Our Story
Our Story - Our Early Days in Hermosa Beach
Born and raised in Naperville, IL, Dustin and Mike always had a dream of living by the beach. They had been friends since they were children and always shared a love for bikes, fun, and the great outdoors. They had always loved the Midwest, the different seasons, and the snowy winters, but they had envisioned a different future.
In 2003, after graduating college, they made the decision to live out their dream. They packed their things and made their way to California. It didn’t take them long to find a home in Hermosa Beach.
Initially, their career paths took them in different directions landing Mike in the steel industry and Dustin in the entertainment industry. It didn’t take long, however, for them to realize that their hearts really belonged to the beach and everything that Beachbikes is about.
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2005
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2006
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2007
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2008
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2012
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2015
They could finally ride their bikes from work down to the beach everyday and always remember why they are doing what they are doing... to live the beach bike lifestyle and to spread the joy it brings. It's not just about riding a bike, it's about enjoying life, moving freely and being happy. Dustin and Mike's Vision for Beachbikes is not complete yet. They will continue to build the community with the goal of improving the lives of those that take a ride.
Hermosa Store (Open for Business)
May 2012 - 7 Years after Beachbikes was formed
Finally in May 2012, that dream became reality and they opened Beachbikes Hermosa Beach. They could finally ride their bikes from work down to the beach everyday and always remember why they are doing what they are doing... to live the beach bike lifestyle and to spread the joy it brings. It's not just about riding a bike, it's about enjoying life, moving freely and being happy. Dustin and Mike's Vision for Beachbikes is not complete yet. They will continue to build the community with the goal of improving the lives of those that take a ride.
Hermosa Store (Pre-Renovation)
April 2012 - 7 Years after Beachbikes was formed
In 2010, after much debate Dustin and Mike closed the San Diego store to focus their local store efforts on LA and Orange County area. Their goal was to open a store in the city that started it all, Hermosa Beach, CA.
Westminster Store Unfinished
August 2008 - 3.5 Years After Beachbikes was formed
In August 2008, Dustin and Mike opened the third Beachbikes location on Beach Blvd. in Westminster, CA. It was their first location in Orange County. After opening Westminster the next two years were busy for Beachbikes. Operating three stores plus shipping bikes all over the world. Mike and Dustin kept their vision of spreading the culture of the beach cruiser. They want as many people to experience the freedom and happiness a beach bike can bring.
Warner Brothers Studio
August 2007 - 2 Years After Beachbikes was formed (Angus T. Jones on a bike to the right)
During the next year the Beachbikes brand continued to grow and many companies began to call on Dustin and Mike for custom bikes. Many TV shows like Two and a Half Men, The West Wing, True Blood, and 24 all wanted to give beach cruisers to their cast and crew as gifts. Word was spreading fast about the joy of riding a cruiser bike.
San Diego Store
January 2007 - 1.75 Years After Beachbikes was formed
With the goal of spreading the culture and brand all over Southern California, in January 2007 Dustin and Mike opened another Beachbikes location in San Diego, CA. It was their goal to bring the same Beach Bike experience to San Diego that was already being enjoyed in Los Angeles.
Torrance Store
October 2006 - 1.5 Years After Beachbikes was formed.
Things ran smoothly and Beachbikes continued to grow. People from all over Southern California drove to their location to shop for cruiser bikes. It was becoming clear that Beach Bikes was the place to buy a beach cruiser.
The Warehouse
October 2005 - Six months after Beachbikes was formed (That's Dustin to the left)
This warehouse became the first "store" for Beachbikes. After moving in more and more customers began coming to the warehouse to buy bikes. Shipping sales also increased and soon bikes were being shipped all over the country on a daily basis. Mike quit his job and was running operations full time while Dustin continued to work another job. Soon Mike needed help and he hired a few employees to help ship and build bikes.
After one year of being in the warehouse, in October 2006 they had outgrown the space. They made the decision to double their space and rent a 2,200 sq. ft. warehouse in the front of the building they were currently renting in. At the same time Dustin decided it was time he quit his job and come onboard full time to Beachbikes. In the new warehouse, they would setup their first true showroom. It was simple but it provided a place for customers to shop.
The Original Garage
June 2005 - Three Months after Beachbikes was formed
Early in April 2005, by a twist of fate, Dustin called Mike to show him a gift he had just received from his girlfriend. It was a brand new beach bike, both were immediately in love... the comfort, the style, the ease of riding... and of course the lifestyle. It was everything they had been searching for. From that moment it became their purpose to spread the word about the beach bike. Within one week the business was formed, the first order was placed and bikes were delivered to Mike's garage in Hermosa Beach. Armed with only their passion and excitement, their first weekend "in business" they sold 15 bikes.
