Press release from Fin Feather Fur
Ashland, Ohio – Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, a leading sporting goods retailer in Ohio that offers hunting, fishing, camping and other related outdoor recreation equipment, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Ashland Bike Company, a respected and growing Ashland retailer. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the Fin’s ongoing commitment to providing the best products and service in the communities that they are located.
The acquisition of Ashland Bike by the Fin will create synergies for the bike shop allowing them to have more access to customers, inventory and a huge support team. This partnership will also allow Fin Feather Fur to offer another popular outdoor sport with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team that brings a comprehensive cycling background.
“We are excited about the possibilities that this acquisition brings to the Fin and our valued employees and customers,” said Rees Vail, VP of Fin Feather Fur. “By combining our strengths and expertise, we are well-positioned to reach a new audience, educating them about the cycling world.”
“As a retailer since 1985, the Fin is able to reach out into the communities they serve and help other small businesses reach their full potential,” Rees stated.
Fin Feather Fur is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for Ashland Bike Company and its employees. Anthony and Michelle Bunt, previous owners, are excited to join the Fin family and look forward to having the added support that a larger, more experienced company can bring.
Anthony will stay on as the store manager and along with the other employees, customers of the Ashland Bike can expect uninterrupted service and support during the transition.
About: Fin Feather Fur Outfitters
Fin Feather Fur was established in 1985 by owner and president, Mike Goschinski. Mike and the entire Fin team have built Fin Feather Fur’s solid reputation by providing a high level of customer support and service, favorite brands and manufacturers of firearms, hunting accessories, fishing, knives, archery, apparel and footwear, camping and more.
In May, 2017, Goschinski created an ESOP that would allow all fulltime employees to become owners. For employees, the ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) represents an expansion of their current retirement program, which includes an optional 401(k) plan. Employees are rewarded with ESOP retirement benefits as a direct result of their own job performances. The employees of the Ashland Bike Company will gain an added retirement benefit as they will be added into the ESOP.
Today, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters employs over 300 workers and maintains six retail locations, an ecommerce store and a distribution center throughout Northern Ohio. The business, along with the new acquisition of Ashland Bike, will continue to be focused on outdoor sports and adventures.
About: Ashland Bike Company
Previously owned by Anthony and Michelle Bunt, they established the retail store in 2017. The store is a full-service bicycle sales and service shop carrying high quality road, mountain, hybrid, BMX, and e- bikes. Some of the bike manufacturers they carry are Trek, Cannondale, Reid, Batch, and Giant.
You can also find a great many accessories and cycling apparel, too. The folks at Ashland Bike bring many years of experience and knowledge about the cycling world. If you need any type of service or repair to your bike, trust the Ashland Bike folks to be there to help you out.
In addition to the retail end of the cycling business, the Bunts along with their employees have created several community groups that focus on building the cycling community through infrastructure, youth programs and equipment. They have also put together a yearly event called the “Dirty Water Route”. This is a self-supported 500km bike packing race from Ohio River to Lake Erie that is based in Ohio and features 315 miles of Ohio’s back roads.