Luke Howard-Willis loved mountain biking, but when he realised that he and his friends were buying gear on-line from the United States, he called on his business brain - not his riding skills - to find a better way.
The result was Torpedo7, a Hamilton-based on-line store offering sporting goods direct to consumers within 24-hours of them placing their order.
Although mountain biking was the catalyst, Torpedo7 quickly branched out into all facets of cycling. Now the company stocks gear for mountain bikers, road cyclists, BMXers, motocross riders, snowboarders, skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
For Luke it’s been a hell of a ride. He founded the company in late 2004. Today Torpedo7 employs 70 people, has a small but growing operation in Melbourne and is on target to turn over $30 million in this financial year.
Torpedo7 imports goods from all over the world, promising customers fast delivery times, a good price and a 365 day right of return if they’re not satisfied with the quality.
There are few complaints. In fact, in June 2007 Luke launched another on-line store,
1-day.co.nz. The store offers three widely different products at massive discounts for just one day before changing the products and putting something else up for sale the next.
Has it gone well? According to Luke, 1-day.co.nz is now the second most visited site behind TradeMe in New Zealand. Early next year, he’ll be launching the same concept in Australia where he has recently established a warehousing operation to support Torpedo7.
Just eight years after graduating Luke now finds himself heading two companies, travelling to Australia on business at least once a month, and travelling regularly to Asia, the United States and Europe to secure products and assess market trends.
It’s a long way from mountain biking but at least now when he needs gear, Luke knows exactly where to go.
Having read about Luke recently in the paper his drive is inspiring, especially because it has come from a passion for mountain biking and not one to get rich. I shop at both his stores. A true mentor for my own…. endemicworld.com.
Elliot at 5:03 pm, Oct 21st 2008
Congrats Luke - inspiration for all us start-ups!
Feel free to drop into the Silicon Welly office next time your in Welly - it would be great to meet you.
James Stewart at 5:03 pm, Oct 21st 2008