Second Location Thoughts
ZummoBike Response to Freight Station Tenancy Opportunity in Norristown, PA
Thank you for the opportunity to share our thinking on how ZummoBike could deploy our proven model within approximately 600 - 800 square feet of Freight Station space—and, in doing so, make a meaningful difference in Norristown.
Background & Context
In November 2025, we were approached by Bill Hartman of the Montgomery County Planning Commission to explore the idea of bringing a ZummoBike presence to the Freight Station redevelopment. It was an intriguing and energizing ask. ZummoBike was originally launched in 2015 at 259 East Main Street, inside Zummo Hardware as an attendance based bike reward program for students at Gotwals and then Hancock Elementary. During our trips to and from Norristown, we often wondered whether the abandoned building across from Duff Plumbing might one day become home to a ZummoBike shop. In that sense, the Freight Station opportunity feels both timely and potentially full-circle. We toured the Freight Station building in early December to better understand the raw space, its character, and its potential. Following that visit—along with several shop-floor conversations and a bit of selling by Bill (who we credit as a very effective advocate)—a clear and compelling vision began to emerge.
Our Vision: Zummo Berwyn + Zummo Norristown
We see a strong opportunity for Zummo Berwyn and a future Zummo Norristown to operate as a coordinated system—one mission, two locations.
Together, this partnership would:
• Reintroduce bike sales and repair services to Norristown
• Create a youth-centered workforce development pipeline
• Focus on building confidence, mechanical skill, and responsibility in young Norristown residents
Most importantly, the Norristown shop would be supported not only by Zummo staff, but also by parents, guardians, and community members, creating a shared-ownership model that strengthens outcomes for youth and long-term sustainability for the shop.
Key Work-Out & Planning Items
1. Fundraising & Resource Needs. To responsively launch and operate a Zummobike location in the Freight Station, we anticipate the following needs
Staffing
• A 30-hour/week shop manager at Zummo Berwyn
• A 20–30 hour/week lead (“Alpha”) at Zummo Norristown
• Wages for Berwyn staff during training and onboarding of Norristown youth
Shop Infrastructure
• Cabinets, benches, and core tool sets for the Norristown shop (with potential for donated tools)
• Shop shirts and basic branding
• Fabrication and installation of a ceiling-mounted bike hanging system, similar to the system in place at REI King of Prussia
• Miscellaneous fit-out, safety, and operational needs
Youth, Parent & Community Engagement
We would initially aim to recruit 3–4 youth from Norristown and Bridgeport, ages 13–16 (potentially younger, depending on parental involvement and communication), who:
• Want a paid, part-time job during the summer and fall, leading into a potential opening in January 2027
• Are interested in learning mechanical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Are eager to grow through responsibility and mentorship
Each youth participant would ideally be supported by a parent, guardian, or community member willing to assist in areas such as:
• Logistics, including transportation of youth and bikes
• Bike shop management assistance
• Customer communication
• Bike detailing, organization, and inventory management
• Shop cleaning and presentation
• Ongoing communication with paid staff and Zummo Berwyn leadership
• Connecting with local bike shops for bike and parts donations
• Engaging county stakeholders and Montgomery County businesses
• Helping identify potential community and corporate supporters
This structure is intentional: it distributes responsibility, builds community investment, and strengthens outcomes for young mechanics.
Items on the Thinking List
As we continue to refine this concept, several practical considerations remain under review:
• Parking access for parents, staff, and volunteers
• SEPTA passes or other transit solutions for youth participants
• Security considerations, particularly for evening hours after 5:00 p.m.
Closing Perspective
Bringing ZummoBike to the Freight Station is not about opening another bike shop. It is about activating space, investing in youth, and surrounding young people with the tools, mentors, and community support they need to thrive.
Our aim is to help create more Elijahs, Eduardos, Faisls, Joans, Gilbertos, and Kemis—young Norristown residents who build skills, confidence, and pride, and who go on to make a big splash in their next adventure.
Their stories below say it best.
If the Freight Station becomes a place where that kind of growth happens every day, then it will be doing exactly what meaningful public space is meant to do.
We’d welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation and work with Montgomery County to determine whether the Freight Station can become home to the next generation of Norristown difference makers.
Elijah, 5 year vet, built the Berwyn shop as a freshman, NAHS “Robotics” Grad 2025, Now at RIT Zummo is more than a bike shop. It is an immensely caring community of people from all backgrounds. The diversity in the shop is unrivaled, and that is what makes the Zummo community so special, supportive, and unlike anywhere else. Smiling faces and lit-up eyes are commonplace when people walk through Zummo’s open doors, especially among the kids. Many of them have never seen so many bikes of all different shapes, sizes, and colors; it’s almost like walking down the candy aisle at their favorite store.
Adding to this unique experience is one of my favorite parts: unlike in other shops, the mechanic stands aren’t segregated from the sales floor, this allows customers, young and old to get hands-on lessons on how to fix and maintain their own bike. When I first stepped into the Zummo world my freshman year of high school, I had no idea the heights that a small attendance-based bike reward program would soar to—or that one day I would be the mechanic teaching people how to maintain their bike, and for some, their only form of transportation.
In my time at Zummo, I have watched kids learn valuable skills like problem-solving, leadership, people skills, and even sales. I was one of those kids, and I am still learning through Zummo. One of the most recent things I’ve come to understand is just how important it is for kids and young adults to have an outlet for their talents—a place where they can grow their skills and minds, somewhere that uplifts them and shows them that their hard work can lead to something meaningful. Through Zummo, people can find their place and their people. I know this because Zummo is the greatest opportunity I have ever had to learn and grow, personally and professionally. Zummo is so much more than a bike shop.
Eduardo, 4 year vet, self taught Bike & Car mechanic, our lead mechanic, shop manager while attending Temple University.
Back when I was nine or ten years old, in fourth grade, I was first introduced to the Zummo program at Gotwals Elementary School in Norristown. Along with many other students, I was rewarded with a refurbished bike and a helmet for perfect attendance. At the time, it felt exciting, but that moment quickly faded, and for years afterward, that was the last I heard of Zummo.
My memories of that day are blurry. I can’t recall many details, just the feeling of receiving something meaningful that I earned simply by showing up to school every day. I still have a picture from the day I received that bike, a reminder of how small moments can leave lasting impressions.
Fast forward five years to my sophomore year of high school. I was reintroduced to the world of Zummo, but this time in a completely different way. My bike needed repairs, and luckily, I knew Elijah, who worked there. We brought my bike into the shop, and that visit sparked something in me. I wanted to learn more, not just about fixing my bike, but about fixing bikes in general.
I began volunteering on Saturdays, eager to learn bicycle repair. At first, I struggled not with the work itself, but with my attitude. I wasn’t always able to keep my emotions in check, and Steve noticed. One day, he pulled me aside and had a serious conversation with me. I was embarrassed and disappointed in myself. I honestly thought I was going to be fired until I realized I wasn’t even an employee yet, just a volunteer. What Steve told me that day stayed with me. One line, especially, has never left my mind:
“Whatever is happening at home, don’t bring it to the shop. Come in and forget that stuff.”
That moment changed how I viewed the environment I was in. I realized this wasn’t like Norristown, where stress and frustration were often unavoidable. This was a professional space where one person’s bad day could affect the entire shop. From that day forward, I learned accountability—not just for my work, but for my attitude and how I showed up for others.
Learning how to work on bikes didn’t come in a traditional way. I mainly relied on YouTube, trial and error, and learning from mistakes figuring out what worked and what didn’t. At fifteen, I had no real mechanical experience. I knew how to ride a bike and change a tire, and that was about it. John Shaw helped teach me the basics before leaving for college a few months later, and after that, I was mostly on my own.
At home, though, I had experience picking up a wrench alongside my father before his passing. That hands-on exposure stayed with me, even when I didn’t realize it at the time.
By 2025, I had taken on more responsibility at Zummo, primarily managing parts, inventory, and customer service. If you needed something, I was your guy. Whether it was same-day service or within the week, I made it happen. Through the bike shop, I was also given the opportunity to intern at an aviation shop in Brandywine. One of our customers was so grateful for their experience at Zummo that they wanted to give back.
During the summer of 2023, I shadowed employees at the aviation shop, learning how to repair aircraft. That experience opened my mind even more to the art of maintenance. Over time, my problem-solving skills sharpened. I became quicker with bike repairs and continued learning through YouTube, Instagram, and hands-on trial and error.
Eventually, I faced a bigger challenge: German engineering. BMWs are notorious for maintenance issues, and working on one pushed me to think deeper. Thanks to what I learned at Zummo, I was able to put two and two together, understand how systems align, and see how everything functions as a whole. Throughout the years, I’ve met people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Despite our differences, we connected through bikes. Not just customers, but volunteers as well. I was surrounded by doctors, businessmen, college professors, renovators, and kids younger than me all brought together by a shared purpose.
Today, I am in my first year of college, enrolled in Biochemistry at Temple University. I’ve always loved science, and my high school grades reflect that passion. Recently, I toured Temple’s engineering department and began considering a switch in my major. My years at Zummo helped me understand how much I enjoy hands-on problem solving, systems thinking, and building things that work.
Zummo didn’t just teach me how to fix bikes it helped me discover who I am and what I enjoy doing. I’ve gained mentors, role models, and adults who genuinely support my growth and decisions. Looking back, that refurbished bike in fourth grade wasn’t just a reward—it was the beginning of a journey.
Kemi, 6 year vet, studying at Milton Hershey school, hope to see her lead the Hershey bike world!
My name is Kemi and I’m from Norristown Pennsylvania. I’ve been in the Zummo Bike community for a bit of a while now. It means a lot to be part of this world. It has taught me a lot of things like life lessons, and different perspectives.
During my time in the Zummo Bike community, I learned responsibility, getting up on time, learning how the bike business works and connected with others who were from similar or completely different backgrounds. Learned a lot from my Zummo friends, adult mentors and the Mathnasium teachers ( earned a Zummo scholarship for 3 years).
Being from Norristown, I understand that not everyone has opportunity. As a young person who earned a bike in third grade for perfect attendance, that bike and the bikes Steve gave to our family (I worked up the courage to ask him - Steve called it good sales work) got me in the community at such a young age. Being part Zummo helped me to learn a lot of new things during my six years and grow as a person. I think if there was another Zummo located in Norristown a lot of other kids would have opportunities to learn and grow as well.
Joan, 6 year vet. Sales & leadership skills, earned a rowing scholarship and is “on fire” with the sport!
Hi my name is Joan and I’m 13 years old. I have been at Zummo bike for 6 years now. Over the years I learned how to work on bikes and be a great sales person. My role in Zummo is usually to work with customers and keep the shop in order such as cleaning where we show of our bikes. My story of Zummo bike is that I went to the Zummo hardware store because my dad wanted a bike. While with my dad at the hardware store, Steve saw how enthusiastic I was and he gave me my first 20” bike. After that he asked if I would like to work with Bo and Faisl and I said yes! Since then I have been working on bikes. When I heard that we could have a chance to have a bike shop in Norristown again I was eager. I hope that Zummo bike can share the love with bikes in norristown again !
Gilberto, 5 year vet. Arrived for his perfect attendance bike as a third grader, we put it on the stand, had him make adjustments and noticed this fellow had exceptional mechanical skill. He was hired! Being a part of Zummo Bike as a young person from Norristown has been an incredible experience. Opportunities like this is very rare, I am so glad and grateful for the opportunity. Learning new strategies and valuable skills of being a mechanic and a salesman is very helpful. The overall vibe at Zummo is truly special because of the amazing people involved. The mentors are incredibly helpful by sharing their knowledge. The customers are also very kind and supportive. If another Zummo Bike were in Norristown it would be a game changer for family’s in the community. We can give the opportunity for young kids from Norristown to become part of the Zummo family.
Faisl, been in and out of the community over the past 5 years, freshman at Kutztown, best skill: SELLING!
Certain of the Uncertain
“Certain of the Uncertain” feels like the right title for how I grew up. A single mom with three kids, and with some luck, I was one of them. All she ever wanted was the best for us, with a little extra emphasis on me as the only boy. At the time, I did not understand the urgency or the relevance of growing up without a father figure. It was simply life as I knew it.
One day, walking down the street window shopping with my mom, I stopped in front of a hardware store. In the window, of all places, were bikes. Yes, bikes. Curiosity took over. I pulled my mom toward the door and launched into a carefully constructed explanation of the tragic condition of my bike at home.
“Oh yeah, Mom, did you see the tread on my tires? They are really bad. And the handlebars, well the handle grips, are worn out. Plus, I am way too tall for the bike now. You do not want me getting hurt, right?”
In my head, I had completely swindled her with pure charisma and early salesman instincts. In her head, she was just there for a space heater. The moment we walked inside, I was hit with the smell. Moldy floorboards mixed with enough grease to start my own burger joint. A tall, lengthy man greeted us from behind the counter. At the time, I did not know it yet, but stepping into that hardware store would be the day certainty finally outweighed the uncertain.
Years later, that certainty showed up again.
“Double-check the hitch. We cannot have this trailer falling off on the bridge on the way to New Jersey,” Steve says, fixing his bucket hat onto his head.
It is a perfect summer afternoon. We are heading to pick up bikes from Paul, a longtime Zummo partner. Once the hitch is secure, we get on the road. The warm summer sun dances on my skin as I look out the window, thinking about nothing and everything at the same time.
An hour and a half later, we arrive. I step out and meet Paul, his daughter, and their dog. We talk bikes, the kind of conversations where you start geeking out without realizing how deep you are into it. We share stories, and I talk about my recent days at the new Zummo location in Rebel Hill. Calling it a location feels generous. Garage is probably more accurate.
We load the bikes, thank Paul again, and start the drive home.
About twenty minutes into the ride, Steve asks a question that sticks with me.
“Why do you think Paul gave us all those bikes for free?”
I look over at Steve, searching his face for the answer before offering one of my own.
“Tax write-off?” I say, not fully confident.
He shrugs. “Sure, that is one reason. But kindness is the real one.”
We talk a little more as the sun begins to set behind us. By the time the sky turns orange, I make a quiet promise to myself to live with that same kind of kindness and to spread it however I can. Not because it is expected, but because it found me when I was not sure there was much of it left.
The kind that tells you when your shoes are untied. The kind your dog shows when it curls up next to you without being asked. The kind you spend your whole life searching for, only to stumble upon it on a random day, window shopping with your mom. That kind of kindness is Zummo’s.
Zummos was always bigger than a small hardware store in Norristown, or a garage you stopped by after responding to a Facebook Marketplace listing.
What I thought was just working on bikes for a paycheck was really learning how to solve problems with my hands. What I thought was selling bikes was the early foundation of becoming a salesman, learning people, trust, and timing. Zummo’s was not just a shop. It was where I grew into myself without even realizing it.
