Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Minks.
Hi Jonathan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Jonathan Minks is the owner and founder of Jonny Rock Bikes, a Twin Cities bicycle shop that began with a leap of faith in 2011. After spending 15 years in professional business-to-business sales and enduring two years of unemployment during the recession, Minks decided to reinvent himself by turning his lifelong passion for bicycles into a career. Using just $5,000 from his 401(k), he opened his first shop in Hopkins, Minnesota, building the business from the ground up. In 2020, he expanded with a second location in Bloomington just as the COVID-19 pandemic began, navigating unprecedented challenges while helping meet the surge in cycling demand. Today, Minks remains a strong advocate for cycling, outdoor recreation, and community involvement. A husband, father, former chair of the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Commission, and local civic advocate, he continues to promote healthy, active lifestyles and community engagement throughout Bloomington and the Twin Citie
Im also a Veteran with the MN Army National Guard .
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a business from the ground up has not been a smooth road. Starting with limited capital meant carefully managing every dollar while competing against larger retailers and online sellers. Over the years, some of the biggest challenges have included finding and retaining skilled employees, rising operating costs, increasing supplier prices, and the changing habits of consumers who increasingly shop online. Commercial real estate costs and barriers to filling vacant retail spaces have also created obstacles for small businesses. Despite these challenges, adapting to a rapidly changing marketplace and continuing to serve local customers has been a key part of the journey and the business’s long-term success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Jonny Rock Bikes LLC?
Jonny Rock Bikes is a locally owned independent bicycle shop with two Twin Cities locations in Hopkins and Bloomington. Unlike large corporate chains, our focus is on making cycling affordable and accessible to everyone. In addition to new bicycles, we specialize in quality used and refurbished bicycles, providing lower-cost options for riders of all ages and budgets. We are also known for our expert repair, service, and restoration work, offering personalized customer service and quick turnaround times that have earned us a loyal following throughout the region.
As a community-focused business, we strongly support shopping local and keeping dollars circulating within the local economy. We are committed to environmental sustainability through extensive recycling programs for bicycle tires, tubes, metal, cardboard, and plastics. Our stores serve both traditional bicycle and e-bike riders, and over the years we have been recognized with numerous local awards and industry honors. Beyond our retail operations, we regularly share our expertise through media appearances and industry events, helping promote cycling and supporting the growth of independent bicycle retailers across the country.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Being grateful and knowing what it means to work hard to achieve your dreams
Pricing:
- Tune ups starts. at $109.99
- New Bicycles start at $500-900
- Used Bicycles start $200-300
- Flat Repair Pricing starts at $15.00 plus parts
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonnyrockbikes.com
- Instagram: jonnyrockbikes
- Facebook: jonnyrockbikes
