Mark Everett from Arlington Velo Sports was the June 4 program. 

 

He, his wife and three children moved here from Stanwood.  Summer of 1996 the first bike shop opened in Stanwood.  Mark went in to check it out and met the owners.  They took him under their wings and hired him.

 

Mark graduated from Stanwood High School and Walla Walla University,,College Place, WA.,  in business.  Went into financial consulting, too much pressure, and different environment than helping people with cycling.  Went back to Stanwood Velo Sport, they offered to sell the business to him.  He turned down the opportunity.

 

New owner created excitement in the community about cycling.  One winter business was very slow and Mark was laid off.  The shop stayed open for three more years. 

 

Mark purchased his first shop in 2007 and then opened an Arlington shop.  Mark aims to solve problems of cyclists with an assortment of products & bicycles. 

 

He also does rentals and nutritional education at the shop.  Nine employees.  Women cyclists are a growing market.    Average cyclist earns $75,000/year, and is educated.