Do you still do things the way you’ve always done them?

The workshop runs smoothly now most of the time, regardless of what comes our way. Pic by Ben Hodson, of Seraph Agency

What we’re trying to create here at Spoon is a more meaningful experience of buying, designing and owning a lovely bike. We are what you could call ‘specialists’ and each person we work with has a pretty in-depth knowledge of fitting, fabrication or finishing bikes. You wouldn’t expect anything less. 

Dan is the first generalist we’ve hired. To help us with Project Management. 

Dan came in just at the right time about three months ago. And his lack of specialist expertise in cycling - the very thing that stopped us hiring someone like him much sooner - has been his strength. 

He has challenged us, helping us to see how we can improve the way we do things. He’s allowed us to see how easy it can be to manage multiple customers and every detail of their complex builds easily, creating an infrastructure on which to manage them (for the first time), on which all of our customer contact, parts ordering and fulfilment now sits.

Practically, that means for the first time since we started the business, we’re out of hand written notes, sketches and the occasional Excel spreadsheets and into the modern world. We now know precisely where every project is at, when parts are due, and what tasks are outstanding. 

Words like ‘dashboard’, and ‘huddle’ are words I hoped I’d left behind when I swapped a herringbone shirt for a padded plaid one, but Dan’s helped us apply this stuff in an environment I probably (if I’m totally honest) thought was too ‘human’ to need or want it.

Spoon Customs frames made in Columbus steel, waiting for Gun Control Custom Paint. Every frame here belongs to a customer already, so needs careful management. Pic by Ben Hodson of Seraph Agency

He’s off soon, on to his next challenge applying his unique approach to what I can only describe as an incredible opportunity, leading a digital transformation team elsewhere.

As Dan now sadly moves on, it’s really exciting to now know those growing pains are behind us, or at least managed. We’re communicating better, amongst ourselves and with our amazing customers, and it feels good. Dan’s had a massive impact, leaving us optimistic, excited and organised to within an inch of our lives. 

Thanks to our lovely customers too. Your patience and support is as always amazing and appreciated, and we’re excited for you to see and feel the improvements we’ve made since Dan’s been with us.

If you’ve got a specialist business like ours, maybe even one that actively resists Corporate norms, I’d urge you to think about finding a generalist like Dan who can help you unlock more potential from what you do, challenge the way you do things and set you up with a proper system for managing work.

We’ve found that the tools and the methods to manage and improve our processes were hiding in plain sight (we just weren’t using them properly), and they definitely add, not take away. The work Dan has done rather than make us heavy or ‘corporate’ has actually given us time back, and in turn made us more human, not less so.

Thanks to Dan for all his hard work and ideas, and best of luck in the new job, Mate. 

- If you’re an existing customer and Dan hasn’t already been in touch this week, Dan will be in touch before he goes, and handing over to the team, so there’s no interruption to your project.

- If anyone knows a decent Project Manager who doesn’t know too much about building bikes, get in touch. We’re probably going to make Dan’s role a permanent one so if you’re interested, get in touch.

- We’re also looking for a part time or full time mechanic, and a paint preparation technician.

We’re about to launch our first crowd fund which will give you the opportunity to invest in the next stage of our custom bike adventure, and help us help people get more from their cycling experience. There’s a pop up form on our home page if you’d like to leave your details so you can find out more, and get access to the raise.

If you’d like to find out more about opportunities to work with us, or invest as part of our forthcoming crowdfund get in touch with us at info@spooncustoms.com

Spoon Customs workshop in Surrey, where every bike is designed and built. Pic by Ben Hodson, Seraph Agency.