Founder@ Interview
With Ryan McFarland
“Identify your mission, and stick to it. Having a mission that clearly states what value to aim to bring to those who come in contact with your business is key to decision-making and, ultimately, progressing. You have to believe in your own mission, too, because when time get rough this might be only thing keeping you going. ” – Ryan McFarland
Today we feature Ryan McFarland, the founder at Strider Bikes. We hear their story in their own words, their successes, their challenges and their insights.
Let’s start by getting to know you. Can you please tell us a little bit about you and what you do?
I started Strider Bikes in 2007 and built it up to what is now the leading brand in kids’ balance bikes with 4 million bikes sold to date across 75 countries. Strider also supports All Kids Bike, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing equipment, professionals, and curriculums to over 1,000 schools across the USA so kids can learn how to bike during P.E. class. I’ve been a rider my whole life and this company is all about sharing this passion with the kids of today and tomorrow so they can experience the freedom that comes with learning how to run on two wheels.
A great introduction and start to this interview. Can you please tell us, how did you start, from what age, and what made you decide to change direction and start?
When I became a dad, I was stoked to show my two-year-old son, Bode, the ropes of riding and get him into adventure sports. The problem was, all the ride-on toys out there were too big, too heavy, and too complicated for the little guy. So, I took matters into my own hands and hacked a pedal bike—stripping off parts, tweaking the frame—until it was just right for Bode: light, functional, and sized perfectly. Bode clicked with his new ride. When other parents in the neighborhood started eyeing Bode’s setup, I figured I might be onto something and that’s how the Strider Bike came to be.
Thank you for that insight. So can you tell us…What does your business do and where is your company based?
We make balance bikes that are easy to use and light enough for children starting at 18 months old to be able to ride comfortably and enjoy in nature. Despite growing into an international business, Strider has remained rooted in Rapid City, SD, where it was founded and where we keep our headquarters to this day. One of my priorities with Strider was so improve our local community and, as a company, we have pushed to do so by offering employment opportunities, donating bikes to local charities, and finding ways to get as many children as possible access to a Strider Bike. Most recently, in 2011, I was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for Strider’s community efforts.
What’s the story behind your success? What led to your aha moment? how did you get to where you are now?
I owe Strider’s success to adhering to a concrete mission. Everything we do, from our products, to our hiring process, to our charity work, is inspired by the goal of changing the bike riding learning paradigm to be balance first and pedaling second. We know it allows children to begin skill-building earlier and life and positively impacts their development, so we strive to get as many children as possible access to a balance bike. When we’re doing well we have the liberty of expanding on our mission, and when we have trying periods the mission keeps the company on the right path.
Thank you for sharing that. What’s been your life’s biggest lesson so far?
Having a strong team that shares my passion has been important at every stage of evolving Strider Bikes into what it is today. My biggest lesson as the founder of this business has been to trust my instincts and hire a team that aligns with my mission because no amount of expertise is worth sacrificing the company’s reason for being.
That international business is not a piece of cake. I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to travel, learn about other cultures, and bring Strider Bikes to a global scale, but the process has unique challenges. Regulations vary by country and we’ve had to be meticulous about bringing the product abroad on a case-by-case basis, often relying on translators.
If you were to go back in time, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to embrace my interests and look ahead. I’ve been tinkering since I was very young and created my first prototype in High School– an all-terrain wheelchair able to climb stairs– but taking on the role of a businessman was a learning process of its own. I’ve remained true to my passions, but the self-assurance that I could rely on myself would’ve been nice to have earlier in life.
What do you know now that you wished you had known before?
That international business is not a piece of cake. I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to travel, learn about other cultures, and bring Strider Bikes to a global scale, but the process has unique challenges. Regulations vary by country and we’ve had to be meticulous about bringing the product abroad on a case-by-case basis, often relying on translators.
What has been your greatest or proudest achievement or moment?
All Kids Bike. While Strider Bikes caters to kids fortunate enough to have parents splurge on a bike, not every child gets that chance. That’s where All Kids Bike comes in—a nonprofit venture I kickstarted. We implant learn-to-ride programs into kindergarten and elementary school PE classes, ensuring every kid gets to learn with a balance bike. In a mere 6 years, what began as a concept has spread like wildfire, reaching all 50 states and over 1,000 schools. With a 10-year life span for each program, we’ve got a whopping 1 million kids lined up to embrace biking, and I’m aiming to double that number in the next two years. This is more than a project; it’s our movement.
What future life goals do you want to achieve and why?
My endgame is to revolutionize the way we approach learning to ride for kids. Kids learning how to ride riding two years earlier than they would on a tricycle or with training wheels, and relishing the outdoors with the freedom of biking before succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle, is my ideal. Each stride we make in educating parents about the benefits of balance bikes is a win. Granted, this shift might be a long-haul endeavor spanning decades.
To finish our inspire questions…”We believe that sharing inspiring words can inspire others.” If there was one positive thing you would say to someone to inspire and empower them what would it be and why?
Identify your mission, and stick to it. Having a mission that clearly states what value to aim to bring to those who come in contact with your business is key to decision-making and, ultimately, progressing. You have to believe in your own mission, too, because when time get rough this might be only thing keeping you going.
“Thank you it has been great learning more about your founder story and Strider Bikes”
To learn more about Strider Bikes Visit https://striderbikes.com/
Find on social media @ Instagram: @StriderBikes
Twitter: @StriderBikeDad
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mcfarland-678b3434
Have an inspiring founder story?
Every entrepreneur’s journey is unique and powerful.
Your story of perseverance and success could be the spark that ignites the next generation of world-changing ideas. By sharing your experiences, you’re not just telling a story – you’re lighting a path for others to follow, dream, and achieve.
Disclaimer:
The views, thoughts, information, and opinions expressed in the text, videos, images belong solely to those of the individuals involved, and do not necessarily represent those of Founderat.com and its corporate owners, employees, organization, committee, or other group or individuals.