Bike Therapy was granted the 2021 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award by the National Bicycle Dealers Association — and one of eight to attain Platinum Level.

The Bike Therapy bike shop on Depot Street has won many awards for its customer service. (Photo courtesy Bike Therapy.)

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

Congratulations to Gilroy Foundation Board member Carlos Pineda who was selected as a recipient of the 2021 Silicon Valley Business Journal “40 Under 40” Award. Honorees were selected based on their contributions to their companies, their role in their industry, the likelihood of them becoming a key leader in their field, and their role in the community.

As a teacher, mentor, collaborator, student, donor, chef, and recipient of awards too numerous to list, he is most deserving of this honor. Carlos oversees food services, the Culinary Academy and Kneaded Bakery at Rebekah Children’s Services which serves disenfranchised youth.  Way to go, Carlos!

Doug Hall, co-owner of Bike Therapy, Morgan Hill’s full-service bike shop and favorite local meeting spot for cyclists, told us they were granted the 2021 Bicycle Retailer Excellence Award by the National Bicycle Dealers Association — and one of eight to attain Platinum Level.

Fewer than 200 retailers qualified for the award. “Platinum” is earned by achieving at least 95 percent on a long list of best practices. Bike Therapy is the only bike shop in Santa Clara County on this list.

Criteria included a lengthy application survey that quantifies key elements found in the most successful retail operations, including shop layout, staff and management, marketing, community, and financial analysis. Judges evaluated phone and email communications, website appeal and accuracy, and marketing expertise. Finally, a “secret shopper” came in and analyzed everything from the store entrance and layout to personal interaction and salesmanship.

“This award is a real testament to Doug’s vision, formulated during more than 30 years of industry experience, working in and out of bike shops around the country,” said co-owner Jodi Hall. “From the day we opened, he set up Bike Therapy with the best practices, knowing exactly what it should look like, how it should feel for the customer, why employees would want to work there, and how we can help build a stronger cycling community.”

Congratulations, Jodi and Doug!

Finally, our friends at Operation Freedom Paws are putting on a Wine-der-ful Dog Day Afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m., Aug. 28, at J Winston Winery, 536 Live Oak Ave. Bring your dog for a costume contest! There will be raffle prizes and prizes for the winning costumed dogs. Also, guests can enjoy live music and wine tasting while celebrating National Dog Day. Call (669) 888-3222 for reservations.