Everyone can recall their senior seminar class preparing young scholars for the real world application of their education. This is where we learn the important interview to do's and not to do's. Come dressed appropriately, prepare proofread and double proofread your resume and cover letter, never wear strong perfume or cologne, never chew gum, always engage eye contact, ask the appropriate questions, and of course take notes! Since learning the basics I've been through a gamut of interviews where all of these tips helped me feel prepared and confident before sitting in the hot seat. Flash forward to the past couple days interviewing with the crew at Studio Velo, and the process has opened my eyes to a whole new world of interview preparation.
As I sat in my Colorado mountain town bedroom, packing for this interview I donned the business suit for my race kit and began to find my list of questions taking a fast shift towards pure quality of life. Pedals-check, spandex-check, passion for opportunity-double check. Here we go!
From the first email contact with shop owner Scott Penzarella, I could immediately sense his passion for what his company offers. This passion and pure sincerity has resonated through each employee, friend, or family member I've met since being here for the past two days. Co-owner Chris Reed picked me up from my shuttle in his truck, with his Ellsworth ready to roll in the back. He brought me back to the shop where I met Jeanie, the right hand woman of Studio Velo and huge aspect of the women's side. Chris and I hit up a great little lunch spot to talk more about the company and the position. Back to the shop where we met up with Scott, who had just gotten back from a powder slaying session at Tahoe. Time to ride!
Now, I love riding. Absolutely 110% pure love for anything involving a bicycle. We set out, get to chatting and I'm told approximately how long we'll ride and that this will be part of my interview. Flash forward three hours, over 4,000 feet of climbing, mud, blood, swet, and a smile from ear to ear. I think I passed the riding test? Mill Valley most definitely proved to be the birth of mountain biking with its great climbs, swooping singletrack, and breathtaking views. I had to remind myself throughout the ride that this was really part of my interview, but found that fact easily slipping my mind as I was completely in my element. Not to mention an acquired case of ADD when it comes to new trails, great company, ocean view in one direction and lush green land in the other. Someone pinch me!
This tone was carried into the next day. I woke up in the beautiful home of Scott and his wife Rachel to Scott's brother Chris preparing coffee and Scott asking me if I want toast or a tortilla with my eggs. My body was a little tired as it's March, and where I live most people's bikes are still hibernating. After some great breakfast and some light stretching, we set out to the shop where I spent a couple hours with Jeanie going over her typical day on the women's side. The clouds started to roll in, a little bit of precipitation began to spit on and off, and here we are putting on our interview spandex again to head out for a road ride. This is where reality set in what a nice road bike feels like. Unlike my "roadbike" at home, I could feel the pure efficiency of the beautiful craftsmanship with each pedal stroke on the Ridley I was allowed to take out that afternoon. It's an amazing tool for training, and what I'm finding a complete necessity in that area. Another over 4,000 feet of climbing coupled with wind, rain, chilly temps resulting in the inability to feel my toes; I fell in love with the road riding in the area. Could someone pinch me again?
Scott and I spent a good portion climbing up Mt. Tam talking details of his expectations and where this position has potential to go. Since that conversation, my mind hasn't turned off. Scott runs a business that has something unique that most businesses lack. That's passion. Passion for what he provides, but also who he employs. The staff of Studio Velo are a great example of "work hard to play hard". Scott wouldn't be offering me a "job", but more a way of life. He'd be giving me the opportunity to incorporate my academic history, work ethic, passion for cycling and community, as well as a future in mountain bike racing, all wrapped up into a career. It's like a happy burrito of my hobbies and my education. I feel as though that's what most people strive for, but little find.
Looking back on the past couple days, I've had to sit back and take it all in. Calm my heart not only from the great riding, but the opportunity that lies ahead. Nothing is for certain, but one thing I do know is that I will never forget this interview process. Thank you to everyone at Studio Velo for taking me in and making me feel so welcome and at home. Ride on
.jpg)
