When you step into Gpa’s Bike Shop, it’s more than a place to buy or repair a bike — it’s the heart of a community built on passion, perseverance, and genuine care. Owner Mark Elia never set out to run a bike shop. In fact, just eight years ago, cycling wasn’t even part of his life. But after a serious health wake-up call, a few friends convinced him to give riding a try, and that single ride changed everything.
What started as a hobby soon became a calling.
Before bikes, Mark was known locally as “the butcher.” He ran Elia’s Meat Market, a beloved neighborhood shop that had served his town since 2002. After retiring from the Culinary Institute, he found himself drawn to bicycles, fixing them, restoring them, and eventually donating dozens to local children’s homes.
During the pandemic, when bikes were hard to find, Mark’s collection of refurbished bicycles became a lifeline for his community. That’s when the hobby turned into a business and Elia’s Meat Market transformed into Gpa’s Bike Shop.
“I always joke that the only thing perishable in the store now is me,” Mark laughs. “But really, it’s been the perfect retirement job. It just felt right, like I was supposed to be here.”
For Mark, the secret to success isn’t about sales — it’s about service. His philosophy is simple:
“Customer service without customer service is nothing. You can have the best prices or the best skills, but if you don’t care, you’ve got nothing.”
Mark still lives by the same ten-second rule he enforced in his butcher shop years ago: every customer must be greeted within ten seconds of walking in. Whether it’s a friendly hello, a smile, or a quick “I’ll be right with you,” he believes acknowledgment is the foundation of respect and loyalty.
“Today’s cable adjustment could be tomorrow’s bike sale,” he says. “People remember how you make them feel.”
Mark’s connection to his town runs deep. He’s lived there his entire life and his shop reflects his love for the people around him. Beyond repairing bikes, he’s constantly looking for ways to give back.
One of his upcoming community projects, “Put a Lid On It,” encourages kids to wear helmets by rewarding them with coupons for free pizza or ice cream when he spots them riding safely. “The distance from your head to the ground doesn’t change,” he says. “Whether you’re going down the street or across town, wear your helmet.”
If you follow Gpa’s Bike Shop on Instagram (@gpas_bike_shop), you’ll see Mark’s passion come alive through his videos, from hands-on repair demonstrations to heartfelt community messages.
“When you speak about what you love, it’s easy,” he says. “You can’t fake passion, and you can’t bluff your way through what you don’t know. Be honest, be yourself, and your customers will see that.”
In a world focused on speed and profit, Mark stands by a slower, steadier approach to success.
“I believe in slow nickels over fast dollars. Take your time, do it right, care about what you do — and the business will grow.”
That authenticity has paid off. What began as a few used bikes in the corner of a former butcher shop is now a thriving hub for cyclists, families, and friends, all drawn by Mark’s dedication to service and community.
Mark’s advice for fellow small business owners is simple yet profound:
“Care. Care about what you do, and the rest will follow. You’re not going to please everyone, but every challenge is a chance to learn. Be true to yourself, be true to your customers, and everything else will fall into place.”
Follow Gpa’s Bike Shop on Instagram at @gpas_bike_shop and experience what happens when passion, purpose, and community come together, one ride at a time.
