Gary Thornton
General Manager · Detroit Bikes
New Hope, PA
In My Own Words
Proven bicycle industry professional with 30 years experience. Brand-focused sales representative and market manager utilizing relationship based techniques to drive the profitability of product lines. Experienced at coordinating marketing, sales, and brand representation to achieve both profit and brand integrity. Accomplished trainer and public speaker. Specialties: Sales, marketing, sponsorship, sponsor relations, branding, dealer expansion, training, merchandising and public speaking
Work Experience
General Manager
Detroit Bikes2022 – Present
Detroit Bikes General Manager Detroit, MI January 2022 – Present Professional Experience • Responsible for achieving fiscal and manufacturing turnaround of business acquired by Cardinal Cycling Group • Build a strong company culture • Run daily operations at bicycle factory • Manage staff of 12. Tasked with doubling staff and assessing when more are needed to meet manufacturing goals • Double staff count • Grow manufacturing output and efficiency • Oversee website sales and content. Coordinate brand photo shoots • Manage purchasing including overseas sourcing • Build plan for growth with CEO and CFO
Owner
Velorambling LLC2011 – Present
• Live Event Announcer: Have announced at Sea Otter Cycling Classic, Red Bull Last Stand, Reading RadSport, KMC Cyclocross Festival and West Chester Cycling Classic. As well as numerous local cyclocross, criterium races and Goldsprints • Commentating: Key highlights have included... MC'ing Champions dinner at KMC Cyclocross Festival, Run Question and answer session with Floyd Landis as well as Andrea Tafi and moderated YouTube series for NAPRD Cycling • Event Management: Have worked in various roles at top level bicycle races and charity rides. • Events include Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, Univest Grand Prix, Reading 120, Us National Championships, US Masters National Championships, Winston Salem Grand Prix, YSC Tour de Pink West, East and South • Philadelphia Marathon, Co-Manage gear check. Coordination of 30 UPS trucks and 400+ volunteers • USA Cycling Certified Driver. Experienced driver having driven Med one, Sag one and other positions within the caravan. Have drive SRAM neutral support vehicle. Support (sag) driver for multiple charity rides • Have independently represented several leading bicycle brands under this LLC
Director of Business Development NA
Bike Exchange2021 – 2021
Responsible for the development of key brand partnerships and distributor business development.
Business Development Manager
Bicycle Blue Book2017 – 2020
•Prospect new business including national accounts •Assist bicycle retailers and companies to evaluate used bicycles and facilitate a trade in program • Consult with national accounts and independent bicycle retailers in the Northeast, Mid West and Great Lakes region • Train retail staff on the proper techniques and best practices to utilize the trade in system • Support the business decisions and brands that each retailer has chosen helping them to sell more new bicycles and accessories
