PBMA announces multi-stop U.S. workshop roadshow

Kicking off later this year in Cleveland (October 14th to 16th), the PBMA will host Technical Workshops that will include manufacturer direct training in addition to professional development sessions focused on service department profitability.

PBMA President James Stanfill says, “We’ve seen too many shops close. Over the past decade, retail margins have suffered and shops haven’t done enough to strengthen true profit centers like their service department. Instead of just having manufacturers talk about tech, we wanted to do more and make sure owners, mechanics, and managers have the knowledge they need to be successful in today’s retail environment.”

Technical hands-on training directly from manufacturers including: Enduro Bearings, Magura, Industry Nice, SR Suntour, Stan’s No Tubes and Pedro’s will cover the basis of service performance. These manufacturers are keenly focused on successful service departments and their profits. Equipping mechanics and shops with the knowledge they need to sell and perform service profitably.

Special presentations and sessions by BTI, Appalachian Bicycle Institute, A Better Bike Biz, and Efficient Velo Tools will focus on service department profitability through selling service, service writing, and excelling at customer service.

Most recently added is a session covering bicycle shop chemical hazards including flammability, toxicity, reactivity, and corrosivity. This will be a deep dive into the hazards that mechanics could be subjected to without proper handling and disposal. Topics will include evaluating daily hazards, proper handling of those hazards and alternative chemicals and materials to reduce exposure.

Included will be additional topics in recognising corrosion arising from use of newer materials and in avoiding uncontrollable chemical reactions such as those in lithium-ion batteries. Chip Howat will lead this discussion. He has a passion for bicycle mechanics working in his small fit, build, and maintenance shop and is a professor emeritus of chemical engineering.

Workshop Dates and Locations Include:

Cleveland Ohio – October 14th – 16th, 2019
Salt Lake City – December 2nd – 4th, 2019
Austin Texas – January 6th – 8th, 2020
Hartford Connecticut – February 3rd to 5th, 2020

The revamped three-day format begins midday Monday and ends Wednesday around 5pm at all locations, keeping mechanics and management in the shop during the busy weekend days.

Workshops include networking opportunities where attendees will be able to speak candidly amongst each other as well as the industry staff in attendance as presenters and guests.

The PBMA’s Workshops are $400 for non-members and $250 for PBMA Individual, Business, Shop and Mobile members. Fully funded scholarships are available courtesy of the CABDA Expo. These scholarships help provide a diverse group the opportunity to attended these events.