About Us

    It all started as a hobby that Mark found that he really enjoyed. Going to school at Lake Sumter Community College and focusing on a career in graphic design, Mark began to work for Larry Krech, who operated a local bicycle shop in Leesburg. Mark soon discovered how much he liked working with people and selling product. After completing his Associate of Arts Degree at LSCC, Mark was promoted to store manager.
    Over the next three years, Mark advanced his pubic relations skills and learned the fine points of bicycle mechanics from Robbie Krech, son of Larry Krech. During this period, Mark married Windy, a University of Central Florida Education graduate, who was beginning her career. Four years later, a business proposal was made available. Phil Mathias, a retired mechanical engineer who lived in the Villages, suggested that Mark open up a bicycle shop in the Villages. Phil had a friend that would be willing to finance the venture—Jim Von Dollen. Jim Von Dollen was a seasoned businessman whose passion fell on personal business. Over the next several weeks, Jim taught Mark and Windy many things about business and filled the role of mentor. Then in the beginning of 2002, Mark and Windy decided to open a bicycle store in the Villages. May of 2002 marked the Grand Opening of Village Cycles, Inc.
    As the business endeavor began, Mark managed the store and Von Dollen kept the books. Phil Mathias helped with sales and building of bikes. There were many things to do and even more to be learned over the next year. So when their one-year business anniversary took place and close friends threw a surprise celebration, Mark and Windy felt confident of the opportunity that had bestowed them.

6 Years Later

Much has changed and improved in the last 6 years, Village Cycles, Inc. has increased her team to 7 employees, including two highly qualified mechanics, manager, and a great team of salespeople. As the business has grown in number, so has Mark and Windy’s family. They have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Janie Olivia (4yrs old) and Julia Marie (6 months). Also, Village Cycles continues to carry high quality bicycles from recreational to the custom road or mountain bike.
           Over the past 6 years, Mark as stayed active in the community. He has spoken at many places and events on bicycle safety including the Safe Cycling for Adults workshop, Leesburg Elementary School, Village Rotary Club meetings and Village bicycle club meetings. He also has provided tech support for racers at Senior Games Cycling road race/time trial event and O.M.B.A. day events. For five consecutive years, Mark and his team have represented Village Cycles at the Annual Village Outdoor Expoz
           In addition, Mark and staff of Village Cycles have provided numerous bicycle clinics teaching basic bike maintenance. Last year, Mark was honored for his business achievements as businessman of the quarter for the Village Rotary Club.
          Village Cycles, Inc. is a member of O.M.B.A. (Ocala Mt. Bicycle Assoc.), I.M.B.A. (International Mt. Bicycle Assoc.) and Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce. It has helped sponsor many local events including O.M.B.A.’s Fat Tire Festival, Withalcoochee’s Annual Rails to Trails bike ride, Hospice Golf Tournament, and Grace Tabernacle Youth Golf Tournament. As well, Village Cycles has donated funds and merchandise to local organizations including The Village Charter school, Community United Methodist’s Winter fest, and many others. Lastly, in 2006, The Heron Council of Raleigh America, Inc. acknowledged Village Cycles, Inc. as Recognized Industry Leaders.
         Mark and Windy stay up-to-date in the ever-changing bicycle industry by attending annually the bicycle trade show in Las Vegas, NV. Windy has recently attended business seminars and has implemented many of the strategies at Village Cycles, Inc.
          The Village Cycle team also stays schooled on new technology and product information by on-site training and workshops as well as manufacturer’s institutions. In 2007, Roy Gosselin and Paul Guertin graduated from SRAM technical institute in Colorado Springs, CO. There they were educated on the latest technology of bicycle componentry in a hands-on environment.