Pedaling Progress: Dale Davis on Bikes, Business, and the Future of Outdoor Recreation in NM
In this endeavOR videocast, board chairman Davin Lopez introduces us to another board member, Dale Davis. Mr. Davis and his wife own 505 Cycles, a bike shop in Farmington, New Mexico, which they have operated for over eight years. Mr. Davis also runs a class A truck dealership for about twenty years. He describes their passion to start a business in the biking industry was by fate and his life as a mountain biker led him to the opportunity to own 505 Cycles. The business environment of the two is different, Mr. Davis explains how working with a product people want to have and enjoy makes it easier to navigate the cliental and business team.
The community in New Mexico and especially in Farmington, has paved the way for outdoor recreation businesses to grow. With his experience of being a part of the Outdoor Recreation Initiative Committee and his other local involvements, he has faced a series of different kinds of challenges to the biking industry. The economic changes over the years have influenced the industry a lot, currently leaving the bike industry with505 Cycles a higher supply than demand. Dale Davis predicts the trade cycle will soon come and start to circulate more business. Mr. Davis continues to share his experience when he was more involved in competitive cycling. He recounts being more focused on training and competing rather than enjoying the sport and the rides.
The conversation furthers with what the future of New Mexico outdoor recreation can expect. Dale Davis suggests that NM is still laying the seeds to someday grow into a leading state for the industry. The current youth is showing interest and learning willingness to take part in more outdoor activities and sports. The next five to ten years will be where the current foundation can stem from. Davin Lopez highlights how the terrain will help impact this expansion, giving NM an edge in mountain biking. Mr. Davis explains once logistics and business side of the industry can begin to work together in our state, it will begin to show that progress. The manufacturing side of the industry is coming more and more to North America, the labor costs, logistics, and tax incentives will play into attracting more businesses to focus on this area. Being able to maximize these aspects as well as being able to support local businesses during this growth and help them flourish. endeavOR has and is applying these aspects to become an influential factor in the outdoor recreation industry in New Mexico. Mr. Lopez highlights that having local voices contribute their experiences and perspectives for the industry is vital to shape the tools and programs endeavOR can offer. If you would like to reach out, you can follow the Contact directory on our website reach via email director@endeavorNM.org or phone (505) 501 – 1330.