Zummo Bike in Berwyn is a homegrown nonprofit that collects, fixes, rents, sells, and donates refurbished bikes to deserving Norristown kids every year, writes Caroline O’Halloran for SAVVY Main Line.

The unique operation also mentors and pays young teens to work on weekends as mechanics and salespeople.

In recognition of its benevolent business plan, Zummo Bike occupies its space rent-free.

Landlord Stacey Ballard of Eadeh Enterprises waives the monthly rent (estimated at $4,000 a month) to help owner-operator Steve Oliver continue making his pocket of the world a better place. Should a paying tenant come along and want the spot, Ballard will shuffle Oliver to another unused Eadeh property and allow the business to cycle on.

Zummo, a nonprofit, has a mission to motivate young learners in the area. To further this effort, Oliver:

• awards bikes and gear to local students for making positive life choices and showing effort and respect
• sponsors scholarships, particularly related to math skills
• teaches marketable skills (mechanics, customer service, sales) to enterprising youth

A commitment to environmental responsibility also glides through Oliver’s business plan. He promotes recycling by refurbishing discarded bikes.

“I’m a green guy,” he said. “We put lots of bikes on the road that would have gone to the landfill.”

Read more about Zummo Bike at SAVVY Main Line.