Getting to know: Christopher Hamann
Christopher’s natural habitat is a corner of the bike shop office (the “shoffice”) surrounded by neatly-lettered post-it notes to himself and clippings from the New York Times Style section. From this corner, Chris manages new inventory, talks with distributors “in soothing tones,” and offers fashion advice. He works with our distributors to ensure that we make smart choices about how and where we buy parts for our program bikes. He also helps keep the shop floor organized and user-friendly. If you’re looking for something special, from hard-to-find components to flashy accessories, Chris can help.
Employee since: June, 2008
What brought you to the Community Cycling Center?
My love of bicycles and community was re-awakened while I was living in Gainesville, FL for college. When I decided to move to Portland, I knew I wanted a job that shared my values. I found the Community Cycling Center while searching online and knew we’d be a great fit. A year into living in Portland I finally convinced them to give me a job.
What is your job title? What do you do?
Officially, I am the New Inventory Coordinator. I like to tell people that I get to just sit around looking at and buying bike parts all day. Really, I order everything for our shop and programs, think up inventory re-organization schemes, jam out to Mariah Carey at the shoffice while going over invoices, and regularly give our mechanics a hard time, all in good fun. If I’m lucky I also get speak Spanish with customers. Sometimes I list shop updates on our Twitter page.
Why do you work here?
Because I couldn’t think of a better place to work or better people to work with. Everyone here truly believes in what we do and shows it through their work and enthusiasm. As corny as it may sound, I actually love my job and believe in the organization I work for. How many people can say that?
What is your favorite Community Cycling Center program?
I don’t like to pick favorites, but I do love seeing the after-school Bike Club kids come back around the shop. Some of them barely even knew how to ride a bike before Bike Club. Now they’re zipping around town and diagnosing their own bike problems!
What is your dream bike?
It changes every few weeks. Right now I want a jet-black lugged steel frame to build up as a 3-speed bike to ride around town. I want it to look really classy. I don’t care about having super fancy parts as long as it looks good.
What do you do when you’re not here?
I like to ride my bike. I also like to hang out with my cat friend, Witch Baby, cook new and delicious food, watch lots of films, listen to live music, and work on one of my multiple ridiculous bike “projects.”