How Did We Get Here?

A leap of faith

My husband Tom and I opened an e-bike shop in 2021. Like many e-bike shops, this one all started with bananas. At this point you’re probably wondering if I’ve GONE bananas. It’s OK, stay with me…

After a 25-year career in corporate sales for a large produce company, the last 12 of which were in the Bananas division, Tom was ready for something different. We had nothing but gratitude for the company that brought us together in the first place (back when he was in the Pineapple division and I was an executive assistant). In addition to being the place where we first met, this company moved us from California to New Jersey (Tom’s homeland), and then from New Jersey  to North Carolina (my homeland). Needless to say, we are grateful for all of it.

Bananas to bikes

After 25 years and a few moves across multiple state lines with this company, Tom was looking for his next chapter but he had no idea what it would be. This is where e-bikes roll into the picture. He heard about an e-bike company called Pedego through a former colleague, did some research, and liked what he learned. He’d always enjoyed cycling, especially when he was living in beautiful southern California, and he recognized that e-bikes were starting to catch on here on the East Coast. After a couple of weeks, Tom finally decided he was ready to pitch the idea of opening a Pedego shop to me one morning while I was making breakfast.

Did the idea seem like it came out of nowhere? Absolutely. But I knew he would not have pitched something without doing his own research and giving it a lot of thought. So I gave it a chance. And the more we learned about this opportunity,, the more excited we became about sharing the joy of e-bikes with our LKN community. 

Peaks and valleys

Every day since our Grand Opening in 2021 has been full of learning and growing. Anyone who has owned a small business will tell you it’s nothing but ups and downs–and that’s absolutely the best way to put it. You learn to push through to the peaks and rely on faith in the valleys.

One of the best things we have learned in this adventure is that we are part of an unparalleled small business community. Go to any local networking event and you will meet dozens of entrepreneurs determined to carry out their vision and help their community via their own niche. We love to celebrate each other and help people make valuable connections.

Trips, tricks, and tips

As I reflect on everything I’ve experienced since the day Tom surprised me at breakfast with, “I think I want to open an electric bike shop,” I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you. Whether it’s my favorite greenway routes, or celebrating community members who are devoted to their bikes, sharing my experiences through the written word puts a smile on my face–it’s just like riding a bike!

I’d love to answer your questions about electric bikes, enjoying the outdoors in the LKN area, owning a small business in Cornelius…ask me anything! You can text your questions to 704-997-5051 and they may end up in a future edition of Grace’s Great Adventures!

Grace Kennedy is co-owner of Pedego Electric Bikes Lake Norman. Grace and her husband Tom sell and rent Pedego electric bikes at their location in the Antiquity Shopping Center in Cornelius. They have lived in Huntersville since 2016 and enjoy including their son and daughter in the adventure of owning a family business. Learn more about Pedego Electric Bikes Lake Norman at www.Pedego LKN.com. [link to https://pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/cornelius/]

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