About Us

  Born in Longview TX, Stephen spent most of his formative years overseas as a child of missionary parents.  His family moved to Monte Carlo for 3 years when he was 3, and then to Bonaire for 6 years at the age of 10, both times with Trans World Radio, a Christian Evangelical Radio Station.   

  Stephen has spent his life serving his community:  working at an array of Christian summer camps in different roles, volunteering in youth mentor programs, taking the role of an assistant house parent at Bethel Bible Village: a group home for teens,  in Tennessee, and working in the child mental health field in Asheville NC for over 15 years. 

   Stephen understands the term underprivileged and decided to make a change in the lives of our community's youth. (He even rode his bike across the USA to raise money for a youth program in Cleveland County in 2003!!)

  In 2010 Stephen unexpectedly became unemployed.  After months of searching for answers, he stepped out in faith and started a youth ride program. The ride program provided free mountain bike outings to youth who would not otherwise have that opportunity. Stephen partnered with schools to host after-school bike clubs, and area youth organizations for summer programming. 

  With the help of the generous WNC community and local bike shops, the program grew and reached our community's youth in ways he never imagined.   He states " I might never see the returns on this investment, but I rest well, knowing that I am making a difference in each youth's life.  Teaching them how to ride a bike, teaching trail etiquette and environmental education, giving them an opportunity to see the world outside of their comfort zones, and instilling a sense of pride will have a positive ripple effect on them for the rest of their lives".   Stephen is careful not to take credit for the success of the program.  "God gave me the talents and opportunity, and it is my responsibility to use those in the best way that I can"

 In 2023 Stephen came to a major fork in the road and had to make the difficult decision to put the ride program on hiatus.   He continues to serve the community, using The Bicycle Thrift Shop as a fundraising tool.  Instead of funding the ride program,  the shop is able to spread the funds across Western NC and continue to have a positive impact on the community.

The Bicycle Thrift Shop not only provides good/affordable used bikes, parts and gear to the general public, it also offers sponsorships and financial support to area youth ride programs, trail advocacy organizations, and greenway,  fulfilling the mission of providing access to cycling for youth families and individuals who would not otherwise have that opportunity.   For more  information, contact Stephen at thebicyclethriftshop@gmail.com