In an effort to showcase some of the folks who make Contender Bicycles a fully functional business I thought I’d take an in-depth look at a different employee every month or so. But I didn’t just want to scratch the surface with the usual “why are bikes fun” sort of thing I wanted more. I wanted to know the motivation, the highs and lows, and how cycling fits in to one particular individuals life and how they might strike that balance.
My first employee interview was Bill Sherman. Now most everyone knows Bill but for those who don’t here’s a quick run down. He’s been at Contender a little over a year now, was the early morning trainer class leader, and sometimes goes by the name “Shermanator” Here’s our Q&A.
Q: Where’s your hometown?
A: I hail from C-land. That’s Cleveland, OH
Q: College?
A: U of U. I have a B.S. in Business Marketing and was Cum Laude
Q: What is your best day on a bike?
A: The Rivet Ride! I wanted to ride Little Cottonwood Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Millcreek. I not only wanted to do a ride like that but to finish it, and boy did it hurt. Amazingly a bicycle can deliver yoga calming emotions along with race car exhilaration: love it!
Q: How did Utah come to be home?
A: 10 years ago I took a winter off from working with my Dad as a electrician. I took a road trip. I always loved skiing, snowmobiling, and the outdoors. During my road trip I literally took a wrong turn and ended up in Park City. Two months later I was working from ski towers.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: I have mad softball skills
Q: Family members?
A: I met my wife Jeanette is East German and we met in Park City while I was a lift mechanic 10 years ago. 10 years have certainly gone by quickly. We have a daughter Liv who is 3. We made a big family move to Cleveland and it lasted all of 7 months and we came back. Since my wife is German she has taught our daughter the language and she teaches it to me. I look forward to this being to source of many arguments in the future.
Q: Ok the main question, what’s with the Beard? Everyone I know who has a substantial beard has a story behind it.
A: Funny story about the beard. 6 years ago I went on a 10 day backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon. When it was all over it was there and I never questioned it. I’m good to it and it’s good to me.
Q: So what would Bill Sherman like people to know about him?
A: According to the family tree I am a descendant of thee General Sherman (William Tecumseh Sherman)
Well that’s it folks. I don’t know who this famous “General Sherman” is so I gave him a pass on that one. I hope you got an insight to “Shermanator” and his story so far. Keep a look out for more employee interviews. Good stuff coming!
