Business Conversations: Hingham Cycle

For James Drew, working at Hingham Cycle is just like home.

That's not only because as a small business owner with a relatively new enterprise he spends much of his time there, but also because he is literally surrounded by family.

On either side of Hingham Cycle, at 191 Beal St., are Hingham Dog Care, owned by his brother Wes Drew, and Hingham Toy Storage, a high-end storage facility for adult toys, such as classic cars, motorcycles and boats owned by his parents James and Susan Drew.

Hingham Patch will feature 10 questions with business owners every Monday. See James Drew's interview below.

What did you do before?

Drew said he always worked in small businesses, including in construction, property management and trucking. He graduated from Hingham High School and learned to repair motorcycles while handling maintenance for many of those previous employers. He also graduated from the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Orlando.

Why did you open in Hingham?

Drew grew up in Hingham and considers it home. The location is also prime – right off Route 3A – and he is, of course, near all those family members.

"To have a thriving business in the community, to give back to the community," he said. 

What do you like most about Hingham?

"Hingham's got kind of a small-town feel," Drew said, but it is also close to Boston. You can be near the action of the big city but not stuck in it.

When did you open?

Hingham Cycle was incorporated on Nov. 11, 2011, so today (and Veterans Day every year) is the business anniversary. Drew said he did not host a grand opening two years ago and that he will just keep plugging on today. Maybe at five years he will celebrate, as that would mark a significant milestone for a small business.

How do you maintain reasonable repair rates?

Unlike most dealerships, "Every square foot of my shop is dedicated to work," Drew said. He also has good parts connections, meaning much of what his customers need is either in house or at most a night or two days away. 

When Hingham Cycle first opened, Drew offered repair services for lawnmowers, chainsaws, power washers and other small-engine devices. But since then he has moved toward motorcycles-only, allowing him to focus his energy.

What's your favorite motorcycle?

Drew said it is hard to pick just one. It's like saying "What's your favorite sweatshirt?" he said. You have one for really cold weather, one for rainy weather, another for a cool spring day. 

He did mention a few standouts, such as the 600RR Honda, 1969 Harley-Davidson Sportster and Road King. 

"It's a love for bikes, not just one type or style," he said.

Where do you get your inspiration for custom work?

Working with a customer on a custom bike is a give and take, Drew said. Often customers will provide him with several photos of different motorcycles, saying they like different aspects of each. He will then work to incorporate those into a final product.

"We find the direction they really want to go," he said.

There are also unforeseeable parts of the process that will come up, and that is when knowing the customer's personality and preferences is especially important. Drew said he works hard to make a customization fit, by putting in sweat and love, rather than just adding a kit.

How do you spend your free time?

What little free time Drew has – in the early years of opening a small business, it can be all-consuming, especially during the summer for a seasonal business like Drew's – he spends it with friends and family. 

"I don't go home when the shop closes," he said. "[But] I try to find a good balance."

How many employees do you have?

Drew and another certified motorcycle mechanic are the two full-time mechanics. He also has an intern from the South Shore Collaborative and uses additional mechanics and repair specialists as needed.

What one thing would you make easier for small businesses in Hingham?

Drew said that in his two years operating Hingham Cycle he has not had any major problems. "As I'm here longer I'm sure I'll see some stuff."

If you would like to be featured in our weekly Business Conversations article, email joseph.markman@patch.com.