The physical plant is the size of two and a half football fields, so immense that employees use scooters to get from one end of the factory floor to the other
Massive five-tier steel racks stack bikes in boxes waiting for purchase because, depending on the time of year, TPC refurbishes 50 to 150 high-end bikes per day, assembly-line style.
“You could have the same buy-and-sell experience from an end-user who has listed their bike on Craig’s List,” Calandrella said. “But can you guarantee it’s not carbon-damaged? Can you return it in 30 days and make sure any defect is addressed? Can you sell it back to them? No. All of those are a yes at TPC.”
TPC soon became the largest cycling store on eBay. In 2017, TPC received its first round of venture capital investment to build its own e-commerce platform, and other outside investments followed to further expand the business. Martin stepped down as CEO in 2020, but he remains active in the company.
Alan Zalewa washes a pre-owned mountain bike at one of six bike cleaning stations at The Pro’s Closet in Louisville, the beginning of TPC’s detailed refurbishing process. TPC buys high-end pre-owned bicycles shipped to them from around the country and refurbishes them for online sale. “The alternative is, that frame gets parted out and goes in a landfill. We’d rather put it back into use under someone who may be fine with the fact that it’s been repaired. They’re going to get good value for the bike for that reason.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Louisville star Hailey Van Lith transfers to defending champion LSULSU just got scarier – officially.
Read more »
Having 4 Kids or More: Benefits and Downsides - Today's ParentMom of 4, Esther Vandersluis shares the pros and cons of having a large family fourkids momoffour
Read more »
Fifth round: Jaguars land impact defenders Abdullah, JohnsonJacksonville selected Louisville edge rusher Yasir Abdullah with the first pick of the fifth round and then safety Antonio Johnson of Texas A&M Antonio Johnson at pick No. 160.
Read more »
Police officer takes ‘huge step forward’ in recovery after being shot in headA police officer in Louisville is continuing his recovery after he was critically injured while responding to a mass shooting earlier this month.
Read more »
UH quarterback Clayton Tune headed to Arizona Cardinals after being selected in 5th roundWhose house?! After the Texans drafted star wideout Tank Dell, another University of Houston Cougar, Clayton Tune got picked up by the pros and is headed for Arizona.
Read more »
Apple Watch vs Fitbit - Which reigns supreme for fitness?Wearable tech can be helpful for those with an active lifestyle, but which watch is best? Kurt 'CyberGuy' Knutsson weighs the pros and cons of a Fitbit and Apple Watch.
Read more »