August 29, 2012 - Two MMI Grads Gear up for Business

When MMI graduate Nathan Brower was six years old, his dad gave him a mini dirt bike and set up an obstacle course with paint cans in his home’s backyard. Thirty-one years and nearly 30 “bikes” later, Nathan’s love for motorcycles has grown into a lifelong passion — and a fulfilling career. He co-owns Southern Cycles in Florida, a full-service repair facility for American and Japanese motorcycles, ATVs and dirt bikes.

One of the top graduates in 2005 from MMI-Orlando, Nathan officially began his motorcycle career as a technician at RideNow Powersports and worked his way up as a service advisor and then service manager.

The former U.S. Marine began at MMI with the intent to start his own business after graduation. After learning about the industry, he decided to gain hands-on experience first.

“In retrospect, that was a good decision that humbled me — and MMI helped me come to that conclusion. Having your own business is difficult, and knowing every facet of the industry is essential,” recalls Nathan. “One of my favorite mentors at MMI was the Chief Honda Instructor, Ross Davis. He told me that anything that I wanted out of the motorcycle industry was there for the taking for me because I had the drive and motivation to make it happen.”

Revving Up Business

When Nathan decided he was ready to start his own business, he turned to Josh Welch, also an MMI graduate from the Phoenix campus, to serve as a partner in the venture.

“About four out of the five employees at RideNow Powersports were Motorcycle Mechanics Institute grads, and that’s where I met Josh,” says Nathan. The two opened Southern Cycles in July 2010.

Since then, the duo has prided themselves on reliable, honest and affordable work done right — and doing what’s best for the bike and the rider. Their business mantra has served them well, and they’ve continued to grow every month, with 20 percent yearly growth. Customers come as far as three hours away. One patron resides in Texas and has his motorcycle serviced at the shop when he vacations in the area.

The two proud MMI grads said they hope to grow the business in the coming years. Right now, they do all the work themselves, and have other help only when needed.

“MMI provided the foundation for our success,” says Nathan. “Before going to the school, we both loved motorcycles and had limited technical skills, but MMI harnessed our enthusiasm and translated it into motorcycle knowledge. If you have knowledge and drive, you can do anything.”

For more information about MMI, please visit: www.uti.edu/programs/motorcycle.