Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam McDermott.
Adam, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started Linus 11 years ago. The idea came from my own desire for simple, elegant bikes designed for function and transportation rather than sport and recreation. We first started selling in a little bungalow off Abbott Kinney and quickly grew to distributing across the US and internationally in Canada, Japan, the EU and beyond. To this day I strongly believe that bikes are a simple solution to some big problems… they reduce our carbon foot print, improve our health and wellbeing and connect us to our neighbors and communities. After all this time it still makes me happy to make and sell something that does good in the world.
Has it been a smooth road?
I consider myself blessed to launch a business and have it succeed, but yes there have been struggles. Learning and developing a supply chain on the fly was a big one. We now have two warehouses and supply over 200 stores across the US. Competition is another one. If you do something that’s original and successful, you will be copied. That is a fact of business and capitalism…. and not only will they copy your product they will sell if for as cheaply as they can. Overtime you learn which battles to fight and more importantly to focus on your product and your brand. You have to continue to innovate and make something you’re proud; it’s truly your only defense.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Simply put we design bikes and bicycle accessories and we distribute the products we make. We’re known for making simple, elegant, functional products that hopefully inspire people to drive less and ride more. I’m proud of the brand we have built and the products we make, but I’m most proud to have make an impact on how people think about short distance transportation and to play a part in getting more people on bikes.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Venice has been great for us and it’s a big part of our success. The most significant difference today from when we started are the rents. The lower rent we paid enabled us to build our business. It would be much harder to launch a business with today’s rents. I still think LA is great place to start a business… it’s a large affluent market, you’re close to media, and people are creative and willing to try new things.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1817 Lincoln Blvd Venice CA 90291
- Website: linusbike.com
- Phone: 310-301-1866
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linusbike/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linusbike/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
