I think many people would be shocked at how much manufacturing still exists here in the US. All sorts of items on the bikes can still be made here including handlebars, cranks, tires, rims, chain, front sprockets, nuts, bolts,grips, seat posts, leather goods, synthetics for things like seats, and much more. How do I know this ? Because I've only been calling on industrial firms and manufacturers for the past 35 years, providing them with energy technology and efficiency improvements to help them stay competitive. Entrepreneurs of all kinds are starting new businesses, and building here. Sure you are familiar with the 'big guys' but everyone overlooks the small guys. Most businesses can get awesome automated machining, robotics, and high tech computer operated assembly and conveyor equipment, that makes the environment far less labor intensive. Thats China's only advantage, and they have been losing that advantage for years. Wages are 5 times higher now than in 2000 in China. Nothing happens overnight, but most people miss the forest for the trees. Tariffs are not a long term solution by any means, but when massive numbers of Chinese firms are government subsidized, and selling products below market prices, something has to be done to reduce the imbalance. I started my business part time, and remain so, interfacing with all sorts of suppliers and entrepreneurs that are local. I personally applaud firms willing to take the risk like Detroit Bikes does, and hope we see many more in the years to come. I know we will because we already have seen that change in manufacturing starting about 10 years ago, when energy prices went sky high, then fell through the bottom. Many new chemical firms, plastics firms, and slowly large industrial manufacturing firms, have been in the process of re-shoring for years. Trump's just trying to create a favorable environment to continue that. He's listened to businesses who have been telling our government for years to do what he is doing. The tax cuts are HUGE, and now these trade negotiations will eventually be critical as well.
By the way, ITS NEVER TOO late to start a business, or to try to compete in any industry. Thats a defeatist attitude (to say its 'too late'), and the American business people who are successful thrive despite obstacles or excuses that others throw at them. Its about time they are getting a little bit of help from our own government. Nice to see. Lets hope for all of us it continues. I'm personally tried of seeing many of my long time customers disappear over the past 35 years, their wages get crushed, jobs lost, and losing out to other countries that persistently steal our IP, totally ignore all patents, and copyrights, copy everything and anything, while we are held to a much higher standard of ethics, and worse those cheaters are endorsed by their own government abroad to keep on doing it, and adding spies daily to keep it up. The bike industry has been no different than any other industry in terms of lost jobs and destroyed businesses, HOWEVER ebikes could be a massive paradigm shift and a catalyst to change the competitive landscape for the betterment of American consumers, inducing more exercise, better health, lower pollution, and maybe even more well paying jobs. I've put my own personal money at stake in ebikes, at an age when most other people are contemplating retirement or trying to amass the bulk of their savings during 'peak earnings years'. I want a better lifestyle for all Americans, and better paying jobs. I make nothing personally from this business now and the past 3 years, other than continued re-investment. No wage, no income. And I have 3 kids to put through college. Its an investment of many hours beyond a normal corporate job. Sweat equity all the way. There wont be a 'retirement' for me for the next 20 years at least. I'm giving back to the community, my children, and future generations by encouraging a return to a more healthy lifestyle. One that involves riding, and not sitting in a car, or sitting behind a PC all day. My only 'reward' is seeing someone overweight, or older with physical limitations, at least attempting to get back out there and doing some exercise. It starts with baby steps, and I know its working because I get the occasional rare thank you note from someone who will tell me they are riding more than they ever had been in the prior 30 years of their life, and now in better shape, or losing weight, or just excited to be able to get around. I'm motivated by seeing their progress, and getting that next person out biking and exercising again. If they are smiling, that's even better. We can all use some small moments of joy in our lives, to give us a break from the toxic daily mainstream news.
