RE: [CR]CyclArt for Sale

> It's true, CyclArt is for sale. I made the decision to sell about two years
> ago and have prepared the way for new ownership since. Business advisors
> recommend that advertisement of the sale be handled discretely through
> brokers, so we have never advertised the sale ourselves. Also, use of a
> broker means we can focus on business as usual. Recently, Lou Deeter saw a
> sale listing and posted a message here about it. I thought I'd fill in the
> details:
>
> CyclArt is a team effort. We have always made use of the skills of several
> craftspeople working in concert to accomplish the best possible result. I
> learned early on that painting at a high level, was a lot like music and one
> needs to do it constantly to keep one's chops. Also, there are significant
> business distractions in operating a paint shop; especially one that is
> committed to full service and being in full compliance with air quality and
> safety agencies. Many years ago, I hired office people to keep me in the
> shop. But as the business grew and assistants matured into self sufficient
> craftspeople, the shop could hum along without me, but the office always
> demanded my attention. So, now I coach and inspect the work of my crew, but
> spend most of my time in the office. I like having more time to be with my
> customers and I especially enjoy the research, design and artwork that go
> into doing the more obscure restorations and custom bikes.
>
> I've been operating CyclArt full time since the age of 19 and I suppose I've
> reached one of those midlife crisis. I remain passionately interested in
> bicycles, especially vintage lightweight, custom and antique bikes, but I DO
> have other interests. I have a plan and a vision for another venture, which
> has nothing to do with bikes. IF I can pass CyclArt on to new ownership, I
> can pursue my new vision. IF this were to happen, all existing staff, and
> resources stay with CyclArt, and there would be an extended training period
> during which I would pass along all I know to the new owner. We expect a
> seamless transition from the customer's point of view. This is not as
> daunting as it seems. Most days, the shop could operate just fine without
> me. I'm here because I want to be. Further, I've always been a very
> organized type and the idea of passing the company on has been in my head
> from the beginning. That's why it's CyclArt and not Cunningham Cycle
> Painting. CyclArt has a written procedures manual, a database of detailed
> estimate templates, comprehensive files and libraries. We have our vintage
> parts inventory well organized, including an online store. All the tools
> are in place for new ownership.
>
> CyclArt has always been structured as a team with overlapping duties. A new
> owner could focus on whichever aspect most appeals to them and staff would
> cover the rest. It is also possible to take the company in new directions
> both within and outside of the bicycle industry. I have ideas for that, but
> perhaps someone with a different set of talents could drive the company
> where I have not been able to.
>
> CyclArt has paid all my bills and supported several families since 1976.
> The income has never been great, but the satisfaction has been. For some
> one with the means to buy it and the talent to fly it, the sky is the limit.
> I'm ready to provide the maps, the keys and hand over the controls.
>
> We're having a good year and look forward to each day. At present there are
> no offers and no timelines. Our broker handles the advertising and
> screening of prospective buyers. I did not intend to bring this out on the
> CR list because I don't want to be distracted from the job at hand. If you
> are serious about making a living from fine bicycles, the first step is to
> call my broker, Lou Chavez at 619-608-9912. If you want vintage bicycle
> parts, restoration or custom paint, call me at 760-599-1015 or email me off
> list. Our website of course is: http://www.cyclart.com