My City March 2023

SHIFT FOUNDED: 2018 140 E. Second St., Flint 810.820.7062 | shiftflint.com

How did SHIFT get its start? In 2019, a small but mighty team of she-powered entrepreneurs felt the time was right to reintroduce the “Art of Retail” to Downtown Flint. The Capitol Theatre was renovat ed, the corner space at 2nd and Harrison Streets was available and … voila! SHIFT was born! What has contributed to your success? We credit our loyal SHIFT shoppers, social media presence and the growing strength of our brand both in our store and online. And, it’s the merchandise we bring to the community – locally sourced, globally responsible and distinctive items you truly cannot find anywhere else. We are rejuvenating in-store parties and events and thoughtfully curate a FUN shopping experience at reasonable prices. What are your plans for 2023 and beyond? We want to culti vate a greater sense of community and foster a place that is not only a des tination, but a place to gather. We will also continue featuring local artisans, providing a venue to create exposure and build their brands. What obstacles have you faced? Since SHIFT started, we have been overcoming obstacles! We were the first women’s boutique in Downtown Flint since The Vogue had closed nearly 40 years prior to our

grand opening. Downtown was not known for its retail opportunities, especially for women. Then, 18 months after we opened and were fi nally gaining community awareness, the pandemic shut us down. We ramped up our online presence,

but who needed new sneakers, cute dresses and dazzling earrings when everyone was eating popcorn, drinking wine and watching movies at home? Post-COVID, the work-from-home culture has minimized “feet on the street” and lunchtime/daytime shoppers who used to SHIFT in to find an outfit for the weekend, a hostess or birthday gift. Now, we rely on being a destination that people come Downtown to visit. What has surprised you most about business ownership? In many ways, it has changed both us and our amazing staff. Our small team has learned the business of retail, the importance of customer service and how to merchandise and advertise; but the friendships, life lessons, camaraderie and tutoring we have experienced with our young team is invaluable. We have all learned so much about life’s turmoils and finding happiness which may seem cliché, but it’s what we are most proud of – SHIFTing mindsets for the better! community to get up close to the officers and also see great motor cycle skills. Also, the Flint community has a long motorcycle history, from your average rider to local world champion racers like Jared Mees, Scotty Parker and Jay Springsteen. What has been your “most brilliant idea?” Many of our ideas came from Co-founder and Board President, the late Ed Hen derson. He thought of the police-escorted ride, adding live music, and even our event trophies – motorcycle figures mounted on actual bricks! Who would you like to thank for your success? The community! We get bikers from Greater Flint, throughout Michigan and the Midwest. We wouldn’t be here if people didn’t come join us for our event weekend. What are your plans for 2023 and beyond? We plan to continue hosting an annual, free family-friendly event in Flint. We’re adding stunt rider CrashTina and more bands in the beer tents. We love that the community supports our event and that we can be a supporter of the local economy.

Bikes on the Bricks FOUNDED: 2007 629 S. Saginaw Street, Flint bikesonthebricks.com

How did this event come to be? In the fall of 2007, an idea was developed for a motorcycle show to complement the Back to the Bricks® auto show held in August in Downtown Flint since 2004. The community-minded

individuals with this great idea were: Don Williamson (former Flint Mayor), Larry Ford (former President of Genesee County Chamber of Commerce), Gary Hagler (former Acting Flint Police Chief) and Ron Lonsway (Sales Executive at then Cummings Vehicle City Harley-Davidson, now Vehicle City Harley-Davidson). Lonsway contacted Kirk Bowles (Owner, Forest City Cycle Works), Ed Hen derson (Owner, Top End Cycle) and Jeff Wade (radio personality, WRSR 103.9) to see if they wanted to participate. They all agreed it was a great concept and opportunity for Flint, and the rest is history! What has contributed to its longevity? Very dedicated volunteers! Everything we do throughout the year is our Bikes on the Bricks committee and board members volunteering their time. And, the police skills competition – our star attraction and a chance for the

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