Chris Guillemet

Learn More, Ride More

By InnerVoice

September 26^th, 2018

Disruption

My goal is to make this the shortest InnerVoice piece in history. Not because I am lazy, or bad at writing, (although an argument can be made for both) but because I have been on a mission to simplify my life and become more efficient with my time. If there is one common trait that I have witnessed in successful athletes and business people, it’s that they have a clear understanding of the value of their time.

When we launched velofix in 2012, we needed a tagline that clearly explained the business proposition we were offering. After many debates (and many beers) it came to us:

Save Time. Ride More.

It has been the driving vision for the business from when we had one Mobile Shop in Vancouver to the current day, as we close in on 150 Franchises in North America.

We put a full-service Bike Shop in a Mercedes Sprinter van, including a coffee machine and a flat-screen TV. We developed a back-end booking and route optimisation system. You can book on your phone and decide where you want us to come and do the work.

Using time, we disrupted an entire retail industry.

Vunerability & Perspective

There are two words that I truly believe are critical to driving success in life, business and sports.

The first word is vulnerability.

The sooner you admit that you don’t have all the answers, the sooner you will ask for help and surround yourself with people who will help you and provide direction. While training, there is nothing better than being the slowest swimmer, cyclist or runner at the session. It gives so much more value than being the best at the workout.

The second word is perspective.

How you mentally view something is directly related to your own success, so by spending time with others who are successful, it will drive change for your perspective.

The nine

These are a select group of nine people I have been fortunate to meet through velofix that have helped me be vulnerable, and have changed my perspective on life, sports and business.

Joe De Sena - Founder, Spartan Races

The guy never stops connecting. There is incredible power in connecting people with no “ASK”. Every week I try and connect two people that I think would benefit from knowing each other.

Bob Babbitt - Triathlon Hall of Famer

Do what you have a passion for. When you spend time with Bob, there’s so much positive energy, and he just makes things happen.

John Skinner – Founder, Painted Rock Winery

Why do you leave Investment Banking and start a winery? Hint: it’s not for the money. John is a wonderful example of what you can achieve with passion, confidence and the belief in your brand.

Roman Arnold – Founder, Canyon Bikes

Canyon was selling bikes DTC (direct-to-consumer) before they even called it DTC. The original disruptor in the cycling industry, and now a worldwide brand. Roman shows long-term vision, and the strength to fight through all the negativity.

Axel Merckx – Belgian National Champion & Olympic Medallist

Axel has led a development team that has sent over 25 guys to the cycling WorldTour. Bring in good human beings, hold them accountable and let them work together.

Brian Scudamore – Founder, 1800-Got-Junk

Is junk sexy and exciting? Not really. But Brian’s passion for business, team building and brands has got him on Oprah, TED Talks and Forbes Magazine.

Dave Scott – 6 x Ironman World Champion

His nickname is “The Man”. An incredible athlete but what is more impressive is his detailed and specific approach to training and racing. You win in the preparation.

Gabe Flateman – Co-Founder, Casper

Do you enjoy shopping for a mattress? I didn't either. So Gabe went and built Casper into the largest DTC mattress brand in the world. Go fast and make the customer experience better.

Simon Whitfield – Olympic Gold Medallist

I did not meet Simon until after the 2012 Olympics, but I always admired how he was not afraid to change his training and his tactics. You have to evolve, and you have to be willing to fail during that process.