When I agreed with Robert to do this blog, I thought “Oh Cool! A blog just for ME to tell the world.”  Tell the world all about all the great things that happen here at Braun’s. All the cool bikes, techie gadgets, super neat parts, and our awesome repairs… Then Spring broke. I really haven’t had 5 minutes to sit and think about what to write, let alone anything anyone would want to read. We’re busy as all get out, which is fantastic, but I have been getting “pressure” to contribute to the Blog. So here I am…. Finally getting done what I had said I would do a month ago (and on my day off no less). When I thought about what it was I really wish more of the public knew about us here at Braun’s, it wasn’t the bikes, parts, or gadgets. I mean they are great, and we do an amazing job of it, but there is much, much more to it.

It’s really about history and people. I thought about all the great people I’ve met over the years , how happy they are with the bikes we have helped them find, and how many of them have become quite good friends. I think of the great relationships that have resulted from people meeting here, I think at last count there were 6 marriages that resulted from in store meetings. I’ve really lost count of how many “first bikes” we have provided to little one’s in this area. We have even helped find a “last bike” for burial with a  very dedicated cyclist who passed on. Pretty special moments.  These great things happen every single day in this 85 year old business. We here on the “inside” watch them happen, we help them take place, and it does so often, we often forget how special they really are. We take it for granted sometimes, and we shouldn’t. These things are rare, very rare. We are just very fortunate to come to a place every day, that has so much rich history, and customers that span generations.

I helped a great woman just this past Monday who told me that her Grandfather had bought her very first bicycle from Braun’s in Kitchener when she was 5yrs old. She was now 70, and purchasing a cute little pink 12″ bike for her Granddaughter. I almost cried! Since she was 5 years old, 65 years ago, every single bike for her 4 children, and their extended family, had come from Braun’s. It was a $120 purchase and it made my year. 

So what’s next. More of the same gratifying experiences I hope. I can’t imagine they won’t continue, and I’ll cherish every single moment. History in business can be a double edged sword. It can hold a company back by being lost in the past, but it can also be a valuable asset if appreciated, cultured, and honored at every opportunity. I have to say that the Braun family is doing a fine job of respecting their storied past, all the while planning for and keeping a keen eye on the future.

There are big things ahead for us…. And I for one can’t wait to be a part of the history we are going to make. Won’t you join us?

Until next time…..

-Glenn