Profile: Sunshine Bike Shop

 Sunshine Bike Shop owner Kay Meeker stands beside the Co-Motion tandem bicycles offered at the store. "I can't imagine not being here," she said of her business. (Pamela Spradlin / for the News-Leader)

1926 E. Sunshine St. 883-1113 www.sunshinebike.com Owner: Kay Meeker

Nature of the business:

Sunshine Bike Shop sells bicycles and accessories, and performs service on bikes.

Bike brands include Giant, Felt, Bianchi, Co-Motion tandems and more. The store also sells clothing, helmets, shoes, socks, energy bars and bike parts.

Customer service -- making sure people leave the store happy -- is the most important part of the business, said owner Kay Meeker.

How the business started:

Meeker's son, Kevin Umlauf, was a triathlete with a passion for bicycling. He bought Sunshine Bike Shop, open since 1959, in 2001. Meeker helped on the financial side of the business.

When Umlauf died in 2006, Meeker took over as owner.

Umlauf's twin daughters, Jenna and Jerra, also stepped in to manage the business. Jenna specializes in inventory; Jerra handles apparel ordering and display.

The store has gone through two expansions and was remodeled in 2007.

Experience in the industry:

There were many aspects of running the shop that Meeker wasn't versed in -- but she quickly learned.

She promoted the employee with the most seniority to the position of manager.

Challenges with the business:

In general, everything has gone smoothly, said Meeker.

While many companies are suffering because of the price of gasoline, Sunshine Bike Shop has seen an increase in business.

In addition to cutting fuel costs, riding a bike offers health benefits such as weight loss and lower blood pressure, said Meeker.

Goals for the business:

Meeker plans to continue as owner until she is physically unable. The reason for her commitment lies in the store's fun environment.

"I can't imagine not being here," she said.

In addition to employees who focus on client satisfaction, customers contribute to a peaceful store vibe.

"Bicycling people are the nicest people you'll meet," said Meeker.

-- Pamela Spradlin For the News-Leader