A Word From the President

James Stanfill, President of the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association... not that other guy.

Here we are, with the first of December just around the corner, and there are currently 7,567 "members" of the Facebook PBMA group as of this writing. 7,567 people who share some thought(s), idea(s) or interest(s) in the title discussion - Professional Mechanics.

When this first started out, the audience was far smaller and our team was asked for many things.  We've listened, we've responded, we've produced...but we still have a lot to do and we are ready to do it.

We opened up official membership... you can now join and be an actual member of our association. The current benefit list is already substantial and it's going to keep growing.

We've built a forum that is up, running and it's open to anyone. But our PBMA members receive broader access and a secure discussion space.

We've got surveys!  Take one, take two...even volunteer to help write future efforts.  Your info, your opinion, your knowledge and your numbers will help in providing insight and statistics to the conversations we are having that will impact the entire cycling industry.

Our team is working hard...really hard. Myself and the other board members spend countless hours making calls, attending meetings, mapping out ideas and making things happen. How do we quantify and show what we've been doing for those who need to see it?  Good Question.

It's hard actually to show discussions, conversations, emails and phone calls in a quantitive format.  I suppose printing each email is an option and a phone transaction record but who wants to look at piles and piles of paper.  Lego blocks would be cool, you could really keep track that way as we construct what can only be known as the best tower!  I suppose what I am saying to is that we are getting a lot done and making headway on our mission goals of promotion, advocacy and development that will directly benefit professional bicycle mechanics.

But we still need your help. We can not do all of this alone, and we can not do it without financial support.  Many arms go up at the notion of any single major player stepping in and driving the direction of the PBMA.  As both individuals and as a large group of individuals each one of you can have a say in that.  You can have a direct impact on what the PBMA focuses on (remember, we really do listen) and how dependent or independent we are from financial donors at the corporate level.

Join as a member. Become a genuine part of the conversation. Not just on Facebook, but in real life. As a PBMA Member you automatically receive discounts from Pedros, Hirobel, Mountain Khaki, Presta Cycle and others. Do you realize if you simply bought a Master Tool Kit 3.1 from Pedro's, you would save more money with your PBMA membership discount than the membership dues actually cost? You'll also receive big discounts on PBMA branded merchandise so you can show the world that you support professional mechanics.

As a PBMA Member you'll be able to list yourself or your shop in our growing Find a Mechanic Directory.  As a Mechanic Member you'll receive a metal placard to display at your workbench.

We are working on growing these benefits but we're always looking to provide more and broader benefits. If you've got an idea that would help, let us know and we will see how viable it is.  We're currently working with Insurance providers, looking for ways to offer coverages to mechanics. Our Certification, Training and Endorsement programs are a major part of those conversations.  

Most importantly if you join now through the end of the today you can take part in #GivingTuesday.

What's GivingTuesday all about? It's really simple.  Join the PBMA at any level.  Donate to World Bicycle Relief (WBR).  WBR will receive matching donations all day long today.  Imagine if 7,567 people from this group each donated just a dollar.  That produces more than $15,000 in donations to WBR programs, that's 102 bikes or double that in tools and replacement parts for the mechanics in the most remote of remote areas who are keeping these Buffalo Bikes on the road.

It gets better.  Email your donation receipt to Membership@ProBMA.org and we will return your donation X2 (up to your membership dollar amount) to your PayPal account.  Join before or after you've made the donation.  We will honor the offer for all membership from November 17th until December 3rd but your donation receipt must be dated November 29th.

​This is stretching your dollar for one of the best causes around and brings you into the world of the PBMA as a full member.

Thank you for being a part of this conversation.  Let's move the needle together!

James Stanfill