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I think that service is a big part of my success;<br />
I offer fast turnaround, which my customers<br />
appreciate. I also spend quite a bit of time<br />
educating my customers, especially those who<br />
don’t understand the capabilities and limitations<br />
of their bikes.<br />
Who are your role models? Who are the<br />
people who helped you along the way?<br />
My mom and dad. My mom does my taxes, and<br />
my dad loans me money every now and then.<br />
What is it about your business that you are<br />
most proud of?<br />
That I opened it and that I’ll have something to<br />
show for my work in the future.<br />
Where do you see yourself and your<br />
company in the future?<br />
I plan to attend Barnett Bicycle Institute in Colo.<br />
after I graduate from high school. After that, I am<br />
going to come back to Bismarck to expand my<br />
company.<br />
What do your friends think about your<br />
business?<br />
They think it’s pretty cool.<br />
About the Y.E.S.S. Awards<br />
<strong>City</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> and <strong>Dick</strong>inson State University’s<br />
Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and<br />
Innovation’s Young Entrepreneur Success Story<br />
(Y.E.S.S.) Award winner will be announced each<br />
issue. We will profile individuals who personify the<br />
entrepreneurial spirit of our state and offer advice<br />
to others facing similar challenges as our featured<br />
entrepreneur. Experts tell us there is a strong<br />
correlation between innovation, entrepreneurial<br />
activity and a region’s economic vitality. Creative<br />
young adults are key to North Dakota’s economic<br />
future. If you know of an entrepreneur under 30 who<br />
is making a difference, we invite your nominations.<br />
Email us at <strong>City</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>, thecitymagazine@<br />
unitedprinting.com, or call us at 701-223-0505.<br />
Our Advice:<br />
<strong>City</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> asked Tyler’s mom, Dawn<br />
Herman, for some advice on how to encourage<br />
and support young entrepreneurs. She<br />
said, “Starting a business as Tyler did give<br />
him a lot of responsibility at a young age.”<br />
When customers come in, Dawn is proud<br />
to say that her son never puts work off until<br />
the next day. “He finishes the repair and<br />
will usually call the customer that same<br />
night to tell him that the bike is ready to be<br />
picked up.”<br />
The rule around the Herman house was<br />
always that the kids needed to work to pay<br />
for half of anything that they wanted to buy.<br />
Dawn and her husband Steve believe that<br />
this rule taught Tyler the value of a dollar.<br />
“We told him not to be afraid to try. The<br />
company may make it or not, but at least<br />
you tried.”<br />
April 2009 35
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