By the time he was 18 years old, Chris had developed his first affection for selling the very thing he was so passionate about. Spending his last $100, he purchased 55 used bicycles from a police auction; with intentions of repairing and reselling each bicycle. Still studying computer science in college, Chris began to consider an altogether different career path. At the start of the new millenniu
m, as a way to earn his college tuition, Chris enlisted in the U.S. His future plans were put on indefinite hold after the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Having directly participated in transporting fuel in Kuwait and Iraq, Chris took it as a personal mission to aid in lessening the United States’ dependence upon the usage of foreign oil. He explains “[by doing so] we can help prevent any further loss of life in the fight for energy resources overseas.”
After suffering a back injury and returning home as a disabled combat veteran, Chris found himself unable to exercise the way he had in the past. It was particularly discouraging to be kept from riding his beloved bicycles. Rather than dwell on his misfortune, he decided to search for viable alternatives. It wasn’t long before he settled on his first electric-assisted bike. His passion for bicycles was reinvigorated and he realized he had to share it with the world. As a result Long Island Electric Bikes was born. Beginning with only six bikes in a second-floor office in Suffolk County, NY; quickly evolving into a spacious warehouse with an ever-expanding selection of top quality e-bikes and accessories. Chris relied on his experience as a web marketer to rapidly build his business into one of the nation’s leading dealers of electric-assisted bicycles. With his business already succeeding and growing, Chris has decided to take the next logical step and open a neighborhood bike shop with an emphasis on high quality products and nothing but the best customer service. Long Island Electric Bikes has advanced into what is now known as Propel; a full-service source for the world’s best e-bikes, cargo/utility bikes and related accessories. Armed with a conviction that the nation is ready for an electric bike explosion, Chris has taken on a few employees and acquired a storefront on Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn. He’s looking forward to taking an active role in developing New York’s trendsetting cycling community, while personally witnessing even more smiling faces ride away on their bicycles. Feel free to stop by and introduce yourself. We look forward to your visit!
