We are incredibly proud of all of our LOOM Coworking members and love seeing their growth, personally and professionally. Learn more about R J Manoni.
Who is R J Manoni? Born and raised in the charming town of Waxhaw, North Carolina, I have always been deeply rooted in the warmth of Southern hospitality and community values. Growing up amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery of the Carolina landscape, I developed a strong sense of family and connection to my surroundings.
After completing my education, I found love in my hometown and married my soulmate. Together, we are blessed with two wonderful children who bring endless joy and laughter into our lives: an adventurous 10-year-old boy with an insatiable curiosity for the world around him, and a spirited 7-year-old girl with a heart as bright as the Carolina sun, and an attitude equally fiery.
Describe your company and who are your customers? My “day job” title reads Director Of E-commerce for Swiss Diamond cookware. However, the reason that I’m here at LOOM is I am the owner of Fort Mill Bike Repair. I’ll focus mostly on that. We are a full-service bicycle repair and maintenance facility here in Fort Mill. My goal is to make sure that everyone has a great experience on their bicycle. Whether they’re just learning how to ride a bike or race on the national stage, I have many customers in the area that rely on Fort Mill Bike Repair to keep them rolling on two wheels.
How did your skills and background get you to where you are today? When I was 14, my father bought me a car but the engine was entirely in boxes. He told me that I could have it for my 16th birthday if I could get it put together and running. He of course helped me, teaching me things along the way. On my 16th birthday, I was driving a fully restored 1971 240z, and it was way more car than any 16-year-old should have access to, but it taught me so much. Fast forward to the summer of 1999 I decided I was going to do my first Mountain bike race. I was at the race site and a friend was in need of some help with adjustments on his bike. I had never worked on a bike in my life at that point but was able to get him up and running for the race. From that day forward, I’ve been helping people enjoy cycling.
How did your company evolve? For years I’d been helping other racers take care of their racing bikes, and as the pandemic ripped across the country they started referring their friends and family to me to help them. Bike shops across the country were backed up for 8+ weeks and I was helping people and trading my work for cold beer. My wife urged me to charge US $ for my work and not just keep filling the already overflowing beer fridge in the garage. Fast forward to 2023 and the cycling industry was crumbling. It was tough to watch, but the closure of local shops had my small business growing faster and faster. Today Fort Mill Bike Repair is committed to keeping Fort Mill and surrounding residents having fun outdoors.
What initially brought you to LOOM and how have you benefited from coworking? This was a classic story: A man starts a business that the community needed during a pandemic. The community came out in droves. The HOA didn’t like that I had a good business and decided it wasn’t ok to have a business. From there I almost just closed up shop because it wasn’t the right time to rent a full storefront. LOOM to the rescue!
What is the best way to connect with you? Feel free to email at fortmillbikerepair@gmail.com, text (704-326-1344) or hit up the website and send a message from there: https://fortmillbikerepair.wordpress.com/