a bit about Brent Williams

In his own words:

I'm currently the chief bike mechanic/fitter for Quest Therapy Consultants, Inc, an independent PT practice specializing in endurance athletics. I also work neutral support when time allows. My primary responsibilities as a mechanic relate to our PT patients or training clients with fit or cycling equipment related performance issues, as well as optimizing and modifying bikes, wheelchairs and other related equipment on behalf our clients.

Also, I'm "bi-vocational". My day job is as the Executive Vice President of Sangetsu America, a Japan based architectural products manufacturer.
 
I got my first bike when I was 5 years old, it was a pink, single speed, coaster brake equipped girl's bike that my father bought from our next door neighbor. Thankfully, he backed the car over it (my fault) soon after, requiring a trip to Western Auto for my first "real" bike. I've been riding ever since. Bikes and cycling technologies have advanced, but my love riding hasn't diminished over the last 50 years.

I'm involved in the PBMA because the cycling industry as a whole is struggling. Shops are closing, staff is being laid off and the internet is disrupting the business as it used to be. Having said that, having a skilled, professional mechanic for a typical cyclist to trust and rely on is a huge benefit. Cycling needs to rebound and grow world-wide, yet the industry is increasingly going to "direct to user" sales...undermining their own ability to sell bikes. The technologies of today's bikes demand a highly skilled and articulate mechanic, armed with training and access to information that allows them to handle almost any situation that a modern cyclist could put before them. 

Almost every major skilled trade has a professional society or other similar organization to help grow the craft and share innovations, through continuing education, research and certification...but not the cycling mechanical industry. The need is clearly there, the craft is deserving, so I volunteer my time to the PBMA in the hopes that we're able to make a much brighter tomorrow for all bike mechanics.

I see plenty of change ahead for the entire cycling industry. Delivery models are going to continue to shift around, shops are going to continue closing, concepts like truck-based service are going to come and go...but the common denominator is the mechanic. My personal belief is the single most powerful tool to grow cycling in the US is by having easy access to skilled, trained mechanics, no matter where the work. 

I personally envision a future where the value of a bike mechanic is understood and valued by the general public. I'm also hoping that this organization is the primary reason that public perception and that the mechanics themselves will proudly wear the title of "Member of the PBMA".