NBDA Member Call Out: Ryder Bikes

Paul Tobio
Ryder Bikes, Owner

Paul’s bike shop history started when he was 13 as a young BMXer in Massachusetts.  He would make his way into Belmont Wheelworks every day looking for something new for his bike.  After a few weeks, they gave him a broom and asked if he wanted a job, probably expecting him to stop pestering them every day.

Career Growth

After graduating from college, Paul went to work for Staples and spent 17 years in various roles including Store Design, Finance, Shortage Control, Store Operations, Inventory Management, and Vendor Relations and Supply Chain.  Paul purchased Ryder Bikes, in Bradenton, Fl in the spring of 2007, which was founded by Bruce Ryder in 1972.

Business Growth

Paul took Ryder Bikes from one store up to three stores by 2013.  He then closed the smallest store in 2016 to focus on the two larger stores.  In November of 2019, he sold the building that one store was in to a property management company.  When Covid hit in 2020, he focused on the single store and drove the sales to 2.5 times pre-Covid levels.

Paul loves the day-to-day operations and also the numbers behind the business.  One of the most thrilling aspects of his business is building a strong store team and supporting the local cycling community.  Paul has been part of the NBDA P2 program for a little over a year, which has created a peer team that is supportive and holds each other accountable.  Paul feels that the NBDA P2 program has provided a great opportunity to drill into the numbers and yourself accountable.

Paul also loves discussing the industry as a whole and spends a few hours every week talking with his reps – inside and outside, company and independent – to get a feel for the pulse of our industry.  Paul also sits on the Best Practices Committee that the NBDA established last year.  

Future Growth

Paul joined the NBDA Board of Directors this past fall and he is looking forward to assisting in steering the NBDA into the future.  He sees many opportunities to help retailers and suppliers bridge communication gaps and drive our industry toward profitability and longevity.

Paul is excited about the CABDA West show in March, to meet many suppliers and retailers at an industry specific event that we have been missing for a number of years.  Additionally, the NBDA Retailer Summit the day prior to CABDA West will provide various educational opportunities for retailers that have been missing for years.

Ryder Bikes has been supporting the cycling community in the Sarasota / Bradenton area for over 50 years.  They have been supportive of the new and seasoned cyclist, by making everyone feel welcome in their shop.  Customer service and selection are at the center of everything the shop does.   

Feel free to reach out to Paul – Paul Tobio | LinkedIn or Paul@RyderBikes.com