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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Sean O'Neill worked in Boulder, Colorado in the bicycle rental, sales and service business. He loved to be around people who shared his passion for cycling and so the work brought him a great deal of pleasure.
Soon, Sean was offered the opportunity to move to Moab and continue his work in the bicycle business. For two years he worked for what is now a competitor. He could see the potential for the type of repair, service and sales organization he would like to run and so he bit the bullet, took the giant step and became an entrepreneur and business owner.
The Chile Pepper Bike Shop opened on Moab's Main Street in 1995 and from the very beginning was more successful than Sean had hoped.
"Chile Pepper Bike Shop," I said. "Why that name?" Sean said that it probably didn't make sense but it just came to him that it would work. He liked the Salsa brand of cycles with their hand-made frames. Chile Pepper seemed to fit with the southwestern area of Moab and the name would certainly be different from anything else in the area. Sean said the logo he uses is totally unrelated to his business but it really works and has established a recognizable image in Moab and with the bicycle fraternity.
I walked around the showroom and saw lots of logo material and a big selection of clothing and accessories. I saw helmets, kneepads, shoes, clothing, water bottles and every thing a cyclist would need. I was fascinated by a hydration system that is popular with cyclists called the Camelback. Very sophisticated! Sean told me that 95 percent of his business is for "stuff."
Sean and his staff make it very comfortable and enjoyable to be a customer. There is a coffee/refreshment bar in the corner and everyone is very friendly and helpful. The company prides itself on "incredible customer service."
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.