Chapter 2
Chapter two
Gavin
BikeMax Toyota Team Meeting
Gavin walked in and set his tablet on the conference room table.
The main players for BikeMax were already settled around the table, waiting on what he had to say.
His favorite investor, Jack Wolfe from the giant real estate investment firm, leaned back in his chair, always the modicum of relaxed composure.
Beside him, Deanna Braithwaite, Vice President of Marketing for SixRev Gear, clasped her hands together over a leather portfolio on the table.
Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she wore minimal makeup.
She was a tough woman who rode motocross herself and had a daughter competing in the male-dominated sport.
She was serious about her business, about the sport, and thankfully, about BikeMax.
The third person on the team was Daryl Todd, the representative from Toyota.
BikeMax wasn’t a factory team, but they were trying to garner support.
Parts would come in handy. So far, they had put up very little in comparison to the other two sponsors, but once Gavin solidified the team, he hoped that would change.
For now, Wolfe and Braithwaite, the two main sponsors, had the most pull. Together, they owned BikeMax.
When he had their attention, he started. “Good morning. Thank you all for being here.”
The group echoed his greeting and quickly quieted, ready for what Gavin had to say. “I know last season didn’t go as planned. We made some mistakes—”
Jack shifted in his chair. “That’s an understatement. I still cannot believe you got us involved with Parker. We need a racer who’s squeaky clean. I’m not happy doing damage control, and I’m not happy with looking like a homophobic brand. I want to be the next Apex here.”
“I understand, Mr. Wolfe.”
“Call me, Jack, please.” He waved his hand in front of his face as if shooing a pesky fly. The gesture got under Gavin’s skin a little. He was no one’s pest. His frustration would never show in front of these guys, though.
“Yes. Jack, listen, I’m gay. I get it. Last season made me angry, too.
I’d set my priority to finding a good racer, regardless of sexual preference, race, or gender.
That’s what Apex is doing. I agree with you.
That needs to be our mantra, too. We can salvage this, and you’re right.
We need another racer. Someone young and hungry.
I’d also recommend finding a few who are starting out, new in their careers.
We should bring up someone to the 250s and find a top-level rider.
We need to build this team for the long term. ”
Braithwaite cleared her throat and slid her portfolio up a bit on the table but didn’t open it.
She kept her eyes focused on her hands. “We hired you on as the senior manager to deal with the marketing and keep everything running. To bring in other sponsors and make sure everyone is happy. But now I think it’s prudent that this board should vet out the racers you choose.
We cannot have any more bad publicity and no more spending crazy money on a nobody who’s not going to perform. ”
“I have no problem with that. I’ll put together a package on a few racers and get them to you as soon as possible.” Gavin didn’t like the chastising, but at least they weren’t talking about pulling the plug.
“I don’t think I have to tell you what BikeMax means to me. It’s important. This industry needs teams like this to shake things up,” Braithwaite added. “Let’s do this right, Peri.”
He couldn’t argue with that at all. “It means everything to me. I understand.” It did mean everything to him.
He’d brought Jack onto this, created the team and the board.
They’d hired him to run it, but he had originally been the one who brought them together.
BikeMax was his baby. He wouldn’t let it fail.
“Okay. Let’s talk about the rest of the team.
We need a new mechanic. I think we should make Andrew Hansen an offer.
He’ll work out fine with Fischer.” Joe Fischer was their head mechanic.
He’d been in the industry for nearly eight years.
“Hansen?” Wolfe asked. “Isn’t he the one at TopSport? Didn’t he follow Bryce to Apex?”
“No. He’s actually at MSR, but he’s underutilized at best, and with Tate planning on jumping ship, that’s not going to get much better for him. We can keep him busier, and it would be a step up in his career.”
Todd had been quiet until then. He stood up.
“I would suggest making him an offer to run the 250 team and let him bring a couple of others. He should hire his team, work with guys he knows. He needs at least two guys, maybe three. Then Joe could concentrate on the 450s. At least until we get another 250 racer. One of Hansen’s guys could move over to the second team whenever that happens. ”
Everyone around the table agreed. Gavin thrilled at their continued backing. “We need a budget for that.”
Todd waved his hand. “We’ll make it happen. Get some players on board.” After that, he offered up new 450 and 250 basic bikes if they could come up with two racers the team could agree on.
“This isn’t a factory team.” Gavin actually protested. He didn’t want Toyota taking over.
“I know. Don’t worry,” Todd said. “This is to get you started. That’s all. Miss Deanna is right about the importance of teams like this. Toyota knows this. But...we want winners, Peri.”
Gavin nodded.
After a little more discussion, Todd and Braithwaite left. Gavin had his instructions. He plopped down in his chair with a sigh, and Wolfe leaned in. “We need the right rider. Someone who’ll make us look good. Understand? No more bullshit, Gavin.”
“It’s still more important to focus on skill and not worry about sexuality or any other features, Jack.
We have to produce a winner, and we’re behind the gun.
We have minimal time to train. The season is starting.
The few guys I’ve been after for skill and reputation haven’t worked out. Skill...talent...dedication...”
“I’m still on board. I’m putting my faith in you, but do not disappoint me again.” Wolfe stood up and stretched out his hand for Gavin to shake.
After he left, Gavin put his head in his hands. It went well enough. The team still backed him, and Toyota promised more sponsorship than before. Now he needed to give them what they wanted.
Nothing like a little pressure to get things rolling.