Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle Nolan, Co-Owner of Brown County Bikes, located in Nashville, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Brown County Bikes is a full-service bike shop located in downtown Nashville, IN. We sell, rent, offer service/repair, gear, accessories, and provide professional coaching and guided tours in the area. We see nearly 4 million visitors in Brown County, Indiana, so we get lots of visitors but also plenty of locals. We have an awesome outdoor community here. We have an e-commerce website, so we can ship anywhere in the United States as well.
Tell us about yourself
My wife, Kate, and I started our business because of our love of bikes, mountain biking especially, and the great outdoors. Whether you're new to the sport and want to get started or are a seasoned rider ready to take it to the next level, we love being able to help all people have more fun on their bikes!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think it's been opening our shop during the pandemic! We opened in October 2020, so it's been quite a ride (on and off the bike). We are so grateful we have been able to navigate this wild time in history, get bikes, tools, gear, parts, and provide service. We have an awesome team of employees who help make our shop excel; we could not do it without them!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think making sure to balance your work and personal life. Since most entrepreneurs are in business because of how passionate they are about their work. It can be hard to make sure you take some time off every now and then!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Just start! You can do so much research and planning, and all of that is great, but it will delay you; start before you're ready. The second is to adapt and overcome; a friend of mine told me this long ago. In business, you will need to learn to adapt to the ever-changing currents of business ownership and overcome them so you can make a plan and move forward. The third is to have fun! If you aren't having fun, then don't do it; making sure fun is involved in your business will make it so much more enjoyable for you and your team!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.browncountybikes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/browncountybikes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browncountybikes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brown-county-bikes/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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