Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Languages
Timeline
Generic

David Bell

Santa Fe,NM

Summary

Twenty five year veteran of the bicycle industry, and owner of two retail stores with national reputations for excellence. Creating a knowledgeable environment, and visually memorable experience for consumer. Fit, style and mechanical integrity are hallmarks of my work. I love the art of SALES. Eager to merge the needs of the end user, and the manufacturer, and all of the steps in between.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Owner

Mellow Velo
08.2005 - 07.2024

* Purchased small seasonal bicycle store in 2005 focusing on bicycle rentals and service, and transformed it into one of the Southwest's premier retail experiences. Exclusive dealer for many of the bicycle industry leaders such as Santa Cruz, Orbea, Pivot, Cervelo and others. 2005 sales: <$100K - 2023 sales: $2.5M

* Managed a staff of 8-10 people seasonally - all phases of sales and service - created service protocols for acoustic and electric bicycles - all manner of day to day operation.

* Worked with vendors/manufacturers to integrate seasonal buying programs with the "on hand" needs of Mellow Velo

* Managed all matter of finance and reporting to local, State and Federal agencies.

* Applied many specific sales techniques/training in showroom environment, Kaizen, Friedman, Carnegie. Created team-based sales approach, system for follow up and leads.

* Employed many skills acquired in the theater/fashion industries to create an unforgettable physical environment for the customer - 3 floors, 6000 sqft - art/culture forward, visually provocative/memorable.

* Built a culture with a love for bicycles: from humble commuter to ProTour racer, through outstanding service both at the point of purchase, and in the repair department.

Business Owner

Tenafly Bicycle Workshop
08.1998 - 12.2004

* Purchased TBW from it founder in 1998, when shop had fallen on tough times, and was ready to shutter. Negotiated a no-money-down EARN OUT, based on sales, no interest. Turned shop around very quickly, soon developing a reputation as a boutique bicycle experience in suburban New York City. Worked with Trek Bicycle Corp during the "Lance" years - including all promotions and special opportunities, buying and selling of the many categories with Trek. At the same time, created a gritty counterpoint within the store with a collection of unusual European brands as well.

1998 sales: >$100K - 2004 sales: $900K

* Managed a staff of 3-5 seasonally, including conceirge service to clients in New York City. Pick up and drop off white glove service. Responsibilities included all manner of repair and sales, purchasing and merchandising.

* Sold shop in 2004 to a coworker, and reinvested the capital into Mellow Velo in Santa Fe, 2005.

Visual Merchandising Team Lead

Lionstar
08.1997 - 08.1998

* Worked with Lionstar founder, Rory Jones to develop/scale his New York City based botanical company. Primarily focused on orchids and exotic plants, Lionstar grew to attract clients such as Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and others.

* Through flexibility and reliability and resourcefulness, developed a reputation as a "CAN-DO" source for all things "visual" in the retail experience, including dressing windows in many landmark retailers in New York City such as Barney's, Burgdorf Goodman, and Calvin Klein's Madison Avenue showroom.

* Arranged visual content for many events such as New York Fashion Week (Spring and Fall shows) Multiple movie premiers, and private events for designers.

Education

No Degree - Journalism, Print

Catholic University of America
Washington, DC

High School Diploma -

St Peter's Prep
Jersey City, NJ
06.1991

Skills

    * Sales/Communicator - I thrive on communication "Built" to start a conversation with nearly anyone - understand the nuance of creating trust in a sales environment, how to "continue the sale," handle objections within the process

    * Technical Aptitude - I've honed mechanical skills within the bicycle industry for 35 years Assembling, diagnosing, triaging bicycles is my passion, with a particular excellence in fitting and ergonomics Communicating with end users to enhance the bicycle experience

    * Coordination - Acquiring skills is important, as is the ability to insert and apply those skills In addition, coordinating with others within the team, is a key to my management style "Many hands make quick work"

    * Independent - After many years of being self employed, creating discipline and a process has become paramount to my success With this independence, I am able to create in solitude, AND later implement with the team

    * Resourcefulness - As a kid, my father owned an Off Broadway cabaret dinner theater I learned an uncommon amount from his need to "put on a show" Whether it was rearranging cast members when a main character was ill, to creating a set to portray London in the 1800s, directing people on stage that didn't know how to "move" so that their limitations didn't show Jack Bell could teach a Master Class on making something from nothing

    * Affability - "He never met a stranger" is something often said about the way I relate to people Both of my businesses were lauded as being friendly and approachable - two things seldom said in bicycle stores, something always said about mine Approachability - particularly for women who are often left feeling "cold" in a bicycle retail environment, my reputation both in store and online is something I'm very proud of

Additional Information

I am near fluent in German.

I have ridden bicycles all over the world, often building my bike in the baggage claim and riding out of the airport.

Design in all things is something that moves me. Interior Design, landscape, architecture all are passions.

Cooking is how I relax.

I have two college student children - Roman, 22 and Helayna, 20. They keep it real for me.

Languages

German
Limited Working

Timeline

Business Owner

Mellow Velo
08.2005 - 07.2024

Business Owner

Tenafly Bicycle Workshop
08.1998 - 12.2004

Visual Merchandising Team Lead

Lionstar
08.1997 - 08.1998

No Degree - Journalism, Print

Catholic University of America

High School Diploma -

St Peter's Prep
David Bell