On Friday, March 18, AJ’s Bike Service held a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the opening of their bicycle repair shop, which is located at 1412 Portola Avenue in Livermore.

A.J. Wright is one of Livermore’s newest Next Generation business owners. A.J. opened his bike repair shop in one of the garage bays of the historic Flying A Gas Station located on Portola Avenue.

Formerly operating out of his home garage, A.J. started his business out of necessity during the pandemic when the economy was shut down and he was laid off from his job at a local bicycle shop. He spread the word on social media, taking appointments from customers and managing bike drop off and pick-ups, taking precautions to avoid direct contact with customers, and operating in a way that would impress any public health official.

Nevertheless, the constant flow of visitors to A.J.’s driveway caught the attention of neighbors who filed complaints with the City of Livermore. This resulted in A.J.’s case, first getting overwhelming support on social media, before eventually coming before the City Council and being resolved when the City amended its requirements for this type of home-based business.

In spite of this, A.J. realized that his booming business deserved its own commercial space. A.J.’s parents and grandparents were instrumental in helping prepare the new space at the Flying A. All were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony enjoying A.J.’s accomplishments.

While A.J.’s business is focused on covering expenses and producing a profit, he is also deeply involved in employing his skills to support the local community through numerous activities. A.J.’s Bike Service is the first recipient of the new LVCC Membership Pilot Program for emerging micro and small businesses funded by the City of Livermore.

For more information on A.J.’s Bike Service visit www.ajsbikeservice.org.

All photographs were provided by Ron Essex Photography.