Shit, I got burned on my first two customer jobs. Paid me half of what their bill was. Last time I let a bike(s) go out my shop doors without the full bill covered. I’ll never quit though, love this shit too much. Super inspiring video
This is the stuff I like from your guy's podcasts - the actual details of running a shop. The drunken shenanigans don't suck, either (smile), but honestly knowing this stuff actually puts my mind at ease when I'm dealing with motorcycle dealers. I"m really looking forward to the next episodes.
Just found this channel. I am working on an accountants degree but i'm also creating a plan for my garage to become a moto workshop. I constantly have this thought that I want to work on bikes instead of just riding them.
Awesome Story, and totally Agree about the "HIT", saw/watched my first dirt bike race when i was 5yrs old, by the time i was 6, i got my first dirt bike, its been Game on Since ;) !
Love the drink, the 80's (I'm the age of your father) isn't that long ago and I have one of your "ran when last parked" T-shirts. One of these years I hope to visit your shop from California. Being an old Cafe-Racer wrench I'm presently I'm resto-modding a mid-80's Guzzi V65 SP. One of these days I hope to purchase a Vespa.
Liza (and all the Misfits) are a totally different game. I absolutely adore them and I don't want them to change. We have to be different, if we were more similar it would be too much!
Just opened a custom motorcycle shop 2 months ago (after 10 years doing it beside a full time job)! And having a blast at it! Wonder where I wil be in 20 years... Inspirational story Phil! Greats Arthur, Moto Adonis Motorcycles, Holland.
As someone who grew up a lot like you, I can totally relate. I still own and operate my own shop, albeit an exclusive, appointment only kind of place where I'm not relegated to dealership rules and I can freely tell idiots to fuck off. I sold the motorcycle salvage business I started 16 years ago (that paid for my hobby) earlier this year but kept my shop. I "retired" for about a month, but that didn't work out so well for me mentally. I love getting up in the morning and going to work. I don't even care if I make money at it. That's entirely secondary. As long as it covers the bills, I'm happy. My first bike was a CT90 that my dad bought in the 70's, back when the gas wars were going on. He never rode it and it sat in the garage for years and I sat on it and made "vroom-vroom" noises until one day, my legs were finally long enough to reach the ground and I convinced Dad that he should let me ride it. That's where it all started for me and it's been a great ride ever since. Great story. Thank you.
There was a group from the Cleveland Institue of Art led by Chris Ramsay. It was many years ago and they were a blast to have around the shop. They even prototyped some marketing materials as part of the project.
That's a good question, send that question as an email and I bet Phil will give you an at length answer in a new video! motostorieswithunkiephil@gmail.com
You're not kidding. It changed everything. But, more than that, it was reliable, and sustainable. You didn't have to be a Lawyer to own it, or a mechanic to keep it on the road. It has earned it's legendary status.
5 minutes into this and already thinking this is the best story ever! Super motivating and maybe I can actually open a dealership!
Shit, I got burned on my first two customer jobs. Paid me half of what their bill was. Last time I let a bike(s) go out my shop doors without the full bill covered. I’ll never quit though, love this shit too much. Super inspiring video
I really enjoyed his story 👍
Ty!!
This guy inspired me to turn my hobby into my income stream .. i love scooters and small engines .. and tiny vw's im going to turn this into reality
This is the stuff I like from your guy's podcasts - the actual details of running a shop. The drunken shenanigans don't suck, either (smile), but honestly knowing this stuff actually puts my mind at ease when I'm dealing with motorcycle dealers. I"m really looking forward to the next episodes.
Just found this channel. I am working on an accountants degree but i'm also creating a plan for my garage to become a moto workshop. I constantly have this thought that I want to work on bikes instead of just riding them.
Awesome Story, and totally Agree about the "HIT", saw/watched my first dirt bike race when i was 5yrs old, by the time i was 6, i got my first dirt bike, its been Game on Since ;) !
Thank you! :D
It's probably why I'll always love the CB750K
The clinking glass really solidifies the experience for me. Great video, can't wait to see more.
Awesome, thank you!
It's much easier to remember fun times with a drink in my hand.
You are true entrepreneur. Congratulations.
Posted 4 years ago, and will still be relevant in 20 years. Great story, super fun vid. Thanks Unkie Phil!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Really enjoyed the video. Can't believe I have known you this long and didn't know the story of how it all started!
Loved this👍. Phil you've always been a great story teller. Part of the reason I've been listening to the podcast all these years. Keep it up!
Looking forward to the videos Phil. I'll have a wee whisky ready for watching the next one to drink with you 🥃👍
We do like to keep a dram (or 6) at the ready for such important topics as motorcycles and falling down.
Phil this is one of the best channel's I've seen so far!
THANK YOU!!!
I was working on the side and got in business, did not plan on it eather
But 14 years later. Hi Phil. I’m a Phil to
"Font… or typeface…" I GOT THROUGH TO SOMEONE!
I'm glad you caught that...That's 100% your influence right there. If I've learned nothing else...
Great video!!
love this guy i'm inspired lets go
I love this. ❤️ I’m inspired
I liked that-keep it up!
Looking forward to more.
Love the drink, the 80's (I'm the age of your father) isn't that long ago and I have one of your "ran when last parked" T-shirts. One of these years I hope to visit your shop from California. Being an old Cafe-Racer wrench I'm presently I'm resto-modding a mid-80's Guzzi V65 SP. One of these days I hope to purchase a Vespa.
Love to meet ya!
Thanks, the V65sp is actually a really, really great bike.
Unkie Phil sold me a great XT350, Keep the great vids coming!
Do you still have that thing? I really liked that bike. Those XT's are loads of fun. I'm going to be doing some serious work on the BW350 this winter.
Great story! I'm looking forward to do the same.
I'm not a spiritual man, but if ever I needed to watch a UA-cam video, this was it.
Crazy how that works sometimes. HAHAHA Hope it helped!
More Phil! Excellent!!!
He is universally enjoyed! And a professional orator.
Love it Phil!
Living the dream amigo! Should I open a bar or a motorcycle shop? Both?
BOTH and INVITE US!
Phil that was awesome! Great story telling. Liza might have to up her game a little.
Liza (and all the Misfits) are a totally different game. I absolutely adore them and I don't want them to change. We have to be different, if we were more similar it would be too much!
Love your story
A riveting story from start to finish.
Thanks Ben! Glad to see ya here!
phil n cinch are amazing!
Well, Cinch and Fernando are amazing, I've got the easy part. Drink and Bullshit...best job ever.
Dude,I love these videos! I wait all week to watch them. Keep them up 👌🏻
Cool..
👍😎👍
This guy is such a good storyteller aha
Phil is amazing.
Just opened a custom motorcycle shop 2 months ago (after 10 years doing it beside a full time job)! And having a blast at it! Wonder where I wil be in 20 years... Inspirational story Phil! Greats Arthur, Moto Adonis Motorcycles, Holland.
Well done Arthur congrats!! Also feel free to ask Phil any questions you may have, throw us an email! Send pics!
As someone who grew up a lot like you, I can totally relate. I still own and operate my own shop, albeit an exclusive, appointment only kind of place where I'm not relegated to dealership rules and I can freely tell idiots to fuck off. I sold the motorcycle salvage business I started 16 years ago (that paid for my hobby) earlier this year but kept my shop. I "retired" for about a month, but that didn't work out so well for me mentally. I love getting up in the morning and going to work. I don't even care if I make money at it. That's entirely secondary. As long as it covers the bills, I'm happy. My first bike was a CT90 that my dad bought in the 70's, back when the gas wars were going on. He never rode it and it sat in the garage for years and I sat on it and made "vroom-vroom" noises until one day, my legs were finally long enough to reach the ground and I convinced Dad that he should let me ride it. That's where it all started for me and it's been a great ride ever since. Great story. Thank you.
Sounds like you need to come in and tell us some stories. If near Cleveland send us a message. Motostorieswithunkiephil@gmail.com
Great segment!
So, who were the art students who suggested you changed the name of the business?
There was a group from the Cleveland Institue of Art led by Chris Ramsay. It was many years ago and they were a blast to have around the shop. They even prototyped some marketing materials as part of the project.
That's scary that you have to sell more than one motorcycle ever other day... I don't think I could keep up that pace.
Tell me about it
This is good shit.
THANKS! More coming every Wednesday!
Thanks, click the bell to get notifications, we're going to be dropping episodes once a week.
😂❤ Cochino for Oscar type people.
I’d like to find his podcast on ITunes, anyone have a link? Not having much luck
You can find our podcast here: open.spotify.com/show/7e4KbB9Hp4RuSVyyY1JZB4?si=QP0vqeQOQZyu7dfQz1eJdA
don't make fun of his hat. Priceless, even to a Brit.
Thanks!!! 🤘
I think I bought multiple bikes from Unkie Phil
You certainly Did!!! How are you doing?
H & H in Greaslake?
You know it well. I also spent way too much time at Rick Case (Dick Face)
My ride was in my dad's orange sidecar that you sold him.
You will remember that bike and that ride for the rest of your life and I'm very honored to have been a part of that!
We are more alike than we are different. I find that disturbing on many levels.
It happens way more than I'd like to admit.
I'm thinking about moto part shop, is it worth it?
That's a good question, send that question as an email and I bet Phil will give you an at length answer in a new video! motostorieswithunkiephil@gmail.com
It's a bit deflating after you've sold 50 bikes to be told you need a license isn't it? Nice video
cb750 was a superbike in 1970
the world would never be the same again
You're not kidding. It changed everything. But, more than that, it was reliable, and sustainable. You didn't have to be a Lawyer to own it, or a mechanic to keep it on the road. It has earned it's legendary status.
Reminds me of the Henry Rollins of motorcycles
Phil has that quality!!
funny!!!
Ohio state troopers at that.
Fun guys... 🤣
Brother I think we were neighbors in a different life or something lol once I rode with my uncle when I was 3 that is all I have done every since 😅
That cool