We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christopher Gerardino. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christopher below.
Christopher, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?
I started this company alongside my longtime friend Dominic Da Silva. As an electric bicycle manufacturer Ristretto focuses on design, performance, and technology. Dominic and I recognized the market demand for an eye-catching, high-power electric bike that doesn’t compromise on aesthetic appeal.
We immediately co-founded Ristretto in Denver back in 2019 and began prototyping our first model, the Ristretto 303FS Founders Edition. This unique retro-style, full suspension, fat tire, high-power mid-drive e-bike, we did not had much of a bicycle engineering background so we decided to team up with the talented team at DaVinci Designs.
After a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, where we quickly sold out our initial batch, we decided to relocate the company to Austin, Texas. In 2021, Ristretto officially began operations and successfully fulfilled all orders for the 303FS model.
As we grew, we realized the importance of establishing our own assembly line for greater control over production and product quality. Detroit, Michigan became the home of our assembly line, enabling us to refine our manufacturing process. Along the way, we built an experienced engineering team, and we took great care in recruiting team members who not only possessed the necessary skills but also aligned with our company culture and values.
When it comes to recruiting, we took a more personal approach. Instead of solely focusing on qualifications and talents, we prioritized chemistry and culture fit. During the hiring process, we would often go out for dinner or drinks to connect with candidates on a more human level. We were interested in understanding their passion and motivations for wanting to be a part of Ristretto.
In terms of the training process, it primarily involved familiarizing new team members with our CRM tools and emphasizing the importance of organization, precision, and prioritization. We emphasized the need to be efficient in order to achieve our goals and maximize productivity.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change much about our journey. Every experience has been valuable. However, I would definitely encourage taking a moment to appreciate life and the hard work we put into building these amazing products. It’s important to share the success with each member of the team. We are incredibly proud of our newest product, the Ristretto 512 First Edition, which has generated significant interest in the market.
Christopher, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I entered the mobility industry driven by my deep appreciation for holistic design and automotive culture. Recognizing the opportunities within the industry, I decided to carve a niche for myself in mobility, specifically focusing on bicycles. While bicycles have been around for over a century, there is always room for improvement as technology advances and new philosophies emerge.
Solving problems is at the core of what I do every day. It taps into the essence of human nature, the drive to survive and overcome challenges. I enjoy immersing myself in these problem-solving experiences, using data and insights to predict market trends and shape the future.
One of my proudest achievements is completing the first chapter of our journey with the Ristretto 303FS. This was a significant challenge, and I take great pride in being part of the 1% of bikes built in the United States. Establishing our own assembly line and ensuring the flawless construction of each product has been a major milestone. In addition, our vibrant community on our private Facebook group brings me immense joy. People eagerly look forward to weekends to ride their bikes, share photos, and exchange experiences. It’s rewarding to offer customers a way to break free from the monotonous work cycle and experience the freedom of movement.
Our brand embodies our unwavering attention to detail and the countless hours of hard work and effort that we pour into every aspect of production. I opened my first studio in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 2011, and since then, I’ve cultivated a keen eye for quality and aesthetics. Infusing my designs with my own style principles, I have transformed brands into profitable businesses. Team building has been crucial in this journey, as I’ve assembled high-functioning support teams comprising industry experts, problem solvers, attentive listeners, and customer-focused partners. By fostering a collaborative environment and valuing my team’s input, I have successfully propelled projects forward.
My philosophy has always revolved around holistic design and the customer experience. I believe in creating products and spaces that are inclusive and sustainable, reflecting my dedication to quality and the overall well-being of individuals and the environment.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I place great importance on maintaining strong connections with our clients and nurturing brand loyalty through a variety of methods. While I may not be familiar with every customer by name, I make it a priority to ensure that each interaction is personal and meaningful. Whether it’s through a phone call or an email, I take the time to reach out and engage with them, aiming to learn more about their experiences with Ristretto. I actively inquire about their favorite aspects of our brand and their bike, attentively listening to their feedback. Every inquiry, concern, or suggestion is carefully documented and followed up on. Our customers play an integral role in our product development process. By actively involving them and incorporating their input, we instill a sense of ownership and participation. Many customers have expressed their desire to be part of our journey again, eagerly signing up for our new product because they feel connected to the heritage of our brand since its inception.
Establishing trust and forging genuine connections is vital in cultivating brand loyalty. It extends beyond simply selling a product; it involves creating a community where customers feel valued, listened to, and appreciated. This approach has been instrumental in fostering enduring relationships and ensuring that our customers become loyal advocates for the Ristretto brand.
One of the key tools we utilize in this process is our Facebook group community. It serves as a crucial platform for keeping our customers constantly updated and engaged. We organize live calls and various other activities to actively connect with them and maintain a strong bond.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
We take immense pride in our in-house manufacturing capabilities, which have evolved as our brand has grown. Our focus on designing, engineering, and producing the majority of our components has become increasingly central to our operations. While we initially lacked extensive manufacturing experience, we were fortunate to have exceptionally talented individuals on our team. We firmly believe that with a strong work ethic, unwavering passion, and relentless dedication, remarkable achievements are possible.
During the production of our inaugural model, the Ristretto 303FS Founders Edition, we collaborated with the previous owner of Detroit Bikes. However, the factory underwent a change in ownership after a year. This transition necessitated assuming additional responsibilities, including assembly, frame painting, and packaging and shipping. Although this undertaking was significant, it provided us with invaluable insights and greater control over the quality of our products.
To ensure the utmost precision, I personally insisted on testing and riding every 303FS bike before it was dispatched. This rigorous quality assurance process was essential to ensure flawless performance. Additionally, we shared regular video updates from our factory, often accompanied by the memorable line, “We are live from Detroit,” which became a cherished aspect of our journey.
During this time, we temporarily relocated our team to Detroit, dedicating long hours from early mornings to late evenings at the factory. Despite the demanding nature of the work, we reflect upon that period with great pride and a sense of accomplishment.
One of the vital lessons we learned throughout our manufacturing endeavors is the significance of instilling a sense of equal importance among every member of our production floor. Recognizing the collective contributions and empowering each individual leads to overall success and the exceptional quality of our products.
Building on our experiences, we have expanded our manufacturing network by incorporating additional factories that offer improved capabilities, enhanced efficiency, and greater flexibility. Armed with the knowledge and lessons gleaned from our earlier manufacturing journeys, we have elevated our processes to a new level of speed and excellence, further propelling our brand forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ristrettoelectric.com/
- Instagram: @ristretto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ristrettoelectric
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chgerardino/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chgerardino
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ristrettoelectric3505