Switchback Gear Exchange
Switchback Gear Exchange
We care about people! We have created an awesome work culture built around caring for each other and our community. You'll see it and you'll feel it, come be a part of it.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Company Information
Since 2010, we've been passionate about helping our community access the diverse outdoor recreation activities that Michigan has to offer. Our shop was born out of our deep desire to serve both the newcomer to outdoor recreation and the outdoor enthusiast. As we've grown, we've become a space for members of our community to nerd out about bikes and the outdoors, while enjoying a warm drink or a fresh brew. Today, we run our dream shop: tuning bikes, renting gear, and sipping coffee or beer!
At Switchback we believe bikes are for everyone. We're your friendly, neighborhood full-service bicycle shop, and we're here to help you love bikes. We buy and sell used bikes, build custom wheelsets, and are an official dealer of Norco Bicyles.
Since we wanted Switchback to be an inclusive hub for the community, adding a coffeeshop and cafe where neighbors could gather was a no brainer. We work hard to source locally for as many ingredients as we can, while offering up delicious coffee and tea. Beer options coming soon!
At Switchback we believe bikes are for everyone. We're your friendly, neighborhood full-service bicycle shop, and we're here to help you love bikes. We buy and sell used bikes, build custom wheelsets, and are an official dealer of Norco Bicyles.
Since we wanted Switchback to be an inclusive hub for the community, adding a coffeeshop and cafe where neighbors could gather was a no brainer. We work hard to source locally for as many ingredients as we can, while offering up delicious coffee and tea. Beer options coming soon!
Company Contact
How many internships are you providing to the program?:
2
Company History
We opened our doors in Marquette, MI selling used skis and tents on consignment to college kids. We eventually move the store to Grand Rapids and have continued to grow based on the community's needs. We have since added a full service bike shop, guided trips and trip planning, gear rentals, a coffee shop and will soon be serving beer. We are celebrating 10 years in business this year and couldn't be more excited to be serving the Creston Neighborhood.
Placements require a financial obligation of $1,600 for each youth under 18 years old, and $2,000 for each intern 18 or older. Please indicate if you are a nonprofit organization and need wage assistance.:
No
What transportation options for getting to and from work are available to you?:
By Public Transport (Bus, Wheels to Work, or Bike/ Walk)
Public Transportation Supports: Proximity to bus line and details of which line/stop. Wheels to Work program participation and cost.:
Bus line 11 is right outside our door. We are on Plainfield Ave and Cheshire Dr NE
Is your organization a Minority Business Enterprise?:
No
Diversity Equity, & Inclusion Commitment: Share your organizations commitment to DEI, including local or national diversity commitments/pledges, links to public content outlining your strategy, and current representation in leadership and the general workforce.:
Switchback is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
We acknowledge that the different life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and company’s achievement as well.
We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique.
Switchback’s diversity initiatives are applicable—but not limited—to our practices and policies on recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; social and recreational programs; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a work environment built on the premise of gender and diversity equity that encourages and enforces:
Respectful communication and cooperation between all employees.
Teamwork and employee participation, permitting the representation of all groups and employee perspectives.
Work/life balance through flexible work schedules to accommodate employees’ varying needs.
Employer and employee contributions to the communities we serve to promote a greater understanding and respect for the diversity.
All employees of Switchback have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. All employees are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work, at work functions on or off the work site, and at all other company-sponsored and participative events.
Any employee found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be subject to disciplinary action.
Employees who believe they have been subjected to any kind of discrimination that conflicts with the company’s diversity policy and initiatives should seek assistance from their direct manager or either of the owners.
Switchback leadership team consist of 1 female owner, 1 male owner, 1 female POC manager, and 1 male manager.
Here is the link to our values and goals as a business:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QMQSA0WuMFCxqzYjk_btASmtK5f4sb09J7-vXESX134/edit?usp=sharing
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