Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent Brooks.
Brent, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
From the get-go; back during those first conversations in 2013 over tacos and beers at a Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in Euless, Texas; the vision was to have a cool, fun place where riders of all stripes, of all skill levels, and from all walks of life, could kick back and work on their motorcycles.
The ideas started small. What if we rented an airport hangar or empty warehouse and just had a place to hold wrench parties? Over a few hours (and a few more beers) the concept quickly evolved into a full-fledged business concept: a café, and lounge, perhaps even a restaurant, or bar, with a do-it-yourself motorcycle shop attached. The idea was too good to let go, so we held onto it, developed it, and polished it.
Jump forward to 2018, after years of planning and development, as well as years actually working in the motorcycle industry, the timing seemed perfect. So here we are, working toward bringing a community motorcycle shop, café, and lounge to Denton, Texas, to serve our riding community and help it thrive and grow.
As we work on laying the groundwork and opening the doors to the Union Moto café and workshop, we’ll be chronicling our life on two wheels, and sharing what makes the motorcycling community in North Texas tick.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth. The biggest hurdle is securing the financing to launch the DIY shop. I am working to find and develop partnerships with investors so we can get the capital to get the shop open, and it’s slow going. It’s also been challenging to balance building the pitch; the business plan, financial projections, etc. and work toward the goal of getting the shop open while having a regular 9-5 job.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Right now, I specialize in video content, blogging, and motorcycle lifestyle photography. People know me for my ability to capture candid moments among riders as well as cool detail shots of their motorcycles. I put a personal, emotional touch on my content, so it’s fun and meaningful.
I also sell some branded apparel and have plans to expand those offerings in the very near future, as well as branching out to offer more accouterments and accessories to supplement enhance and the moto lifestyle.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely. There’s a void for a DIY motorcycle shop in the DFW area that is filled in other large metropolitan areas (Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, etc.), and given how to spread out the DFW area is, there’s certainly room for more than one. There’s a large and rather tight-knit motorcycling community, and they need a place to go to work on their bikes. DFW is certainly a place where small businesses, creators, and entrepreneurs of all stripes can thrive since there’s such a strong independent spirit here.
Contact Info:
- Website: unionmoto.co
- Email: info@unionmoto.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/union_moto_co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnionMoto/
Image Credit:
Brent Brooks
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