Disabled Iraq War Veteran Receives SBDC Veteran Entrepreneur Of The Year Award
“The best part about being an Iraq war veteran and owning an electric assisted bicycle business is witnessing our customers happily aid in lessening the U.S.’ dependence upon foreign oil.”
BROOKLYN, NY (PRWEB) APRIL 27, 2015
New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Central, the leading provider of technical assistance to small businesses fostering local and regional economic development through job creation and retention, announced that Propel Bikes’ Owner, Chris Nolte, won the 2015 Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year™ award on April 20, 2015. This coveted award represents New York’s most prestigious business recognition for veteran entrepreneurs. Nolte was honored for growing Propel Bikes into a highly-innovative, best-in-class electric-assisted bicycle business, and was also recognized for inspiring others with his vision, leadership, and achievement.
Nolte began servicing bikes as a hobby in the late 1990’s. This passion for bicycle rejuvenation carried over into 2011, when Nolte opened up his first electric bike operation in a small second floor office. In 2014, foot traffic along with sales continued to rise and after two moves to larger locations, Chris readily accepted another new adventure. Chris and his team saw an opportunity for growth and this May, Propel’s flagship store will open it’s doors along the renowned Greenway Initiative Bike Path in Brooklyn, NY. Nolte looks forward to bringing this exciting technology to a greater audience while continuing to support the cyclists who are presently participating in the transformation of the way we move.
“I am both honored and humbled to win this year’s Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year Award,” said Chris Nolte, Owner of Propel Bikes. “Our efforts to innovate, excite and grow not only Propel Bikes, but also the entire transportation industry, have paid off. While truly an honor worth celebrating, we can’t stop here. Our mission is to continue to transform the field of transportation into an affordable and sustainable industry.”
The Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year Award encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential, while also recognizing the contributions of those who motivate others through leadership and resolve. Nolte was distinguished as a high-growth entrepreneur who has demonstrated extraordinary success in areas including transportation innovation, customer service, and personal commitment to the business and community.
Having directly participated in transporting fuel in Kuwait and Iraq, Nolte took it as a personal mission to aid in lessening the United States’ dependence upon the usage of foreign oil. Nolte explains, “The best part about being an Iraq war veteran and owning an electric assisted bicycle business is witnessing our customers happily aid in lessening the U.S.’ dependence upon foreign oil. It’s really exciting to meet all those who share in my passion.”
View the press release on prweb.com.