After spending over 35 years in the bicycle industry leading the company that he founded, Steve Hawley has sold his remaining interest in HLC and embarked on a new venture.
Hawley opened The Hawley Company in 1985 and grew his distribution company to be one of the top suppliers in the industry. In 2010, he partnered with Cycles Lambert of Canada and continued to lead the company as the President of the US operation while expanding operations to Reno, NV and Harrisburg, PA. In 2016, he stepped down as President and remained involved on the Executive Advisory Board of the two companies that are known today as HLC. Hawley has now completed his exit strategy by selling his remaining shares and interest in HLC as of the end of 2020. "It's been a great ride. I've had the honor of working with some of the best people in the industry, and have gained many friends and relationships around the world. HLC is in great hands with the current management and leadership team, so it was a good time for me to complete my exit and move on to the next chapter" stated Hawley.
This new chapter and venture involves working with Transworld Business Advisors. Transworld is the largest business brokerage service in the US. They have been in business over 40 years and have sold over 10,000 businesses through their 700 agents and 200 offices. "I've been fortunate to experience the benefits that come with being a business owner, and now I've experienced the freedom and financial rewards that come with the sale of the business. Selling my business was the culmination of a lifelong dream....to start a business, to grow it successfully, and then sell it. I've learned so much about business along the way, and now I'm using this experience to help others who have similar aspirations."
Due to the current bike boom driven by Covid-19, most IBDs and brands are now well-positioned financially. Interest and demand in cycling is up, inventory is in great shape, debt is paid down, and the business financials over the past 12 months look outstanding. "Covid-19 has definitely created both buying and selling opportunities. Often, a business owner may be interested in selling, but has many questions and doesn't know who to ask. Through my 35 years of contacts and knowledge of the industry, as well as with the expertise that Transworld brings to the table, I'm in a great position to help and be a resource. If you've considered selling your bike shop, brand, distribution or manufacturing operation, you couldn't ask for a better scenario."
Steve Hawley can be reached at www.tworld.com/columbiawest or by email at shawley@tworld.com
