My story of selling motorcycle parts, starting with a motorcycle accident.
I was living in Athens, Greece, when I was involved in a motorcycle accident that broke my thigh and my right hand. The accident not only left me injured, but it also made it impossible for me to work. I was determined to find a way to support myself, so I started selling used motorcycle parts in local newspapers.
At first, I was only selling the leftovers from the bike I had bought to fix my own motorcycle. But soon, my phone was ringing constantly with people from all over asking me to ship parts. I had to learn how to remove bolts and pack parts with my left hand, and I even had to visit the post office for the first time to ship my first order.
It took me a long time to recover from my injuries, but eventually I was able to get back on my bike. My bike was now in better condition than ever, and I had even made some money from selling parts. But I knew that I couldn't just rely on selling parts to make a living.
I started going to my Kawasaki dealer more often, and eventually I ended up working there in the parts department. I learned a lot about motorcycles and how to fix them, and I also got to meet other people who were passionate about motorcycles.
After a few years, I moved on to work for UFO plastic distributor. This was a great opportunity for me to use my skills and knowledge to help other people. I was now getting paid to do my hobby!
In 2001, four years after my accident, the insurance company finally paid me out. I used the money to buy a brand new KLX650 in a box. I immediately turned it into a supermoto, and I started wheeling it every day and night.
I went to bike nights, magazines interviews, and had my own booth at Moto Expo. These were the best times of my life. I had finally found a way to combine my love of motorcycles with my passion for business.
I'm still riding today, and I'm still involved in the motorcycle community. I'm grateful for the second chance I was given after my accident, and I'm determined to make the most of it.
After that, everything else is history. My home became a "shop" overnight. Friends and clients would visit me to upgrade their bikes to supermotos by adding 320mm brake discs, new exhausts, plastics, and other parts. I was so busy that I had to work long hours, even on weekends.
In 2004, I officially opened a real store called "Bill's Rebuilts". I was ecstatic! I had finally achieved my dream of owning my own motorcycle shop. I spent hundreds of hours rebuilding motorcycles and ATVs, and I loved every minute of it.
My shop quickly became a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. People came from all over to have their bikes worked on by me. I was known for my attention to detail and my commitment to quality.
I ran my shop for 5 years, and it was the most fulfilling experience of my life. I met so many amazing people and I learned so much about motorcycles. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have shared my passion with others.
Soon I moved to a new commercial location in downtown Athens. I wanted to expand my business and reach a wider audience, so I started selling online as well.
I focused on the most popular motorcycle brands, such as Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki. I also started importing new products from the USA, which gave me a competitive advantage.
My business continued to grow, and I soon became one of the leading motorcycle parts suppliers in Greece.
I was proud to be able to share my passion for motorcycles with others, and I was grateful for the opportunity to help people keep their bikes running smoothly.
.
In 2006, I received an email from my US supplier, Sudco, inviting me to visit his booth at the Indianapolis Motorcycle Dealer Expo. I was excited about the opportunity to see the latest motorcycle products and trends in the US, and I also saw it as a chance to learn more about the American motorcycle market.
The Expo was a great experience. I met a lot of interesting people and saw some amazing bikes. I also learned a lot about the US motorcycle market, and I started to think about the possibility of moving to America.
Moving to America was not easy. I had to learn a new language, and make new friends. But it was also an amazing experience. I got to live in a new country and experience a new culture. I also got to meet some amazing people who shared my passion for motorcycles.
I'm glad I decided to move to America. It was the best decision I ever made. I'm now living my dream of working in the motorcycle industry, and I'm surrounded by people who share my passion.
In 2009, I opened my company, Bills Exhausts, in Indianapolis, Indiana. I started by exporting American motorcycle parts back to Greece, where I was born and raised. I was passionate about motorcycles and I saw an opportunity to provide high-quality parts to my fellow Greeks at a competitive price.
The business was successful, and in 2016, I decided to "upgrade" my life by moving to Miami, Florida.
I also wanted to focus on the American marketplace. I knew that there was a demand for high-quality motorcycle parts, and I was confident that I could compete with the established players in the market.
In 2021, I opened a physical location in North Miami. This was a major milestone for the business, and it allowed me to better serve my customers and provide them with a more personal shopping experience.
Today, Bills Exhausts is a leading supplier of motorcycle parts in the United States. We offer a wide selection of products from top brands, and we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service.
My old bike is always next to me after all these years. I've upgraded it over the years with new parts and accessories, but it's still the same bike that I bought in 2001. It's a reminder of my journey and my passion for motorcycles.
I still ride the KLX650 on occasion, and it's always a joy to take it out for a spin. It's not the fastest or most powerful bike on the market, but it's the one that I'm most comfortable with. It's also the bike that I've shared so many memories with.
I'm grateful for my KLX650. It's more than just a motorcycle to me. It's a symbol of my passion, my determination, and my journey.
This is an eBay-centered version of my story when I was invited to eBay's 2021 Advocacy Week as a Florida-based eBay seller.
billsrebuilts ,billwanted ,bill greece, bill rebuild,