Nathan Brower and Josh Welch are the heart and soul behind Southern Cycles, a licensed, certified, and insured shop that services and repairs American and Japanese motorcycles. With over 65 years of combined experience, they take immense pride in their superior customer service and workmanship.
Starting Out
Nathan's passion for motorcycles began at around six years old when his dad brought home a little Honda 50 mini trail. He rode it tirelessly, and this passion never faded. He recalls the thrill of riding until the gas ran out, then running to refill it just to keep going until dark. After joining the Marine Corps at 18, he got his first street bike, a 1988 Honda Hurricane 600, before turning 19 and has loved the hobby ever since. After his honorable discharge, he pursued an education in Motorcycle Mechanics at MMI in Orlando, graduating top of his class, achieving awards including Honda Top Tech, Suzuki Top Tech, Suzuki Select Tech, Perfect Attendance Award, Director’s List Award, and more. He started working in dealerships and eventually became the co-owner of Southern Cycles, where he has been for about 16 years. Nathan remembers the early days of Southern Cycles, starting out in a two-bay garage and quickly outgrowing it due to their growing customer base.
Josh's introduction to motorcycles happened at three years old on his uncle's farm in Iowa. Riding a mini bike with his dad sparked a sense of freedom that hooked him for life. He fondly remembers the moment he realized he was riding on his own, without his dad holding on. He got his first dirt bike, a Suzuki JR 50, at four and enjoyed off-road racing in his younger years. Realizing he wouldn't go pro, Josh pursued Motorcycle Mechanics at MMI in Phoenix, specializing in Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki while maintaining a 4.0. After moving to Florida, he worked his way up in the industry, gaining advanced certifications and experience. Josh co-founded Southern Cycles with Nathan and is excited to share his expertise and passion with their customers.
Experiences
The biggest struggle in owning a business has been earning new customers' trust. Many shops don't provide quality work or listen to their customers, leading to apprehension. Southern Cycles sets itself apart with excellent customer service, attentiveness, and clear communication. They take the time to explain things to customers, ensuring they understand what they're getting. In addition, their team is constantly willing to help each other out, which can play a crucial role in overcoming challenges. Nathan and Josh both emphasize the importance of treating customers like family and maintaining a culture of passion and enthusiasm for motorcycles.
One of their favorite customer stories involves a long-time client named Mike. Mike brought in his vintage Harley-Davidson for a complete overhaul. He was initially skeptical, having had bad experiences with other shops. Nathan and Josh took the time to walk him through every step of the process, explaining what needed to be done and why. When Mike saw the finished product, he was blown away. The bike ran like new, and Mike couldn't stop smiling. He even brought in donuts for the team the next day as a thank you.
Another memorable story is about a young woman named Sarah who wanted to customize her Honda Rebel. She had a vision but wasn't sure how to bring it to life. Josh sat down with her, listened to her ideas, and helped design a custom look that matched her personality. The transformation was stunning, and Sarah was thrilled. She later sent a heartfelt thank-you note, expressing how much the bike meant to her and how it boosted her confidence.
After 23 years in the industry, Josh finds it fascinating that no two repairs are ever the same. Bikes constantly present new challenges, and manufacturers' evolving designs create different problems. This variety keeps the work interesting and exciting. Nathan shares similar sentiments, enjoying the continuous learning and problem-solving that comes with each unique repair.
Nathan advises keeping your nose to the grindstone. The industry is tough initially, and you learn a lot on the job. Persistence is key, and while you won't become a millionaire, enjoying what you do is more important than the money. Josh echoes Nathan's advice, emphasizing the need for passion. The financial rewards aren't the main motivation in this industry. Hard work and dedication are essential to making it work. If you're not passionate, it won't happen.
Thorogood
Nathan swears by the American Legacy series from Thorogood. He loves the comfort and the rounded toe without stitching. The little metal American flag on the laces and the tag hanging off the sides are a bonus. Supporting American products is important to him, and he likes to show it. Nathan discovered Thorogood boots through his shop foreman, who praised their American-made quality. As veterans, Nathan and his team appreciate this aspect. Nathan's boots have lasted him 4-5 years, with three resoles, proving their durability. The leather remains strong and waterproof, making them a long-lasting investment. Nathan also owns Thorogood Workwear pants, which he finds superior to other brands in terms of durability and fit.
Josh values Thorogood for being an American company with quality materials. He believes in spending money wisely, just like with tools and equipment at the shop. Seeing Nathan's boots withstand heavy use speaks to their quality. For Josh, comfort is crucial. He hates feeling fatigued from wearing the wrong gear. Thorogood boots allow him to go home without aching feet, enabling him to spend time with his children and enjoy his hobbies without needing a break.
Conclusion
Nathan and Josh's dedication to their craft and their commitment to quality and customer service make Southern Cycles a standout shop for motorcycle enthusiasts. Their journey and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone interested in pursuing a career in motorcycle mechanics.
