN skin in the game, and rolling the dice. He planned, he sought advice, and knew when to ask the experts at FLEX for that CFO Advisory, Accounting, and Strategic Planning, to make sure he truly was on the right path. Nice that FLEX could help him to avoid the flats and unexpected roadblocks along the way.

I am proud of what John has accomplished both on his own and with our advice. From simple suggestions like "Bicycles are great, but what about off season? Ever consider those triathletes in the area that maybe want to work with a smaller specialty store without having to travel to Milwaukee or Madison to find that service? That area upstairs would make a fabulous spin cycle area. Hey, where are the snowshoes and skijoring gear, why aren’t you offering winter sports?" 

It was these exact questions that led to answers and new product channels. Questions that opened up expansion opportunities and new business partnerships. Opening up the door for new and continuous growth in 2014. Congrats to John and his team on another successful year! We can't wait to see where this last round of advice lands you.

Oh, and John… I am still waiting for that bicycle trike design that can handle braking against a 145lb Alaskan Malamute that currently pulls 2.5 tons. Those Fat Bikes look promising, but I still think my naughty red dog will break it like a toy bike.

-Michael Hermanson, CPA | CGMA