We had the good fortune of connecting with Phil Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phil, what is the most important factor behind your success?
One word: Relationships. My team, my family, and my network.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Greenville Bike Taxi is the pedicab taxi and tour company in downtown Greenville. We provide a fun, eco-friendly, and family-friendly alternative to transportation in the city. Everyone–young, old, tourist, local–can enjoy a pedicab ride.

I got the idea for the company after driving a pedicab in Charleston, SC for ten years and realizing the need for pedicabs in the bustling city of Greenville. Having grown up just down the road , in Taylors, SC, and still having family here, after some business brainstorming with Dad and Joy, I packed it all up after 16 years in Charleston and came back to get things rolling.

It was NOT easy. Leaving Charleston was the hardest part. Leaving Charleston to start a company from scratch in a city where pedicabs didn’t exist was absolutely the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Through diligence, coaching from my entrepreneurial family and friends, and LOTS of trial and error I submitted the proposal to the city, found a small fleet of pedicabs, and found a VERY unique and perfect garage to keep them downtown–all in three months. GBT gave its first ride May 5, 2023.

We started with 6 used pedicabs and 5 drivers. Today (May 6, 2023), we have 10 strong machines and 20 even stronger drivers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Starting at their Airbb near the Reedy River, we’d head over to Falls Park to take in the views. Then we’d head over to Unity Park for a little jog along the Swamp Rabbit Trail before enjoying some craft brews and pizza at Pangaea Brewing. After that we’d head back to the room to shower up before the Greenville Drive baseball game. Seafood dinner at Coral followed by a couple night caps at Velo would end night one.

Day 2 would start with coffee and breakfast at Swamp Rabbit Cafe followed by a 2 hour scenic cruise of the city. After some grinders at Sully’s we’d head over to Yee Haw brewing to watch the Hurricanes win game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Next would be some sushi and a game or two of Cornhole at Oku before catching Hootie & The Blowfish at The Well. After the show, we’d end up running into Darius Rucker at Connoly’s. The rest of that night gets a little fuzzy, but we manage to make it back to the room safely!

The rest of the week consists of more food, brews, outdoors, and music. The ENTIRE week’s logistics are of course centered around GBT Pedicabs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are too many people and groups that are massive contributors to the success of Greenville Bike Taxi (and my personal growth) to just recognize one, or even a just a few! The only way to give all the credit that is deserved is to associate it with one word…relationships.

Team: Perhaps the most important relationship is with my team. GBT Drivers are the face of the company, interacting with the public daily to showcase what GBT has to offer…a fun, family-friendly, eco-friendly alternative to transportation in the city of Greenville. They work as a team to get customers where they want to be safely and with a smile.

Family: My family, especially Joy and Dad, are the most supportive people on the planet. My relationship with them has given me a roof over my head, food on the table, business advice, and emotional support, all of which have allowed have been critical to my personal growth and the growth of GBT, which go hand-in-hand.

Network: Business relationships have been a vital element in GBT’s growth and success. Teaming up with the City of Greenville and other businesses like VisitGVL and John Nolan creates great synergy and warm support from Mayor White and other city officials help create strong outlook for our future.

Website: greenvillebiketaxi.com

Instagram: Greenville Bike Taxi

Facebook: Greenville Bike Taxi

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