John Canepa
Name:
John Canepa
Nickname:
Canepa
Year you joined Team GT:
May ‘98
Favourite GT year & model:
‘97 Zaskar LE
Favourite Rider:
Mike King
Favourite year team kit:
‘97
If you had to ride a descent on a GT Quatrefoil (Tandem) with someone from your time at GT would you have with you & why?
Tough choice
Have you ever pulled a prank on someone or had one pulled on you while working at GT?
Not that I can remember, but we had nonstop fun. So many good times.
Can you tell us about your role at GT Bicycles in the 90’s and how you got started there?
I started in May ‘98. Was hired by Brian Gass, BMX Sports Marketing Manager. I was 19, living in Florida, and met Brian at the local BMX track. Expressed my interest in moving to California and working for GT. I was a fan of GT since childhood. It was a dream/goal to be involved with GT and the exciting times back then. He made it happen. I started working under him, handling set up at BMX races and local MTB races in Big Bear. Did a few events with Hans Rey as well, setting up his trials props for shows. Then transferred into the customer service department, better known as “The Cage”. Lots of cool work took place there. Installing water bottle bosses and decals on frames straight from production, shipping warranty frames and parts to customers worldwide, building photo shoot bikes and other marketing related projects. The welding department and thermoplastic room was next door, as well as the clothing department. So many things happening; saw and learned a lot.
What was the company culture like during that time period?
It was like family. Everyone enjoyed working there and representing the brand. So many talented individuals in one place. It was an impressive operation and made a lasting impression on me.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while working at GT Bicycles in the 90’s?
The company was purchased by Questor-Schwinn in 2000, and the end was near. Many people started leaving for new jobs and it was sad to see it come to an end. It was a tight knit group of friends and colleagues, and was tough for everyone. I ended up working for to a bike shop in downtown Huntington Beach until rejoining the brand again in 2005.
Can you share a particularly memorable experience you had while working at GT Bicycles?
Built some wheels for Gary’s son. Someone had recommended me based off my wheel building experience, and Gary called me up to his office. He said, “I need some wheels and heard you’re the guy”. I was a bit shocked he asked me, but also excited. I had them finished a few days later and he offered to pay me. I declined, but he insisted. It was cool to have been involved in a personal project for him.
How did the bicycle industry change during the 90’s, and how did GT Bicycles adapt to these changes?
In short, GT always kept up with the changes happening and competition with other companies. From MTB, BMX, and even beach cruisers (Dyno Kustom Kruisers), GT was always driven to be ahead of the game in coolness and innovation.
Can you describe the company’s marketing and advertising strategies during that time period?
Funny, edgy and not lame and totally race/speed focused like you see with Specialized, for example.
Can you describe the dynamics working for Gary and Richard?
Where to begin. Gary was always around and working on some wild project. Building DH bikes for Craig, cobbling weird contraptions together for himself, friends or customers. Gary is a great guy and a constant tinkerer. Richard was a little scary. He wanted everyone pulling for GT and had that competitive spirit in the building, at the races and everywhere I saw him. His passion and protection of that brand was massive. I have a story about Richard that might take some time to share but maybe I’ll work on that later.
How did you see the role of technology changing in the bicycle industry during the 90’s, and how did GT Bicycles respond to these changes?
GT was on the cutting edge. Steel, aluminum, titanium and thermoplastics. It didn’t all work, but we were always trying.
What do you think was the biggest accomplishment of GT Bicycles during the 90’s, and why was it significant?
Making mountain bike racing huge. GT brought the bikes, the riders, the sponsors and the party to every big mountain in the world. They lead the big growth in mountain bike racing in the 90’s, without question.
What made the biggest impact on you while at GT Bicycles which you rely on today.
All of the friends that I still have and the industry that has given me so many opportunities. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for GT Bicycles. Lotta very nice, very passionate people there still and the potential is huge.